The information below was found on the National Geographic website,
The Green Guide. It has some great information on plastics; recycling, buying, and harmful effects. Check it out!
Tips and Alternatives
Here are a few suggestions you can follow to reduce plastics and toxic exposure
in your home:
• Avoid single-use, disposable packaging
• Buy food in glass or metal containers
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers
• Avoid storing fatty foods, such as meat and cheese, in plastic containers
or plastic wrap
• Bring your own containers to salad bars, yogurt shops, etc.--anywhere
you'll be served in plastic
• Avoid plastic cutlery and dinnerware, especially when cooking or heating
food; use stainless steel or wooden utensils and look for recycled paper products.
• Use wood instead of plastic cutting boards and spray your wooden board
with a mist of vinegar, then with a mix of hydrogen peroxide, to kill bacteria
• When purchasing cling-wrapped food from the supermarket or deli, slice
off a thin layer where the food came into contact with the plastic and store
the rest in a glass or ceramic container, or non-PVC cling wrap (see Shopping
Suggestions)
• You can also write a letter to manufacturers of food and drink packaged
in plastics, indicating your concern about plastics--especially if their packaging
is #3, #6 or #7. Tell them you are actively seeking products packaged in safe,
reusable glass, metal and recycled paper. Ask manufacturers for a mailing address
by calling their toll-free question/comment line, usually listed on the back
of the product; alternatively, you can find their mailing address on their website.
