MEET BRENDA
For the life of us, we can't find the Web site that originally posted this information but we like it so much, we just had to share it with you all. Hopefully you'll find this as helpful as we did. ***********************************************************************
Know your 123s
Maybe you've heard the expression, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," but ever wonder about the meaning of those code numbers imprinted inside triangular recycle symbols?
"1" Products/packaging contain polyethylene terephthalate. Examples include water bottles and soda bottles. "2" Products/packaging contain high-density polyethylene. Examples include laundry detergent bottles and milk jugs. "3" Products/packaging contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Examples include baby bottle nipples and vinyl toys. "4" Products/packaging contain low-density polyethylene. Examples include plastic grocery bags. "5" Products/packaging contain polypropylene. Examples include yogurt or sour cream containers. "6" Products/packaging contain polystyrene. Examples include Styrofoam packing peanuts and coffee cups. "7" Products/packaging contain a hodge-podge of plastic #1-6 chemical polymers (a.k.a. the miscellaneous category)
And an easy way to remember which are easiest to recycle: the lower numbers 123 are easiest, the higher numbers 5 ,6 and 7 not so much! Some bigger metro cities are implementing newer technologies to be able to recycle some of the higher number plastics, in LA we recently have become able to put Styrofoam in our blue bins, yay! call your local recycling plant to see what plastics and other items you can recycle curbside!
Happy recycling! And remember, if you think this is just a trend, people have been environmentally conscious since the last oil crises 30 years ago, and the movement has never gone away, just more awareness now, and thankfully so. Baby steps is all it takes.....
#3 plastic, polyvinylchloride (also known as PVC or vinyl), is not recyclable. PVC production and disposal are both highly polluting. Additionally, soft vinyl usually contains plasticizers (phthalates) that act as hormone disrupters in humans and other animals. I certainly hope most baby bottle nipples are not PVC, as this post states!
The little triangle number symbols do NOT indicate that a material is recyclable. They simply tell what kind of plastic it is.
-from a mom/scientist
We certainly agree with your hopes that there are no longer any baby bottle nipples made from polyvinylchloride or any other plastics containing phthalates. As you are certainly aware, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) is making strides to eliminate phthalates in particular from products for children under 12. At Scandinavian Child we take significant measures to make sure all of our products meet or exceed applicable safety standards for our products. Even before phthalates and BPA where in the public eye, we required our manufacturers to test our plastic tray covers to ensure there were no such plastics used in our products. We are very proud to say that we meet and exceed the standards established by CPSIA.
I also appreciate your comment about the fact that the symbols merely indicate the type of plastic and not whether or not it is recyclable. I have found that sites such as www.earth911.com and www.erecycle.com are good resources for finding out more about recycling sites in your area.
Thank you again for your e-mail and your clarifications. It is always good to hear from readers and learn more about how we can make strides to improve our environment and act more environmentally responsible.