Kitchen, food are very close topics to us. And what we use in the kitchen is very important, it is, in practice, directly related to our health. This time it was interesting to find out about plastic containers, their markings, what the symbols on various containers mean, in which we put food without thinking and refrigerate, heat in the microwave, etc.
Plastic containers are convenient. But do we always really need them? A brief look at some of the markings.
PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products, used for beverage packaging.
It is intended for single use, recyclable. Recycled fiber is used in textiles.
Some examples of PET 1 products: water bottles, soft drink bottles, salad dressing bottles, vegetable oil bottles, frozen food containers.
Use only once, do not fill with juice, warm liquids
PVC – polyvinyl chloride
The company produces packaging film, plastic “squeeze” bottles, bottles for oil, detergents, and window cleaners.
PS – polystyrene
This food-grade plastic is used only for cold food.
When the container comes into contact with hot food, drinks, or when heating food in the microwave, it releases toxins.
Polystyrene food containers, egg cartons, disposable cups, disposable take-out containers, and opaque plastic cutlery are produced.
5- PP – the container contains polypropylene
Polypropylene plastic is strong and lightweight and has heat-resistant properties.
Such plastic can also be used for hot food and drinks. It withstands high enough temperatures, above 100°C. You can drink tea and coffee from polypropylene glasses, and you can heat food on plates. in the microwave. It is not recommended to pour alcoholic beverages.
Triangle of three arrows
Symbol that the material can be recycled. 3 arrows represent a closed cycle: creation – use – recycling. This means that the container is suitable for further recycling. In the middle of the triangle there are usually one or two numbers that indicate the type of material (1 -19 plastic, 20 – 39 paper and cardboard, 40 – 49 metal, 50 – 59 wood, 60 – 69 fabrics and textiles, 70 – 79 glass).
Cup-fork sign
This symbol means that the plastic container is suitable for contact with food.
If the symbol is crossed out, then the container is not suitable for storing food.
When I was interested in plastic containers, I was very worried about what we use, that I would throw away all the plastic, I would not buy anything in plastic packaging, I was seriously panicked, and after a couple of days I stopped reading various information about plastic.
Still, I think it will not be possible to completely avoid plastic packaging. I checked – in our house, most of the food storage (leftovers, freezing) is in 5-PP containers, I will definitely review them all, just in case they are scratched or damaged.
There is no need to panic too much, but plastic packaging should be used very responsibly, when we can choose glass or paper packaging. Not only because of environmental pollution, but for our own well-being.
I will definitely start using small jars to store leftovers in the refrigerator, I will sew canvas bags for bread, and I will use waxed cloth to wrap and cover food. For freezing food, you will still have to use suitable plastic containers.
We want to be healthy. And we are for a green and beautiful world for ourselves and future generations.