Plastic, Plastic, Plastic—What Are We to Do With You?
Filed Under Health and Wellness |
With Mother’s Day approaching fast, I went in search of the perfect present. During the course of my shopping, while I was in a kitchenware store, I was offered a free cappuccino sample. Being a coffee drinker, I welcomed the offer, only to find my hot beverage being served in a plastic cup!
Plastic and heat do not mix. I would never microwave food in plastic containers. Microwaving with plastics can leach chemicals into your food, including harmful carcinogens that could lead to cancer. Also, do not store water in plastic bottles in places like your car, which can become very hot.
To date, there is very little research available on how safe and for how long food can be stored in plastics in either the fridge or freezer. Plastics labeled with a number 1 are safe to use once only. So when reusing plastic containers, look for the numbers 2, 4, or 5, especially when storing food in the fridge or freezer. Plastic containers labeled 3, 6, or 7 are unsafe across the board.
What about when drinking water on the go?
Not to worry, there are safe options out there when it comes to water bottles. Visit kleankanteen.com or mysigg.com to purchase stainless steel bottles, which are safe to drink from. Or punch the words “glass bottles” into a search engine and a plethora of information will pop up about styles, designs, and prices. Glass bottles from juice and mineral water holders can be reused, which are also a safe option.
The bottom line: when storing food, try to use glass whenever and wherever possible. When drinking water on the go, try to use a stainless steel or glass bottle because this is better for you AND the environment.
References
Canadian Cancer Society (2007). Microwaves and Plastic Containers. Retrieved on May 5, 2008 from http://cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,3182,3278_369485__langId-en,00.html
Today Show (2008). Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe? Retrieved on April 11, 2008 from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/24023514#24023514
Erin
