"5, 4, 1, & 2 All the Rest are Bad for You"

Have you ever wondered what the number inside of the tiny "recycle" triangle that can be found on most plastic containers means? That number indicates the type of plastic the container is made from. Recently I read Jessica Alba's book The Honest Life and I learned the catchy phrase "5, 4, 1, & 2 all the rest are bad for you" which means if you're using plastic that is anything but one of those numbers then you should consider other options.

Why is plastic without "5, 4, 1, & 2" dangerous? Containers stamped with 5, 4, 1, & 2 contain little or no Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is the main ingredient in plastic and makes up the resin lining of most food and beverage containers. BPA is an endocrine disruptor and it mimics hormone like effects; thus, it has been linked to early puberty, reproductive harm, a plethora of cancers (breast & prostate included), obesity, and infertility. Unfortunately, plastic is everywhere and we cannot totally avoid exposure; however, we can reduce it.

Ways to reduce plastic exposure:

• Avoid re-using plastic water bottles, even try switching to glass bottles/cups in the kitchen and while on the go
• At the very least look for "BPA Free" plastic water bottles, pacifiers, baby bottles, kitchen essentials, etc.
• Never heat plastic in the microwave! The chemicals in the plastic will breakdown and seep into your food
• I try to avoid microwaves entirely and opt to heat "frozen dinners" and other left overs on the stove; however, if you must use the microwave try putting your meal on a glass dish.
• Avoid canned foods since the majority come in containers coated with BPA
• Another reason to eat fresh!
• Be mindful of the shopping receipt since the thermal paper is often coated with BPA to prevent the ink from running.
• If possible opt for glass, ceramic or paper containers to store and heat food in

While BPA is the most well-known plastic to avoid, there are other compounds such as bisphenol-AF and bisphenol-S which are also found in plastic and are not much safer. It's impossible to completely avoid plastic but hopefully small changes here and there will be beneficial in the long run. 

Sincerely,
JEN


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References:
The Honest Life by Jessica Alba
http://wellpathclinic.com.s183609.gridserver.com/dangerous-plastics-5412-all-the-rest-are-bad-for-you
http://www.hnetalk.com/5-4-1-2-all-the-rest-are-bad-for-you/