With many of us hosting outdoor barbecues with this summer, having a convenient way to transport all those tasty sides and desserts is key to keeping your get-togethers simple and fun. Sometimes, leftovers from gatherings can even make for a delicious and quick lunch later in the week, so having portable containers can come in handy for a variety of reasons when you’re on the go over the summer.
However, if health safety concerns regarding plastics may be preventing you from using portable containers for your food or drink, keep in mind that there are some options out there that are better for you than others. In one of our recent “Love it, Like It, Hate it” segments, we take a look at the best – and worst – ways to store and transport food and drink.
Many plastic bottles and containers contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to health issues like reproductive abnormalities, obesity and insulin resistance. Plus, some are less eco-friendly as they’re more difficult to recycle.
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- Reusable glass, ceramic, and Nalgene-style bottles: And instead of single-use plastics, consider reusable containers when possible. You’ll help reduce the amount of waste produced, so it’s better for the environment as well as your health.
LIKE IT!
- Plastics with numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 (just check the bottom for the recycling numbers): These are considered safer and more eco-friendly, as they are reportedly free of BPA and other toxins – plus they’re all recyclable.
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- Styrofoam and plastics with the numbers 3, 6 and 7: Steer clear of these since they contain potentially harmful chemicals and are the most difficult to recycle. Fortunately, they’re not common in reusable plastic containers; they’re mostly used in products like deli sliced meats, Lunchables, etc.
For more details on this topic, read Molly’s full “Love it, Like it, Hate it” article on WGNO New Orleans.
