One useful thing I learned from Micaela Preston’s Practically Green is the Plastics Guide, which decodes the recycling numbers and makes them sense to me in my decision-making choices. #1 PET or PETE, #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE, and #5 PP are considered safest for food and drink; while #3 PVC, #6 PS, and #7 other are better avoided due to toxic chemical leaching. A note to the catchall #7 plastics: if it says BPA-free, it is OK to use.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastic, which is found in many water bottles, baby bottles, and in the linings of metal cans for soup, juice, and baby formula. Small amounts of BPA can leach out of the containers and into the food or drink inside. The problem is magnified when items are heated, which is commonly done in microwave ovens. Numerous studies have indicated that very low dose of BPA can lead to heart disease, diabetes, reproductive effects and even cancer. Look for BPA-free on the label when you buy plastic containers.
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