"One word: Plastics."

Thanks to Kathleen Schuler and all who came to last night's meeting! It was very informative and interesting. For those who were unable to attend, here are some of the things I learned about plastics:

• Safer choices for food and beverages include #1 (PETE), #2 (HDPE), #4 (LDPE), and #5 (PP). Avoid #3 (PVC), #6 (polypropylene), and many but not all #7's (other).
• Avoid using any plastic in the microwave b/c chemicals are released from all plastics when they are heated and can leach into food.
  
• Avoid using plastic containers for fatty foods.
• Many plastic cling wraps contain plasticizers (including DEHA, a hormone disrupter) and/or are made from PVC. Avoid direct contact with food, and avoid using in microwave. Glad wrap (and probably others) states that it is free from plasticizers.
  
• Avoid PVC! The manufacture of PVC is very polluting and dangerous to workers, it is the hardest to recycle, pthalates are often added to soften...

• Bisphenol-A (BPA) can leach from polycarbonate plastics, which are hard plastics (some are labeled #7-PC). But not all #7's are polycarbonate.
  
• The linings of most food cans contain BPA, so use with caution. Eden Organics canned foods do not contain BPA in the linings.

For MUCH MUCH more information to sort through this complex issues, the Smart Plastics Guide is available online from IATP. It is packed full of useful information. Other guides from IATP available for download include:

• Smart Plastics Guide
• Smart Children's Products
• Smart Produce
• Smart Meats & Dairy

Again, thanks to Kathleen Schuler from IATP for presenting to EcoParents last night! (And extra thanks to anyone who caught the reference to The Graduate in this post's title!)