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Recycling symbols (U.S.)

Recyclable | Recycled | Paperboard | Glass | Corrugated | PlasticR- resins: ALREADY RECYCLED | Origin of the symbolMeaning of the recycling symbol | Evolution of recycling symbolsMiscellaneous symbols | The 'Green Dot'

Recycling symbols can be further divided into two separate categories.1. 'Recyclable' symbols marking products made from specific materials that are suitable for recycling depending on whether there is a collection mechanism in place within the local community for those particular materials.2. 'Recycled' symbols designating products containing recycled materials.The use of the terms 'recycled' and 'recyclable', among others, and the display of the symbols is governed by the Federal Trade Commission's Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims. These guidelines govern all environmental claims attached to and/or associated with products, including those described in labeling, advertising, and all forms of marketing.The international standard for defining environmental claims on products or packaging can be found in ISO 14021: Environmental Labels and Declarations-Self-declared Environmental Claims. 'Recyclable' symbols

The symbols to the left represent two variations of the original recycling symbol. The upper symbol in outline form is accepted as the traditional, or universal recycling symbol while the lower one was a modification. Paper products typically display the outline form, often with lettering such as- 'This product can be recycled' or 'Recyclable'. When identified with one of the symbols, products, containers or packaging materials are referred to as recyclable products, or products that are able to be recycled. A product marked with either symbol can be recycled if the regulations and/or ordnances of the local community provide for its collection. Although the symbols are used on products distributed nationwide, the laws governing collection of these products for the purpose of recycling are determined locally and vary widely from locality to locality.

'Recycled' symbolsA product, which may be a container or package, marked with this symbol was manufactured with at least some materials that have been recycled. Generally, additional information is conveyed with the symbol such as- 'Printed on recycled paper'.

When a percentage is indicated within the symbol, that percentage of the product has been made from recycled materials.

These last two symbols are 'recycled' symbols and are portrayed in a graphical style consistent with the original recycling symbol promulgated by the American Forest and Paper Association and its forerunners, including the American Paper Institute and the Container Corporation of America. These symbols are typically used on paper and paperboard products. On these products you will usually see the 'recycled' symbol with an explanation denoting the percentage of recycled content. However, even paper and paperboard products already made from recycled materials can be considered recyclable.A third 'recycled' symbol is also in use. This symbol differs from the first two by having solid black arrows within an outer black circle. The outer black circle denotes that at least some content came from recycled material. This symbol is also seen with arrows of a particluar color.

'Recycled' symbol for paperboardCARTON MADE WITHMINIMUM 25% POSTCONSUMER CONTENTIn recent years a new 'recycled' symbol specific to the use of recycled paperboard has been developed. The graphical portion is a registered trademark and is controlled by the 100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance, an association of paperboard manufacturers, and is commonly seen on folding cartons or paperboard containers such as cereal boxes.

For illustration purposes only on this webpage, the registered trademark is shown in green while the descriptive explanation (not registered) is presented in black and varies from product to product. The symbol and explanation, as might be displayed on a carton, can be interpreted as follows. The paperboard material of the carton has been made from 100% recycled content. Of that recyled content, at least 25% came from post consumer content. In other words, at least 25% of the paperboard used to make the carton came from recycled products that passed through the hands of consumers. The remaining recycled paperboard content most likely resulted from material discarded from an earlier manufacturing process. Remember, even though a product has been made from recycled materials, that same product can still be recycled for use in another product whose material requirements are less stringent.'Recyclable' symbol for glassThe Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) has also developed a 'recyclable' symbol for use on glass packaging that can be recycled. Although most glass containers can be considered recyclable, the symbol nevertheless encourages the systematic identifying, and reusing, of recyclable materials.

'Recyclable' symbol for corrugatedLastly, the Corrugated Packaging Council (CPC) has developed a 'recyclable' symbol for use on corrugated packaging that can be recycled. The symbol may be used without specific permission on all corrugated products that are readily recyclable. If a corrugated product is coated with a material that is not repulpable (not convertible to pulp), then it is not readily recyclable. A wax or asphalt coating, for example, prevents a corrugated product from being readily recyclable. The symbol is merely a general statement that the corrugated product on which it appears can be recycled. It is not meant to imply that any content was already recycled or a product of recycling. The CPC is a non-profit organization that develops and coordinates industry-wide programs to address corrugated packaging issues. It is sponsored by the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC), and the Fibre Box Association (FBA).'Recyclable' symbols for plasticbottles, containers and packaging

