Plastics SSC: Safer Plastics for Storing Foods

For the environment's sake, it's best to reuse water bottles and avoid plastic packaging, choosing glass, metal, paper or ceramics instead. But when plastics are the only choice, look for options with recycling codes #1 PETE, #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP (on the bottom of containers). Of these, #1 and #2 are most commonly recycled.

As they are generally not recyclable, avoid #3 PVC or V (poly vinyl chloride), #6 PS (polystyrene) and #7 (polycarbonate) plastics. PVC's manufacture and incineration release dioxins, which are carcinogens and hormone disruptors. In contact with foods, especially hot, fatty foods, PVC can also leach chemicals such as adipates and phthalates, which have been shown in mice to cause birth defects and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems. Polycarbonate plastic can release bisphenol A, a suspected hormone disruptor, into liquids and foods it touches.

Most 1, 1.5 and 2 liter, and some half-liter water bottles are made from #1 and #2 plastic. For other safe plastic bottles, cling wraps, food containers and glass baby bottles, see Plastics for Kitchen Use Product Report.