PLASTICS: ILLUMINATED

My friend Lisa Leary posted this on our community forum

and I thought it was such great info, I had to share it here as well!!!! THANK YOU LISA!!!

What can you reuse? What can you recycle? What should you avoid all together? Take a deep breath friends. I am here to simplify what can unfortunately be incredibly complicated. There are codes on the bottom of your plastic containers and it is my pleasure to illuminate what each and every one means to you and to the world. Green knowledge is green power!!!

You can download the below information here.

The number 1 with three arrows around it—PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate):

a) Safe to drink out of ONCE, so do not reuse
b) Recyclable

Example: water bottles

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The number 2 with three arrows around it-- HDPE (high-density polyethylene):

a) Safe but few are reusable, so best to avoid reusing all together
b) Recyclable

Example: Milk bottles

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The number 3 with three arrows around it—Vinyl or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

a) AVOID—emits carcinogenic chemicals
b) Not Recyclable

Example: Shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars

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The number 4 with arrows around it—LDPE (low-density polyethylene):

a) Safe
b) Recyclable BUT only at Whole Foods Market, Wal-Mart and plastic-bag recycling centers

Example: bread and frozen food bags, most plastic wraps

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The number 5 with three arrows around it-- PP (polypropylene):

a) Safe
b) Recyclable BUT only with certain curbside-recycling programs; please check with your local sanitation department

Example: ketchup bottles, yogurt tubs

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The number 6 with three arrows around it—PS (polystyrene):

a) AVOID-- can leach styrene which is a possible human carcinogen
b) Recyclable BUT only with certain curbside-recycling programs; please check with your local sanitation department

Example: Styrofoam containers, take-out food containers, plastic cutlery

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The number 7 with three arrows around it. Includes varieties:

1. PC (polycarbonate):

a) QUESTIONABLE-- Composed of hormone-disrupting bisphenol A
b) Not Recyclable

Example: most plastic baby bottles, “Nalgene” brand and sports water bottles

2. PLA (polylactide):

a) Safe
b) Not Recyclable but can be composted

Example: Plastics made from renewable sources like sugar cane, corn and potato starch