Recycle codes and their abbreviations:
Plastics that, according to some experts, have no known health hazards:
#1 Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE)
#2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
#4 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
#5 Polypropylene (PP)
Plastics that have been shown to have potential health hazards:
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC or vinyl)-used in cling wrap, plastic trays (used in cookie packages for example), candy wrappers, and some bottles, such as cooking oil bottles.
-adipates and phthalates are used to soften PVC. These chemicals can leach into foods, especially fatty foods, such as meats, cheeses, and alcoholic beverages. High temperatures also allow chemicals to leach.
#6 Polystyrene (PS)-uses include most foam containers and cups, foam "clamshell" take-out food containers, and some clear disposable take-out containers.
—-The World Health Organization considered styrene as a possible carcinogen. The chemical is also suspected of disrupting normal hormone functions and affecting reproduction.
#7 Polycarbonate (PC)-this plastic includes baby bottles, 5-gallon water bottles, some microwave ovenware, and the lining in canned foods.
—-Polycarbonate bottles are made with bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical that, when leached in sufficient quantities, has been shown to alter hormone function and chromosome alignment in mice and their reproductive cells. However, human health effects of this plastic have not been established.
What Can We Do as Consumers –Safe Habits to Follow:
1. Check those numbered recycling triangles when you buy plastic. Safest are numbers are 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Avoid numbers 3, 6 and 7.
2. Recycling plastics can help cut down on waste, too. If every American household recycled just 1 of 10 HDPE (#2) bottles used, it would keep 200 million pounds of plastics out of the landfills annually.
a. Recycled plastics are used for fleece clothing, luggage, garden hoses, egg cartons and many more products.
3. Do not microwave plastics not intended for such use. Many experts recommend avoidance of any plastic in the microwave, even if it's labeled microwave-safe. Heat further leaches chemicals from plastics.
4. Try stainless-steel water bottles (available at some natural products stores or www.greenfeet.com) instead of Lexan (Nalgene) bottles made from PC. If you reuse single-use bottled water containers avoid washing them in the dishwasher and let them dry thoroughly to remove any lingering bacteria. Pouches for personal hydration systems (such as camelback) are made from PET, which is considered safe.
5. Do not keep store-bought cheese, meats, or fish in the original cling wrap, which is likely to be PVC. At home, transfer to polyethelene cling wrap like Glad wrap, Ziplock bags, waxed paper, or glass containers.
6. Many local grocers will no longer be offering a plastic bag for your groceries. I think this is a great idea and will have a huge impact. Consumers can purchase canvas bags at a nominal fee, which is the best option.
7. Consider buying PC-free baby bottles made from glass or polyethylene, or disposable nursers with PC-free throwaway liners. If you must use PC bottles, do not use them to store breast milk or formula and do not overheat bottles filled with breast milk or formula. Look for toys and teethers that are "PVC-free".
8. Avoid putting hot foods in plastic containers (including Styrofoam). Heat further leaches chemicals from plastics. Better yet, use glass containers.
9. Reduce your plastic consumption by purchasing bulk foods, using your own reusable containers or bags, buying waxed-paper for sandwiches and snacks, and use your own cloth or canvas bag at the grocers.
10. Bring your own plates, containers, or metal cutlery to fast-food and take-out restaurants.
11. Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned products (because of the polycarbonate lining in the cans).
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น