The Problem With Plastic

By Terese Hartjoy

If you think that the recycling number embossed on the bottom of your plastics is the solution to the plastic problem, think again. Of the seven types of plastic that are stamped as "recyclable" only two are easily and efficiently recycled. Plastics are labeled with numbers 1 through 7.

Number 1 is pretty easy to recycle: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE). It is often clear, relatively lightweight (or thinner) and is used in:

• Mouthwash containers


• Soda bottles


• Salad dressing containers


• Plastic food jars


• Water bottles

Number 2, also easy to recycle, is High density polyethylene (HDPE), is used in heavier containers like:

• Milk jugs


• Snack food containers


• Laundry detergent containers


• Shampoo bottles


• Detergent bottles

Numbers 3 though 7 are where we run into problems. If you havve tried to take any of these to your local recycling center you may have wondered why they won't take them. These plastics are difficult to recycle.

Number 3 - Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl PVC),used to make:

• Shower curtains


• Cooking oil bottles


• Pipe and Pipe fittings


• Medical tubing

Number 4 - Low density polyethylene (LDPE), often colored, is used to make:

• Sandwich, storage and "zipper" bags


• Grocery and vegetable/meat bags


• Plastic wrapping paper


• Squeezable ketchup and mustard bottles

Number 5 - Polypropylene (PP), also often colored, is used for:

• Tubs of butter, cookie dough, whipped topping


• Tupperware containers


• Yogurt and gelatin containers


• Pancake and chocolate syrup bottles

Number 6 - Polystyrene (PS), is used in:

• "To - Go" food containers


• Egg cartons


• Disposable cups, bowls and plates


• Styrofoam containers


• Packing peanuts

Number 7 - Which includes a miscellany of all other plastics, which include:

• Fast food beverage containers


• Baby bottles


• Cell phones


• CDs


• Electronics casings


• Sports water bottles

Did you know that:

• It takes 24 million gallons of oil to make a billion plastic bottles


• 38 million plastic bottles in America end up in the land fills from bottled water alone


• Plastic bottles take 700 years to begin composting

The plastic problem has no simple solution, but there are ways that the consumer can help.

• Precycle:

This is the practice of considering your packaging before you buy. Make sure your plastic is number 1 or 2 before buying. If it isn't, consider a different product choice.

• Reuse & Repurpose:

If you must use plastic, find creative ways to reuse and repurpose it. There is a wealth of information on this topic available on the Internet.

• Always recycle.

Terese Hartjoy is an artist and writer. She authors Simply Green, a daily sampling of environmental news and tips as well as feature articles covering environmental issues for Blog on Smog.

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