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I mentioned in a previous video that not all plastics are necessarily bad. One of the best ways to make a quick judgment on consumer plastics is by finding that triangle code. It’s called a resin identification code or RIC.

 

Most people think of these as recycle codes. Actually, it has nothing to do with its recyclability, although some cities and counties use it for that. To the plastics industry it simply identifies the resin, or core ingredient of the plastic item that bears the image. In fact, to try and disassociate it from the recycling industry, a couple of years ago, the plastics people revised it to look less like the well-known recycle symbol.

 

It’s now a solid triangle with no chasing arrows, but with the abbreviated name of the resin below it:

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There are only 7 codes in use in the US. Other countries may have more, so you should get to know what the codes are in your country. Let’s take a look at each of these codes because they’ll really help you make healthy decisions about whether you want them in contact with your body, your food, your water, or the air you breathe in restricted spaces. Remember, my evaluation of them is within the contours of biology. When I say don’t use, I’m not saying that type of plastic

should never be used for anything. I’ll post a summary page of the codes in the video notes in my bio for you to refer to. I’ll also indicate recyclability of the various codes, but that only means it CAN be recycled, not that your local community is equipped and willing to recycle it.

1

PETE or PET

This is polyethylene terephthalate. Common uses are water and beverage bottles, heatable pre-

prepared food containers, hinged bakery containers, most of those clamshell supermarket

containers, clear cups, and food service lids. It’s even in clothing fibers and carpet. We avoid

phthalates. Full stop. But it’s recyclable, so maybe it can become something more useful in its

next life. So, no on #1. Shun one!

2

HDPE

High density polyethylene. Common uses are water bottles, toys, bottles for laundry detergent,

shampoo, household cleaning products, cereal box liners, grocery bags, milk jugs, and outdoor

piping systems. Less likely to leach because of a more dense polymer structure, but still leaches

chemicals a little. So, not so bad. Okay to use if you have to. And it’s recyclable. Two you can

do!

3

PVC

This is polyvinyl chloride. Common uses are shrink wraps, indoor plumbing, shower curtains,

juice bottles, and cooking oil. Synthetic leather products, blood bags (yikes) and medical tubing.

Phthalates are often added to PVC for pliability and can leach out. When its heated, it can off-

gas nasty hydrochloric acid, which is a lung and mucous membrane irritant. So, reject code #3.

And it’s one of only two codes that are generally NOT recyclable. Three not for me!

4

LDPE

Low density polyethylene. Most cling wraps you would use in the kitchen now use this rather

than PVC. Its better. It’s used for plastic bags, like dry cleaning bags, produce bags, bread bags.

Squeezable bottles, like mustard and mayo, some indoor plumbing, and most bubble wrap. This

one doesn’t handle heat well. It melts at about 120 degrees F. I would think THAT and it’s low

density explain why it can still leach chemicals but it’s better than most of the others. #2 HDPE

is better. #4 is the second code that is not recyclable. I’d give it just an “OK” status. Use when

you can’t find a better alternative. Four you can explore!

 

5

PP

Polypropylene. If you have to use a plastic, this is the one to use. It’s in all kinds of toy,

furniture, car parts, carpets, rugs, upholstery, computer parts, lab equipment. They even make

tableware and reusable kitchen containers. It’s lightweight, flexible, fairly strong, and heat

resistant to about 320 degrees. It doesn’t leach chemicals, unless phthalate is added. But it

generally isn’t. So #5 is a qualified go. I understand people need affordable steps and this is one

of those. I would still work towards only exposing your food and drink to inert surfaces like

glass, stainless steel, ceramic, and stoneware, but using plastic #5 can help you get there. When

shopping for this, you have to search for “polypropylene tableware” or “polypropylene

serveware” and look for the 5 code or the word polypropylene on the packaging or the product

itself. Code 5 is recyclable. In plastics, strive for five!

6

PS

This is polystyrene. You’ll recognize it as Styrofoam. Foam plates, cups, coolers, packing

material, egg cartons, disposable takeaway containers. From an estrogenic viewpoint it’s pretty

much a non-issue, but polystyrene can leach styrene, a known toxin, when warmed up. And it’s

usually used with hot foods because of its insulating ability. I’d stay away from this one.

Believe it or not, it’s recyclable. So… nix six.

7

OTHER

This is where everything goes that doesn’t fit under any other code. Things comprised largely of

BPA go here, so it’s a flat reject. Common uses include CD/DVD covers, water bottles, and,

sadly, baby milk bottles. Even if it says “BPA Free,” the substitutes are likely as bad or worse.

Recycle it into an outside doormat or something. With seven you won’t thrive, nothing after

five! I know. The rhymes are getting bad. Good thing we’re done with the codes.

Now, although it doesn’t fall under a code because it’s not a plastic resin, let me say something

about silicone. I guess I wasn’t very clear about this because people are asking, Yes or No on

silicone. Silicone is a great option and safe to warm, cool, and store food in. No chemical

leaching except possibly when you cook with it at temperatures above 300 degrees, so I just

don’t cook with it. But there are good, durable products out there. I recommend either FDA

 

Food Grade, or, if possible, see that it contains 100% what they call platinum silicone. There’s no platinum IN it—it’s cured with platinum as a catalyst and that form has no by-product impurities.

 

There are the plastic codes for your edification and protection. If the estrogenics of plastics don’t make you wary enough, remember between 4 and 12 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the world’s oceans every year, and 1-2 million tons of that come from rivers. Plastics are a litter nightmare. They take 500 – 1000 years to degrade. There’s nothing in them bacteria like, and that’s what usually degrades things in nature. Scientists call them semi-permanent substances. So recyclability is one thing, but degradability when it eventually IS thrown away is quite another. Just food for thought. Remember, consumer goods companies will make what you buy, in greater variety and numbers, so let’s buy smart!

 

PMID: 30343762 Recyclability of four types of plastics exposed to UV irradiation in a marine

environment

PMID: 34488348 Plastic Products Leach Chemicals That Induce In Vitro Toxicity under

Realistic Use Conditions

PMID: 21367689 Most plastic products release estrogenic chemicals: a potential health problem

that can be solved.