by wbs2010 on July 30, 2010
recycling water bottle
What Do the Codes on the Bottom of the Bottle Mean?
Have you ever wondered what those little codes mean that appear on the bottom of plastic bottles? Typically, when it comes to bottled water, you’ll find the number “1”, although plastics are denoted by seven numbers.
An Overview of the Codes
Plastics that are made with fewer toxic additives are usually labeled with the numbers 1, 2, 4 or 5. Plastic numbers 1, 2 and 4 use polyethylene in the manufacturing process while number 5, or food-grade plastic, is made with polypropylene. These plastics are generally considered safer for use than plastics numbered 3, 6 or 7. What’s more, number 7 plastics, which are made of polycarbonate, are often found in baby bottles or sippy cups!
#The Meaning of Number 1
Therefore, that number you see within the arrows surrounding it is designated as a resin code, and was initially implemented as a way to delineate plastic materials for eventual recycling. Probably the code you will see the most often is the number 1, which is embedded on the bottom of bottles used for consumer water. This resin code is a designation for polyethylene terephthalate or PET plastic, which is a popular consumer plastic.
#Number 2
If you see a 2 on the bottom of a bottle, then you are looking at a bottle made with a resin of high density polyethylene or HDPE. This plastic is used for milk containers as well as bottles that hold chemicals used for the home.
#Number 3
The number 3 is the designated code for polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as PVC. This material, which is used for a small percentage of bottles, is the material that is used for plastic pipes within the home.
#Number 4
A number 4 means a bottle is made with low density polyethylene. This resin is often used for squeezable plastic bottles, such as bottles used for catsup or mustard.
#Number 5
If you see a number 5 on the bottom of a bottle, then the bottle has been made with a safe, food-grade plastic and polypropylene resin. Usually bottles made with this type of plastic are also safe for the dishwasher as the plastic has a very high melting point.
#Number 6
A number 6 on the bottom of a container means the plastic was made with a polystyrene resin, which is also used in packing materials, such as the peanuts you see that are used to pack boxes.
#Number 7
If you find a number 7 on the bottom, then this number indicates the plastic is made of a number of resins. Generally, Tupperware products and baby bottle or sippy cups are made with this material. As mentioned, this number is generally considered unsafe and most recycling centers will not take any container made with number 7 plastic.
A Safe Plastic
If you want a safe, food-grade plastic for water bottle use, then number 5 is your best bet. Water bottles made with a number 5 plastic use less toxins in the manufacturing process and are non-chlorinated. If you’re looking for a water bottle made with this type of plastic, then New Wave Enviro is a select brand to choose. It offers a variety of water bottles made with food-grade number 5 plastic.
Needless to say, when it comes to using a safe water bottle, the only code you really need to know is the number 5.
by Charli on July 30, 2010
The Pros and Cons of Plastic Water Bottles
The Dangers of Using Water Bottles made with PET Plastic
Plastic water bottles are used extensively to sell water commercially. Most of these bottles are made of PET plastic, an acronym for the chemical name polyethylene terephthalate. However, even these plastics can pose a safety problem as the chemicals used to produce the product can leak certain toxins into the water and, as a result, be ultimately hazardous to one’s health.
The Risk of Using Plastic Water Bottles Made with BPA
One of the plasticizers used in the production of plastics for consumer use is BPA. Known chemically as bisphenol-A, the chemical is used primarily in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy type resins. Polycarbonate is used to produce a wide variety of products in the marketplace, such as CDs, DVDs, electronic products, sports equipment, safety equipment and food or beverage containers. Amazingly, BPA has been a health concern since the 1930s and most recently has been recognized as being linked to breast and prostate cancer as well as diabetes and cancer.
The Plastic Used for Bottled Water
Therefore, even plastic used for consumer water contains toxins that can leak out into the water and cause one to become ill. In addition, heat can increase the risk. For example, if you drink bottled water that’s been left, say, in a hot vehicle, you’re much more likely to consume the toxins in the plastic as well. As mentioned, the plastic used for bottled water is PET plastic, which can also play host to bacteria. As a result, this type of plastic is really not suitable for reuse as the toxins in the plastic as well as the chance for disease are increased when you use the bottle more than one time. In addition, plastic, such as PET plastic, clogs up landfills and is not good for the environment. Consequently, by buying bottled water, you’re not only posing a risk not only to your own health but also to the public health and safety of others.
BPA-free Plastic Water Bottles
Fortunately, there are food-grade plastic water bottles that are not made with BPA and are safe to use for the consumption of water. These reusable bottles are made of BPA-free resins and #5 food grade plastic that can be recycled. Therefore, using plastic water bottles is fine as long as you know they are free of BPA and are made from food-grade safe plastic. Choose these types of bottles for reuse.
by wbs2010 on July 29, 2010
Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
Many people think nothing of going to the store whenever they are thirsty and purchasing bottled water. They may even reuse the water time and again by adding water from the faucet or water fountain to it. However, these particular bottles pose a safety risk to the consumer.
Reason 1:
That’s because the bottles are made from PET plastic, or plastic that is formed with the chemical polyethylene terephthalate.
Toxins in this type of plastic can leak out into the water and can cause a person to eventually become ill. Also, it’s proven that this type of plastic material can play host to bacteria and therefore disease.
Reason 2 the environment: Not only that, this type of plastic also contributes to clogging up landfills.
Reason 3: The dangers of BPA
In addition, plastics are made with a plasticizer called BPA, which stands for bisphenol-A. This chemical, which is also a synthetic hormone, has been a health concern since the 1930s. In the present day, it’s been linked to cardiac problems, cancer and diabetes.
So What type of water bottle is safe to use? Glad you asked!
Therefore, when it comes to reusing your water bottle, you should only choose those plastic water bottles that are BPA-free and that are made from #5 food grade plastic.
As an alternative, there are also plastic water bottles on the market that are made from corn plastic. Corn plastic is biodegradable and is free of BPA as well.
Brands we recommend
One of the primary brands to choose when picking reusable plastic water bottles is New Wave Enviro. This brand carries a number of different sized water bottles that can be used time and time again. With these types of bottles, you don’t have to worry about BPA or contaminants, such as lead or phthalates, seeping into your water supply. You can be assured that the New Wave Enviro line of bottles will be free of any possible toxins. Therefore, you can enjoy their use without worrying about any health ramifications down the road.
1 liter BPA Free Plastic bottles are great for work, school and the gym!
1 liter water bottle
For example, New Wave Enviro sells a 1 liter BPA-free plastic water bottle that you can use at work or at the gym. Dishwasher safe, the bottle comes in a number of cheerful hues, such as purple, pink and blue. Plus, you won’t have to fork out a lot of money as the bottles retail for only $6.00 each.
If you’re looking for a handy sized bottle for your kid’s lunch box, then choose the New Wave Enviro 8 ounce size. Retailing at only $4.00 each, you can buy a bundle and always have a reusable bottle on hand for carrying water to school, work or the gym. These nice little bottles come in red, blue and purple and have a convenient pop-up straw. Plus, you have the assurance that they are BPA-free as well as eco-friendly.
Wildly popular 2.2 liter water bottles
large bpa free water bott
If you want a water bottle that will keep you hydrated through the day at work, then you might like to consider New Wave Enviro’s 2.2 liter plastic water bottle. Although it’s not suggested you put the larger-sized bottle in the dishwasher, the bottle still can be easily cleaned using vinegar or mild liquid soap and warm water.
Play it safe when it comes to reusing plastic water bottles. As mentioned, choose only those bottles made of #5 food grade plastic or corn plastic that are BPA free.
Facebook
Twitter