Plastic surgery

It’s time to give up the (water) bottle. Not only can buried water bottles take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade, studies show that bottled water is not guaranteed to be any healthier than tap water. Save hundreds of dollars annually and reduce landfill waste…

Buy a home water filter for home/office/cave and a stainless steel, reusable water bottle that you take with you.

You also need to navigate the Plastic Jungle. If you’re confused about what the plastic codes mean on your water bottles, Tupperware containers, etc., you're in very good company. To compound the issue, we now need to get to the heart of the latest debate on plastics-related health issues. It makes the most mild mannered boar want to gore something!

Here's what we know: The latest debate pertains to the effects of BPA (‘Biphenyl A’) found in #7 code plastics used for sports and baby bottles, food can linings and Tupperware containers. According to an April 2008 finding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), BPA “may affect childhood development and reproduction.” According to Sonya Lender of the Environmental Working Group, “BPA was initially used as a sex hormone. It should never have been allowed to come into contact with infant formula.”

While BPA was “cleared” by the FDA, only industry-sponsored studies were used in reaching its conclusions, for which it has been roundly criticized. Excluded studies suggest that BPA, which acts like the hormone estrogen, could pose harm to children at levels at least 10 times lower than what the agency allows. (Source: USA Today)

Boris’ advice: Even though many retailers have pledged to pull BPA from baby products, read the labels! Plus...

Avoid plastics labeled “3”, “6” and “7.”
NEVER heat food or beverages in plastic containers regardless of the number.
If you HAVE to buy bottled water—usually sold in plastic bottles labeled “1”—
DO NOT REUSE. See below.
Hate to be a boor, but buy reusable water bottles for you and the boars you love.
Choose glass, stainless steel or plastics labeled “2.” You'll save in many ways.

Recycling Code & Name	Common Use	Recycle Rate	Recommendation
Understanding Plastic Recycling Codes: Guide to Safe Plastic Use
Useful Tips: Store food and water in glass or stainless steel containers whenever possible. Minimize or eliminate exposure to plastics with code 1, 3, 6 or 7. Do not use products—especially baby bottles—identified with No. 7. Source: www.PlasticFreeBottles.com
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)	Plastic bottles (soft drinks, single-use water bottles, sports drinks), food jars, cosmetic containers.	23%	Designed for single use only. Be careful with products labeled No.1. Extended use increases risk of leaching and bacterial growth.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)	Grocery bags, detergent bottles, milk and juice jugs.	27%	Appears to be safe
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)	Garden hose, cable sheathing, window frames, blister packs, blood bags, meat wrap.	<1%	Avoid Nicknamed the Poison Plastic, contains many dangerous toxins.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)	Heavy duty bags, dry-cleaning bags, bread bags, squeezable bottles, plastic food wrap.	<1%	Appears to be safe
Polypropylene (PP)	Medicine bottles, cereal liners, packing tape, straws, potato chip bags.	3%	Appears to be safe
Polystyrene (PS)	CD and video cases, plastic cutlery, foam packaging, egg cartons.	<1%	Avoid May leach styrene, a possible human carcinogen. May be a hormone disruptor.
Polycarbonate (Other PC)	Baby bottles, water cooler bottles, car parts.	<1%	Caution Concern with leaching of Bisphenol A which appears to cause chromosomal damage.