Recycling Centre

The Immense Benefits of Recycling

Our food and water is packaged and shipped and consumed from plastic containers and many studies have shown that the chemicals from these containers may leach into the food or liquids they hold, eventually entering and being absorbed by the human body. Here is a breakdown of the latest information on plastics as a safety concern.First of all, the plastic bottles and containers that are used for packaging food should all be labled with a recycle code. Healthy Staff Are Happy Staff. The following plastics have no known hazards:Code 1: Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET / PETECode 2: High Density Polyethylene, or HDPECode 4: Low Density Polyethylene, or LDPECode 5: Polypropylene, or PPThe following plastics do have known potential health hazards:Code 3: Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC / Vinyl. The plastics industry is adamant that the type of PVC currently used in cling wraps does not contain the phthalates that are known endocrine disrupters. PC is largely used for water bottles of the type used for delivery services (multi-galon containers) that fit on the “water cooler” at home or office. With baby bottles, this is a real concern, as many people boil the bottles with formula or milk inside them. PC is also used in food cans with a plastic lining. Whenever possible, it is recommended that these plastics not be exposed to high temperatures. The plastics industry insists that they are completely stable under most conditions but some studies suggest that leaching still occurs.Suggested alternatives include using glass bottles when possible and avoiding plastic toys when there are other alternatives, especially with regard to teething.