Safest Reusable Plastics for Holding Food and Water

In a perfect world, the ideal plastic container would be non-petroleum-based, non-leaching, reusable and recyclable or biodegradable. We'll be keeping our eyes on the new biodegradable polyactide (PLA) plastic food containers and wraps made from corn, now available commercially and for single-use only. Meanwhile, here's an update on reusable and recyclable plastic products that, when used correctly (see "Note" below), won't leach unhealthy chemicals into our water and food.

As a general rule, you can identify plastics by the recycling code number stamped on the bottom of an item.

Safest Plastics for You and the Environment
*Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) (#1) containers are recyclable and generally considered the safest single-use plastic-bottle choice. But they are best not reused because studies indicate that after repeated use, PET containers may leach DEHP, an endocrine-disrupting phthalate and probable human carcinogen.
*High-density polyethylene (HDPE) (#2) is both durable and accepted by most curbside recycling programs. Alas, few reusable #2 containers are available.
*Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (#4), like its cousin HDPE, is a food-safe plastic, mostly used to make food wraps and plastic bags.
*Polypropylene (PP) (#5), though less recyclable, has not been shown to leach any carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Readily available in reusable containers.

Plastics to Use with Caution
*Polycarbonate (#7) plastics, used in the popular Nalgene Lexan sports bottles and some baby bottles, contain bisphenol-A, a known hormone disruptor that may leach in some circumstances. More research is needed before any potential health risk is known. In the meantime, do not expose bottles to heat or use when visibly worn.