Plastic bottles, containers and packaging typically have a symbol that indicates the type of plastic resin from which the item was made. The resin coding system was introduced in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI). The symbols imprinted on plastic bottles, containers and packaging are a variation of the original three wide mobius arrows. They have been modified to a simpler and thinner version. SPI has promulgated a guide for the correct usage of the symbols. On a bottle, the symbol can usually be found on the bottom, molded into the plastic itself as a raised impression and thus not always easily seen. The symbol includes a number within the mobius arrows, and usually, but not always, the chemical resin below the mobius arrows in acronym form. Although presence of the symbol implies that the plastic item is recyclable, the symbol is actually only intended to identify the plastic resin from which the item was made. Recyclability is ultimately determined by the local governing ordnances concerning what materials are collected for recycling.Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET, and PETG) MOLECULAR FORMULA: (-CO-C6H4-CO-O-CH2-CH2-O-)nOR

Within the United States PETE is an acronym that is used specifically by manufacturers to mark and identify plastic bottles or containers made from polyethylene terephthlate for the purpose of recycling. The acronym PET is more generally utilized within the chemical industry to designate the plastic material polyethylene terephthalate, which can also be written as poly (ethylene terephthalate). PET is the acronym accepted by standards organizations including American Society for Testing and Materials International, (ASTM International- formerly just ASTM), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Nevertheless, the acronyms PETE and PET refer to the same class of plastic materials. In the discussion below, PETE is used in reference to a recyclable container made from PET, while PET refers directly to the plastic material polyethylene terephthlate. However, please note that packaging manufactured outside of the U.S. may utilize the marking PET.

Properties: toughness, strength, heat resistance, barrier to moisture and gas. Density: 1.35-1.38 g/ccStatistic: In 1999 PET accounted for 48% of plastic bottle resin sales, making it the most widely used resin in plastic bottlesDescription: PET, also referred to as polyester, is a popular packaging material for food and non-food products because it is inexpensive, lightweight, resealable, shatter-resistant and recyclable. PET is clear and has good moisture and gas barrier properties. Its color may be green. The flakes and pellets of cleaned postconsumer recycled PET are in heavy demand for use in spinning carpet yarns and for producing fiberfill and geotextiles.

Packaging applications: Soft drink bottles, water bottles, beer bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter containers, salad dressing containers, juice bottles, vegetable oil bottlesRecycled products: Fiber, tote bags, new PETE containers for both food and non-food products, fabric for clothing, athletic shoes, luggage, upholstery, furniture, carpet, fiberfill for sleeping bags and winter coats, industrial strapping, sheet, and film, and automotive parts, such as luggage racks, headliners, fuse boxes, bumpers, grilles and door panelsAlthough the acronym PETE was adopted by manufacturers to identify packaging made from PET, primarily in resposnse to a potential trademark dispute, a recycling symbol that includes the designation PET rather than PETE has been identified on packages of products imported from outside of the US.

PETG is the acronym for polyethylene terephthalate glycol, a co-polymer of PETE. PETG has excellent clarity and is commonly used for containers of products such as shampoos, detergents, soaps, oils and pharmaceutical items. It is a clear amorphous plastic with good resistance to impact.

(NOTE: C6H5 in the molecular formula comprises a benzene ring. Benzene is generally considered a carcinogenic substance.)High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) MOLECULAR FORMULA: (-CH2-CH2-)nOR

The C=C double bond in an ethylene monomer is transformed into a C-C single bond in the polymer. Properties: toughness, strength, stiffness, ease of forming, ease of processing, resistance to moisture and chemicals, permeability to gas. Density: 0.94-0.96 g/ccStatistic: In 1999 HDPE accounted for 47% of plastic bottle resin sales, making it the second most widely used resin in plastic bottles. HDPE and PETE together accounted for 95% of plastic bottle resin usage.

Description: Bottles made from HDPE come in both pigmented and unpigmented resins. The unpigmented resin is translucent. It also has good stiffness and barrier properties. Thus, it is ideal for packaging products having a short shelf-life such as milk. HDPE's good chemical resistance allows it to be used in containers holding household or inductrial chemicals. The pigmented resin has even better crack resistance and chemical resistance than the unpigmented resin.Packaging applications: Milk containers, juice bottles, water bottles, bleach, detergent, and shampoo bottles, trash bags, grocery and retail carrying bags, motor oil bottles, butter and margarine tubs, household cleaner bottles, yogurt containers, and cereal box linersRecycled products: Drainage pipe, liquid laundry detergent bottles, oil bottles, pens, benches, doghouses, recycling containers, floor tile, picnic tables, fencing, lumber, and mailbox postsPlastic bag manufacturers have adopted a somewhat different symbol identification for HDPE as shown at the left.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, sometimes V) MOLECULAR FORMULA: (-CH2-CHCl-)nOR

The C=C double bond in each monomer is transformed into a C-C single bond in the polymer.The V in the first (and original) symbol actually stands for vinyl, however, the plastic resin is usually referred to as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and therefoere the symbol has evolved to the resin designation of PVC.

