Smart Plastics Guide

Smart Plastics Guide-Healthier Food Uses Of Plastics
(For Parents & Children)



Plastics are used to store and package foods & beverages. For example, disposable & reusable containers, plastic wraps, cutlery, water bottles & baby bottles. Plastic is convenient, lightweight, unbreakable and relatively inexpensive. However, the widespread use of plastics has created both environmental and health risks.

                                                

                                                

Environmental Problems
Most plastics are made by a non-renewable and mostly imported resource called petroleum. Plastic packaging creates unnecessary waste. Sure plastic is light, its also bulky and takes up a large volume of landfill space.


Health Problems
Using plastics in cooking and food storage can carry health risks, especially when hormone-disrupting chemicals from some plastics leach to food and beverages. Manufacturing and incinerating plastics creates air & water pollution and exposes workers to toxic chemicals.





Identifying Plastic Labels

1 PETE- Polyethylene Terephthalate Ethylene
Used For: Soft drinks, juice, water, detergent, cleaner & peanut butter containers.

2 HDPE- High Density Polyethylene
Used For: opaque plastic milk and water jugs, bleach, detergent, shampoo bottles & some plastic bags.

3 PVC or V- Polyvinyl Chloride- Toxic Plastic
Used For: Cling wrap, some plastic squeeze bottles, cooking oil & peanut butter containers, detergent and window cleaner bottles.

4 LDPE- Low Density Polyethylene
Used For: Grocery store bags, most plastic wraps and some bottles.

5 PP- Polyprophylene
Used For: Rubber maid, deli soup, syrup, yogurt containers, straws and other clouded containers, including baby bottles.

6 PS- Polystyrene
Used For: Styrofoam food trays, egg cartons, disposable cups & bowls, carry out containers and opaque plastic cutlery.

7 OTHER- Usually Polycarbonate
Used For:  most plastic bottles, 5 gallon water bottles, other sport plastic bottles, metal food can liners, clear plastic sippy cups and some clear plastic cutlery. New bio-based plastics may also be labeled #7.



Health Concerns & Food Use Of Plastics

A variety of petroleum based chemicals go into the manufacture of plastics. Some can leach into food & beverages and possibly impact human health.  Leaching increases when plastic comes in contact with oily or fatty foods, during heating and from old or scratched plastics.

3 types of plastics shown to leach toxic chemicals are poly-carbonate, PVC and styrene. This does not imply that other plastics are entirely safe just that these plastics have been studies more.



#7-Bisphenol A (BPA)
This is the chemical that mimics the human hormone estrogen. It can leach from polycarbonate plastic. Human exposure is widespread.

 According to studies some of the adverse affects include:
> early onset of puberty, stimulation of mammary gland development in females.
> changes in hormones, including decreased testosterone.
> increased prostate size.
> decreased sperm production.
> altered immune function.
> behavioral effects such as hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning etc.



#3- DEHA
This is one of several plastic softners that people have daily exposure to through food, air, water, and consumer products. PVC cling contains DEHA that leaches into oily foods on contact with heat. DEHA exposure is linked to very negative effects of the liver, kidney, spleen, bone formation and body weight. It is also a possible human carcinogen, affecting the liver.

Fetuses and young children at greatest risk Young children’s immature immune systems, rapid development and different eating patterns make them more vulnerable to toxic exposures. Long term exposures to these chemicals or a few large exposures at a critical time in development could adversely impact children’s health.



#6- Styrene
This chemical leaches from polyestyrene plastic. It is very toxic to the brain and nervous system, of workers with long-term exposure and has also been found to adversely affect red blood cells, liver, kidneys and stomach in animal studies. Aside from exposure from food containers, children can be exposed to styrene by second hand smoke, off-gassing of building materials, auto exhaust fumes and drinking water.





Tips for safer, more sustainable food use of plastics

1. Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave. Since chemicals are released from plastic when heated, it’s safest not to microwave food and drinks in plastic containers. Instead use glass or ceramic containers free of metallic paint. If you do microwave in plastic, use only plastic labeled “microwave safe.” Note that “microwave safe” does not mean that there is no leaching of chemicals. Avoid using for fatty foods, as there is greater leaching of chemicals into fatty foods.

 2. Beware of cling wraps especially for microwave use. Instead use waxed paper or paper towel for covering foods. If you do use plastic, don’t let the plastic touch the food. For plastic-wrapped deli foods, slice off a thin layer where the food came in contact with the plastic and re-wrap in non-PVC plastic wrap or place in a container.

 3. Use alternatives to plastic packaging whenever possible. Use refillable containers at your local food cooperative. Bring you own take-home containers to restaurants. Bring reusable bags or cardboard boxes to the grocery store.

There are numerous ways we can change our daily behaviors and habits to help our planet be rid of toxic plastics. I for one do not want the use of plastics in my life and I have been able to fully convert my own home to be more "Green"  with Water!

Find out how you can have a greener home here!!!!