Plastic Tips

Heat your food in glass or ceramic instead of plastic

When exposed to high heat, chemical additives leach from the plastic into your food.

SAFER Plastics: Look for #1, #2, #4 and #5

These numbers will often appear on the bottom of products in a triangle.

Plastics to AVOID:

  • #3 Plastic: Also called pvc or vinyl. This plastic has polluted many U.S. communities and contains toxic additives such as lead, cadmium and phthalates. Choose safer plastics and look for items labeled PVC -Free.

  • #6 Plastic/polystyrene: Polystyrene plastic (Styrofoam) contains styrene, a cancer causing chemical. Choose reusable cups, dishes or paper plates and cups rather than styrofoam.

  • #7 PC Plastic/polycarbonate:  This plastic contains Bisphenol A (BPA) a hormone disrupting chemical that can contribute to early onset puberty, childhood obesity, diabetes and other health problems. Choose stainless steel, glass or safer plastics.