Plastic

Have you ever heard of BPA? I had heard of it before and heard that it was bad for you, but wasn't exactly sure why. I did some research on BPA and plastic and this is what I found. First of all, "Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical building block that is used primarily to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins." Different studies have shown that BPA has been linked to obesity, breast cancer, thyroid problems, neurological problems, reproductive problems, etc. Be careful when using plastic. Make sure to check the bottle recycle label. It will be numbered from 1-7. Here’s your list to what the numbers mean. This way you can know if they are safe:

Plastic #1: Most soda & water bottles are made of #1. It is considered generally safe, but does have a surface that allows bacteria to grow. It's best not to reuse.

*This is picked up by most recycling programs.

Plastic #2: Most milk jugs, detergent bottles, juice bottles, and toiletries bottles are made of #2. This plastic is considered safe.

*This is also picked up by most recycling programs.

Plastic #3: This is used to make food wrap, bottles for cooking oil, and plumbing pipes. #3 is not considered safe to cook food near it. NEVER cook using food wrap in a microwave even if the wrap says microwave safe!

Plastic #4: This is used to make grocery bags, bottles, and bread bags. This plastic is considered safe.

Plastic #5: Wide-necked containers, straws, ketchup, and syrup bottles are often made from it. This plastic is also considered safe.

*Some recycling programs accept this now.

Plastic #6: This is basically styrofoam. Some evidence says that this plastic gives of potentially toxic chemicals. This happens especially when heated! Avoid styrofoam whenever possible!

Plastic #7: This plastic number is a mix. Polycarbonate are in thiscategory, including BPA. Avoid number 7 whenever possible.

I try to avoid plastic whenever possible and just stick to glass.