Navigating the world of plastic can be confusing at times, frustrating at others, and can leave you with more questions than you originally had when beginning your quest for answers. Which plastics are the safest? Which should be avoided? How do you tell the difference?

The pages below are intended to help answer your questions about plastics. This information will position you to make informed decisions about the products you choose to purchase when shopping. 

shopper’s guildes to plastic charts

Quick Start – Plastic Products at a Glance

Plastic Toys Buying Guide
http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/plastic-toys

Plastic Containers Buying Guide
http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/plastic-containers

Baby Bottles Buying Guide
http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/baby-bottles

Plastics: What do those numbers mean?
http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/checklist/plastics_what_do_those_numbers_mean/

Shopper’s Guide to Plastics and Food: Alternatives to the Problem Plastics
http://healthychild.org/

Smart Plastics Guide
Healthier Food Uses of Plastics for Parents and Children
http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refID=77083

Facts about PES Plastic
http://www.greentogrow.com/FactsAboutPESplastic.pdf

microwaving in plastic

Shopper’s Guide to Plastics and Food: Microwave Ovens
http://healthychild.org/resources/article/shoppers_guide_to_plastics_food_
microwave_ovens

plastic cling wraps

Shopper’s Guide to Plastics and Food: Cling Wrap
http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/shoppers_guide_to_plastics_food_cling_wrap/

plastics and lunchboxes

Which Plastics Are Safe for Lunchbox Use?
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/safe-plastics-for-lunchboxes.html

polyvinylchloride

PVC: The Most Toxic Plastic
http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/pvc_the_most_toxic_plastic/