Plastic Bottle Safety

Plastic is a man-made product that has been under scrutiny for many years. People question its use as food and beverage packaging, whether its truly recyclable and the health risks it may or may not promote.

As an item that is a part of our everyday life, it is important to make sure you are knowledgeable and careful when it comes to plastics. There are many different types, some good and some bad for human use, but if not recycled, all plastics are not safe for the Earth.

Features

• Plastic is a sanitary, resourceful product; it is shatter-proof, lightweight, flexible, safe and convenient for human-use. It provides a good barrier between your product and contamination, while also forming into any shape, size or color necessary.

  The different plastics have been tested numerous times by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure the safety of food and beverage packaging and storage. Most meet the necessary requirements; however, several plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into products if not properly used--these should not be heated, as some are not safe for food use and some cannot be recycled.

Identification

• Plastics are identifiable by the numerical recycling triangle located on the bottom of the container. Labeled "1" through "7," it is important to know the differences between them. These four types of plastic--PET, HDPE, LDPE and PP--are considered "good" plastics. They are safe for human use, can be recycled for future use and can be found in our everyday lives.

  Polyethylene Terephthalate (or PET, labeled "1") is used in bottling waters and sodas, salad dressings, milk, etc. Usually found in the kitchen, PET is a very durable plastic, while still remaining lightweight and pliable. Plastic "2" is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is a harder, thicker plastic that is mostly heat-resistant. It is often used to package shampoos, lip balms, detergents and thicker food packaging (butters, yogurt, milk jugs). PET and HDPE are the most commonly used and most easily recycled plastics.

  Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE, "4"), which is a flexible plastic that is often used for product dispensing (squeeze bottles, eye droppers, food service bottles) and to make plastic bags (grocery, bread, produce, dry-cleaning, etc.). LDPE is very easily recycled. Polypropylene (PP, "5") fills many different odd-shaped plastic forms like straws, bottle caps, medicine bottles, take-out containers, etc. It is a dense plastic but is safe for humans and can be recycled into hard-plastic items like ice scrapers and brooms.

Types

• Recent studies have shown that the remaining three plastics should not be used when it comes to foods and beverages because of the chemicals and hardening additives based in the products.

  Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, "3") is typically a clear, chemical-resistant plastic that has faced the most recent scrutiny. Although it was once used for syrups, oils and baby toys, PVC is now most used as piping, shower curtains and flooring. It is thought to release phthalates when heated, which are not good for human consumption or inhalation.

  Polystyrene (PS, "6") is suspected to release an unhealthy additive and carcinogen, styrene. Commonly used for packing peanuts, egg cartons, plastic silverware, meat trays and plastic cups, PS continues to be available for use and recycling. To prevent contamination or toxicity, avoid heating these plastics.

  The last recycling code, "7," refers to all other plastics. This covers most plastic food containers, sports bottles, baby bottles, large water jugs, etc. Usually these plastics contain polycarbonate, which might release bisphenol "A" into foods and beverage if not properly stored.

Warning

• A big concern when it comes to plastic bottle safety is that they harbor bad bacteria and spread germs and disease. Plastic alone is a sanitary material, but it can be contaminated once used. Drinking containers harbor bacteria because of the excess moisture and human germ contact, but it is OK to clean and re-use plastic water bottles (make sure to use warm water and let the container fully dry before refilled). Never use a bottle that has been sitting in a warm, moist environment (in a car, on a windowsill, etc.) for long because this promotes bacterial growth.

Potential

• Plastic is very common in everyday use and has replaced many other materials like glass, wood, metal, paper, clay, etc. The product will continue to fill this packaging purpose for many years to come, but people need to be responsible with their plastics; the material degrades very slowly and must be recycled to prevent further pollution of the world. Be aware of which types of plastics can be recycled curbside and always use this service to help prevent the dumping of bottles and containers into landfills. Research where you can recycle less common plastics.

  Amazingly, recycled plastics are now commonly used in everyday life and can be further recycled into clothing (fleece, leather), shoes, carpeting, bike racks, more plastic products, etc. The future of plastic might be even more diverse and bright as we continue to learn more about this versatile material.