October 3, 2008
Tupperware, Plastic Water Bottles and Safer Alternatives
I have heard speculation about whether or not Tupperware is safe for food storage. I use Tupperware about three times a week so I really wanted to find out for myself if there are any real dangers to my health. This is what I dug up:
First of all, usually located at the bottom of any plastic container, you will find a number surrounded by arrows. This will indicate what it is made out of; the numbers range from 1 to 7. I have broken down the following numbers to show to what materials they coincide. The numbers also pertain to how the plastics are recycled.
1: PETE (polyethylene terepthalate). Soda and water bottles fall into this category.
2: HDPE (high-density polyethylene), includes Tupperware
3: V (poly (vinyl) chloride
4: LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
5: PP (polypropylene), includes Tupperware
6: PS (polystyrene), AKA Styrofoam
7: other
In my findings, the safest reusable plastic options are 2, 4 and 5. Number 1 is supposedly safe for a one-time use but after that water and soda bottles could leak carcinogenic agents into your body. Do not use a water or soda bottle more than once if it has a 1 on the bottom. My concern is that if over time a water bottle can leak chemicals into your body, why would you use it once?
Filed under Environment, Green, Health by Ashley



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