Properties: toughness, strength, ease of blending, ease of processing, resistance to grease, oil, and chemicals, clarity. Density: 1.32-1.42 g/ccStatistic: In 1999 PVC accounted for 2% of plastic bottle resin sales.Description: Vinyl, or polyvinylchloride, has stable electrical and physical properties. It has excellent chemical resistance and good weatherability. Its flow characteristics make it well-suited for injection molding.

Packaging applications: Window cleaner bottles, cooking oil bottles, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, clear food packaging, wire and cable jacketing, medical tubing, with additional significant usage in household products and building materials, particularly siding, piping, and windowsRecycled products: Binders, decking, paneling, mudflaps, roadway gutters, flooring, cables, speed bumps, and mats. More information: The Vinyl Institute, Vinyl productsNOTE: The Cl (chlorine atom) in the molecular formula renders PVC a potentially toxic material when it is burned. The burning of PVC can result in the creation of dioxins, a material that is considered highly carcinogenic.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) MOLECULAR FORMULA: (- CH2 - CH2 - )n

Properties: toughness, strength, flexibility, ease of sealing, ease of processing, barrier to moisture. Density: 0.91-0.93 g/ccStatistic: In 1999 LDPE accounted for just 1% of plastic bottle resin sales.

Description: Because of its toughness , flexibility, and transparency, LDPE is commonly used in applications where heat sealing is necessary. It is also widely used in wire and cable insulation and jacketing.Packaging applications: Squeezable bottles, breadbags, frozen food bags, tote bags, clothing, furniture, dry cleaning bags, and carpetRecycled products: Film and sheet, loor tile, garbage can liners, shipping envelopes, furniture, compost bins, paneling, trash cans, lumber, landscaping tiesPlastic bag manufacturers have adopted somewhat different symbol identifications for LDPE bags as shown at the left.

(NOTE: The molecular formulas for LDPE and HDPE are the same. The difference in the plastics is the density of the molecular chains. The density varies in the manner in which the polymeric chains form. In HDPE the chain is essentially one long continuous chain, allowing the strands to fold back upon one another and densely occupy space. In LDPE the chains have multiple branches, which interfere with a neatly organized packing of chains. Instead the packing is more disorganized, occupying more space and thus resulting in a lower density.)Plastic bag manufacturers are also making their products using low low density polyethylene, a symbol for which appears to the left. As you might guess, low low density polyethylene has a molecular density even less than low density polyethylene.

Polypropylene (PP) MOLECULAR FORMULA: (-CHCH3-CH2-)nOR

The C=C double bond in each monomer is transformed into a C-C single bond in the polymer.Properties: toughness, strength, resistance to heat, grease, oil, and chemicals, barrier to moisture. Density: 0.90-0.92 g/ccStatistic: In 1999 PP accounted for 2% of plastic bottle resin sales.

Description: Polypropylene has the lowest density of the resins used in packaging. It is strong and is resistant to chemicals. Since it has a high melting-point it can be utilized in applications requiring that a container be filled with a hot liquid.Packaging applications: Yogurt containers, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws, medicine bottlesRecycled products: Signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets, and traysAn alternative recycling symbol for polypropylene utilizing the original design for the mobius arrows, but inverted, is shown to the left.

Polystyrene (PS) MOLECULAR FORMULA: (-CHC6H5-CH2-)n

OR

The C=C double bond in each monomer is transformed into a C-C single bond in the polymer.Properties: ease of forming, clarity, low heat transfer, good thermal insulation. Density: 1.03-1.06 g/ccStatistic: In 1999 PS usage as a plastic bottle resin was essentially nil.

Description: Polystyrene can be made into rigid or foamed products. It has a relatively low melting point.Packaging applications: Plates, cups, cutlery, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, aspirin bottles, compact disc jacketsRecycled products: Thermal insulation, light switch plates, egg cartons, vents, rulers, foam packing, carry-out containers. More information: Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC), Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR). (NOTE: C6H5 in the molecular formula comprises a benzene ring. Benzene is generally considered a carcinogenic substance.)

