This article was originally published on Nolisoli.ph

Sustainability means making the most of what you have. For MSMEs that focus on food, plastic can be a necessary evil. It’s always better to use what you have instead of throwing whatever plastic container away but even plastic has a shelf life. 

Leah Segedie, author of “Green Enough: Eat Better, Live Cleaner, Be Happier—All Without Driving Your Family Crazy,” has come up with a simple guide on choosing the right material to store your food in. This includes the types of plastic you should avoid and what to replace them with.

Look for the code

Most items have recycling codes at the bottom, so flip it before you use it. These codes, globally known as the Resin Identification Code, are usually identifiable by a number enclosed within a recycling symbol. See the following codes that you should look out for:

1 - PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)

Bottled water and other beverages come in this plastic. As with any plastic, heat is a major problem that could effectively let those chemicals leach into your water. It’s designed for single use, which means you should recycle it rather than reuse it.

2 - HDPE (high-density polyethylene)

This has a lower risk of leaching compared to PET, but it’s still best to avoid reusing it.

3 - V or PVC (vinyl)

This is used to make detergent bottles and food wraps. It may contain phthalates, a type of carcinogen that could pose a number of health issues.

4 - LDPE (low-density polyethylene)

LDPE is used in squeeze bottles, frozen food and bread bags, and some food wraps. Though considered safer, they have endocrine-disrupting chemicals that might be alarming. If exposed to high concentrations,  there may be an increased likelihood in developing endocrine-related diseases.

5 - PP (polypropylene)

This is used to make ketchup bottles, yogurt containers, and is more accepted by recycling centers. It’s safe to use as long as it’s in good condition and is not exposed to heat.

6 - PS (polystyrene)

More popularly known as styrofoam, this is another popular type of plastic because it’s easy to produce and relatively inexpensive. It’s usually seen in the form of beverage cups, disposable food containers or dinnerware, and packing fillers and materials. Polystyrene is highly flammable and can leach chemicals when heated.

Polystyrene is not recyclable and non-biodegradable, and is one of the more notorious types for the environment as it can easily be blown by the wind and can float on water. It’s dangerous for animals, too, as they can mistakenly ingest this.

7 - Other

Plastics that do not fall under any of the six above categories are given this code. One of the most common products classified under the Other category are polycarbonates (PC), which are strong, tough material often used in lenses for eyewear and goggles, mobile phones, and compact discs (CDs). 

Studies also note that most plastics of this category release a chemical that at high temperatures, could leach and would be hazardous to the environment: bisphenol A or BPA.

While recycling centers may accept most of these plastic types, as a general rule, types 1-3 are considered reusable, while types 4-7 have little to no value for reuse or recycling.

Watch out for scratches

Having a keen eye for detail is key. Thoroughly inspect your plastic containers for nicks, scratches, or any signs of wear. These indicate that the material is degrading, and the chemicals used are more likely to end up in your food. So when your plastic tubs start showing signs of wear, better toss it in the recycling bin.

Don’t microwave plastics

Even if it says microwave-safe at the bottom, it’s better not to microwave your plastics. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, avoid plastics with recycling code 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrenes), and 7 (BPA) unless they’re marked “biobased” or “greenware.”

When using the microwave to heat up food, it’s better to use non-reactive vessels like microwave-safe ceramic or glass cookware. 

Buy reusable glass or unlined stainless steel containers 

This is your safest bet, especially if you’re also dealing with children. Glass containers are easier to clean and are not left with stubborn stains or grease. They last longer than plastic and don’t leak any harmful chemicals when damaged.