We’ve recently been flooded with questions about the safety of common food storage products such as Rubbermaid, Tupperware and Ziploc. We found a very helpful cheat sheet put together by The Green Guide and thought we would share it with you. This list was published in 2006, so it’s more recent than some, but it obviously won’t be comprehensive:
How to Choose and Use Better Plastics
Check recycling codes on the bottoms of containers.
Single Use Only: #1 PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) containers are recyclable and safe for single use. But studies indicate that with repeated use, PET containers may release di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, an endocrine-disrupting compound and probable human carcinogen. Recently, some PET bottled-water containers were also found to leach the elemental metal antimony (an eye, skin and lung irritant at high doses), according to the January 2006 Journal of Environmental Monitoring. And in an animal study, rats that drank very low levels of antimony for most of their lives died sooner than rats that did not. Although the levels found fell within safe drinking-water standards, study author Bill Shotyk notes that concentrations in bottled water increase over time.#3 Vinyl or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment and can leach hormone-disrupting phthalate plasticizers.
#2 HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is durable and widely recyclable.
Avoid: #3 Vinyl or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment and can leach hormone-disrupting phthalate plasticizers.
#4 LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is used in some food wraps and sandwich bags.
#5 PP (polypropylene) is popular in reusable containers, though not frequently recycled.
Avoid: #6 PS (polystyrene), used in coffee cups and take-out containers, can leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen.
Avoid (mostly, see this article for details): #7 (miscellaneous), includes polycarbonate, a transparent plastic that contains hormone-disrupting bisphenol A, which may stray into contents when stressed by heat or age. Found in Nalgene Lexan and other sports bottles, baby bottles and food containers (see Handle with Care).
None of the following plastics have been shown to leach carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.
Corn-Based Cups and Cutlery:
- Nat-Ur Outdoor Picnic Set-10 cups, 10 forks, 10 spoons, 10 knives, fruit “biocontainer” and trash bag
- Greenware cold-drink cups
- Biodegradable cups, cutlery and straws
Food Friendly Favorites:
#2 HDPE:
- Carlisle 2-qt. StorPlus square, white food container
- HDPE half-gal., wide-mouth storage container
#4 LDPE and #5 PP:
- Rubbermaid Elegan Store and Show Minis and 36-cup round Durabowl
- Rubbermaid Serve’ n Saver
Wraps:
#4 LDPE:
- Ziploc sandwich bags
- Saran Cling Plus
- Glad Cling Wrap
#5 PP:
- Farberware 34-piece Family Pack or 51-piece combo set with lid organizer
- Tupperware Serving Center set
- Rubbermaid Durable Solutions small-sized snack containers
For Drinks:
#2 HDPE:
- Nalgene HDPE round, screw-cap, wide-mouth bottles
- HDPE 32-oz. wide-mouth water bottle
- Impact 5-gal. Stackrack jug with faucet
#5 PP:
- Farberware 32-piece beverage set
- Rubbermaid Sipp ‘N Sport Bottle ($3.49; www.amazon.com)
