Picnic Perfect Plastics

Spring afternoons are perfect for family picnics. But preparation is key--from blocking insects and sun with hats, long sleeves and least-toxic repellents to toting food and water in reusable containers. Plastics are convenient and, though made from petrochemicals, less polluting if you don't toss them and if you choose those that are better for the environment and your health.

How to Choose and Use Better Plastics

Check recycling codes on the bottoms of containers.

Worst

#3 Vinyl or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment and can leach hormone-disrupting phthalate plasticizers.

#6 PS (polystyrene), used in coffee cups and take-out containers, can leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen.

Better

#1 PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) containers are recyclable and safe for single use. But studies indicate that with repeated use, PET containers may release di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, an endocrine-disrupting compound and probable human carcinogen. Recently, some PET bottled-water containers were also found to leach the elemental metal antimony (an eye, skin and lung irritant at high doses), according to the January 2006 Journal of Environmental Monitoring. And in an animal study, rats that drank very low levels of antimony for most of their lives died sooner than rats that did not. Although the levels found fell within safe drinking-water standards, study author Bill Shotyk notes that concentrations in bottled water increase over time.

#7 (miscellaneous), includes polycarbonate, a transparent plastic that contains hormone-disrupting bisphenol A, which may stray into contents when stressed by heat or age. Found in Nalgene Lexan and other sports bottles, baby bottles and food containers (see Handle with Care).

Best

None of the following plastics have been shown to leach carcinogens or endocrine disruptors.