Safest Reusable Plastics for Holding Food and Water

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Plastics to Avoid
*Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (#3) releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment when manufactured or incinerated and can leach phthalates.
*Polystyrene (PS) (#6) can leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen.

Here are the safest new containers The Green Guide has found:
#2 HDPE
*Carlisle Store 'N Pour Complete 1-gal., $4.48
*FMP Quart Bottle with lid and spout, $7.30
*Impact Stackrack Jug 5-gal., $10.40
The preceding three brands are available at www.instawares.com.
*Nalgene water bottles Wide Mouth Round 32-oz., $5.33; Wide Mouth Round 1-gal., $15.43 Nalgene uses different plastics for different varieties of water bottles (www.nalgene-outdoor.com).
*Tupperware FreezeSmart ice cream container, $7.37 (www.amazon.com)

#5 PP
*Carlisle 4-qt. Square, $3.64
*C&K Manufacturing Flash Chill 2-liter canister, $10.58
The preceding two brands are available at www.instawares.com.
*Gladware Small Bowl 4-pack, $3.99 (www.amazon.com)
*Rubbermaid 22-piece food-storage set, $9.99; 2-qt. Pour N Saver Canister, $8.49 (www.target.com, www.acehardware.com)
*The Container Store Tellfresh 1/2-cup Snack Box, $4.99; 17-oz. Screw-Top, $2.29; and Oblong, $1.79 (8.5 oz.) to $4.49 (1.8 qt.) (www.thecontainerstore.com)
*Tupperware Modular Mate oval 5-piece, $9.33; One Touch Sandwich Keeper, $3.67; One Touch 26-oz. Gem Seal 4-piece, $12.99 (www.amazon.com)

Note on Use: All plastics can leach chemicals under certain conditions. As a rule of thumb, do not subject even the most durable plastic containers to high temperatures (microwave or dishwasher; radiators; hot food or drink; direct sun on hot days). "Microwave-safe" and "microwavable" mean a container probably won't melt in the microwave, but there's no promise that it won't leach chemicals into your food. Do not use ANY plastic containers that appear old, stained or worn, since bacteria can hide in scratches or scummy films. Opt for metal, tempered glass or oven-proof ceramic when possible, like the light, stainless-steel Klean Kanteen ($13.99, www.kleankanteen.com).

For More Info: See The Green Guide's Baby Bottle and Plastic Containers Product Reports

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