The 411 on Plastic Bottles and Containers

I don't know about you but I never know/remember what the numbers at the bottom of  plastic containers mean.  Here is a little primer from Earth911.com by way of The Green Guide, a website and magazine operated by the National Geographic Society .

"The safest plastics for.... storing food are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE, or plastic #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or plastic #4) and polypropylene (PP, or plastic #5)."

Watch out for plastics with #3s, #6s and #7s.  These containers have the potential to leach toxins when repeatedly  reused.  You are better off using these containers and tubs for non-food item storage.

Plastics with a #1 (PET), like plastic water and soda bottles are not known to leach harmful toxins into contents when reused. It can be tricky to properly clean and dry the plastic bottles with the small opening.  As a result the bottles may begin harboring harmful bacteria. Make sure to clean the bottles, carefully, or re-purpose them for non-food uses.

So, here are some other interesting uses for your plastic containers:
Bird Feeders: Using 1 liter bottles and miscellaneous other containers.
Here is  one of the options--it is a little involved though. Here is the link for instructions if you are so inspired.  Here are a couple of other bird feeders you can make with plastic bottles.







http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/02

Is this not the coolest looking light? You need bottles made of HDPE plastic (#2), milk jugs, shampoo, soda and water bottles. Another complex project but imagine how cool this would look in your place.

Photo: 19bis.com/objectbis

 

This last one is a little easier and something for the kids and all those yogurt containers.  Great project for the kids on a rainy day.

 

 

On a final and unrelated note, Bamboo Bedding Plus is having a sale on blankets and throws now through Sunday, March 10.  A shameless plug but imagine curling up on a cold night with one of these.