Plastics 101

It's tough to imagine life as we know it without plastics - they seem to be everywhere or in everything we use in daily life from bags, storage bins and bottles to dishware, food containers, toys and tools. If you recycle - and hopefully you do - you are probably in the habit of looking on these products for the recycling code inside the trademark recycle triangle. But what, exactly, do those numbers mean?

Plastics labeled #1 (PET or PETE) are turned into new substances such as clothing, carpet or as partial components of more #1 plastics. This is called "downcycling" which means it is no longer recyclable after one cycle of use and will end up in the landfill. Plastics labeled #2 (HDPE) are similar - these are often recycled into railroad ties that tend to have a long life but are no longer reusable once they have served their purpose and are then destined for the landfill. When making purchases, look for #1 and #2 and be sure to recycle them rather than tossing them in the trash. Our local landfill now accepts both of these for recycling.

Plastics #3-7 come with disturbing news - they are rarely recyclable and are destined for the trash. Even programs that accept these plastics are most likely to send them to landfills or incinerators. Avoid purchasing merchandise with these numbers as much as possible to keep them out of the system. If enough consumers make this choice, manufacturers will be forced to change their practices. A few manufacturers such as Stonyfield Farms (yogurt containers) and Recycline (personal care, kitchen and tableware products) take back and recycle their #5 plastics which is a model business practice more manufacturers should follow. Recycline actually started a "Gimme 5" program where they accept all #5 plastics for recycling. Unfortunately, we don't have a drop off center near us, but you can mail any clean #5 plastic container to: Preserve Gimme 5 823 NYS Rte 13 Cortland, NY 13045

They also accept Brita pitcher water filters. Be sure to send the items by ground shipping (as opposed to air) for less impact. This company did a thorough study before launching the Gimme 5 program, which showed that the benefits of keeping #5 plastics out of the landfill and remaking them into new products outweighed the environmental impact of shipping the products back to them.

In addition, when using plastics, it's best to choose those labeled #1, #2, #4, and #5 and avoid those labeled #3, #6, and #7 because of potential chemical leaching and environmental problems associated with manufacturing processes. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy has issued a "Smart Plastics Guide" that includes the following recommendations for using any type of plastic: o?Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave (choose glass or ceramic containers instead). o?Beware of cling wraps, especially for microwave use. o?Avoid plastic bottled water, if possible (more on this in next week's article).

A final word about one more problematic plastic in our everyday life: the plastic shopping bag. Plastic bags are downcyclable if stores are willing to take that step. Safeway has an arrangement with a domestic recycler to downcycle plastic bags into compressed lumber for decks, fencing and picnic tables. Most vendors, however, bale and ship the collected bags overseas where they are most likely incinerated or landfilled. Your best bet here is to avoid them altogether by bringing your own cloth, reusable bags when you go shopping.

Your comments, questions and green tips are welcome at GoGreenBF@yahoo.com.

Next week: Our Love Affair with Bottled Water