Other

Properties: varies according to constituent resinsStatistic: In 1999 there was minimal usage of resins in the 'other' category in plastic bottles.

Description: The category of "Other" includes any resin not specifically numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, or combinations of one or more of these resins.Packaging applications: Three and five gallon water bottles, certain food product bottlesRecycled products: Plastic lumber, custom-made productsResin Symbols without Acronyms

You may come across recycling symbols that only indicate a number without an acronym for the plastic resin. The plastic resin of containers or packing labeled in this manner can be identified by this number and although not as informative compared to an acronym listed below the symbol, it is certainly a workable means of identifying and classifying recyclable plastics.Alternative Plastic Resin Recycling Symbols

An altenative recycling symbol for plastic resins may be encountered embodying the original mobius three-chasing arrows together with a number in the center. These symbols may appear with or without a descriptive acronym.R-resins: ALREADY RECYCLED

You may ask, all those plastic bottles that are recycled, or those newspapers, what happens to them? Generally, a product that is recycled is remanufactured into a new product that has less demanding specifications for the new use of the recycled product. In the case of paper products, the white copy paper may end up as newsprint. Newsprint may end up as toilet paper. Plastic materials may be recycled into a packaging material of less stringent requirements. Thus, resins that have become a recycled product, are further identified with an R in front of the previous designation in order to denote that the material has already been recycled. The symbols identifying these products are shown above. As an example, RHDPE is the acronym interpreted as recycled high density polyethylene. However, keep in mind that the R-materials still have potential for further recycling.Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Properties: resilient, low density, rigid, impervious

Description: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene was not part of the original resin identification system.Applications: Pipes, car bumpers, toy building blocks, golf club heads, enclosures

(NOTE: The three components of ABS, acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene are considered probable human carcinogens.)

Origin of the recycling symbolThe original recycling symbol was designed in 1970 by Gary Anderson, a senior at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles. It was submitted to the International Design Conference as part of a nationwide contest for high school and college students sponsored by the Container Corporation of America. The contest was a result of continuing growth of consumer awareness and environmentalism and a response to the first Earth Day.The recycling symbol represents a Mobius loop consisting of three-chasing-arrows in the shape of a triangle having rounded vertices. Each arrow twists and turns itself, and all three arrows chase each other. It is a consummate representation of recycling. The mobius loop itself was discovered in 1858 by August Ferdinand Mbius (1790-1868), a German mathematician and astronomer, and has been a mathematical marvel of simplicity, singularity, and continuity ever since.Meaning of the recycling symbolEach of the three arrows can represent one step in a three-step process that forms a closed loop, the recycling loop. The first step represents collection of materials to be recycled. This step takes place when recyclable materials are placed into your curbside recycling bin or taken to a local collection center. The collected materials are then cleaned and sorted for sale to a manufacturing facility. The manufacturing process is the second arrow in the recycling symbol. The recyclable materials are manufactured into new products for retail or commercial sale. The third step is the actual purchase and use of the products made from the recycled materials. The loop is now complete.Remember the three R's- Reduce, Reuse and RecycleEvolution of recycling symbolsThe present resin identification coding system that is detailed above was introduced by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 at the urging of recyclers around the country. In an effort to decrease the volume of waste subject to tipping fees at landfills, a growing number of communities were implementing recycling programs. These programs were often driven by state-level recycling mandates. The resin identification code was developed to meet recyclers needs while providing manufacturers a consistent, uniform system that could apply nationwide.The resin identification coding system offered a means of identifying the resin content of bottles and containers commonly found in the residential waste stream. By identifying the resin content, consumers would know what types of plastic packaging were being utilized, and hence, which ones could be recycled. Consumers were, and will always be, the first line of action in any effective recycling program. The bulk recyclers would also filter the incoming stream of post consumer recyclables by looking at the code on the plastic packaging. Since the first recycling symbol was designed, and the plastic resin codes introduced, certain industries have developed unique symbols specific to an industry. For example, industry associations for glass, for paperboard, and for corrugated materials have all developed, and in some cases trademarked, unique recycling symbols. These three separate symbols can all be classified as 'recyclable' symbols.Miscellaneous recycling symbolsA generic form of the plastic resin identification codes without the number is also being utilized to designate recyclability of products that aren't plastic. Usually there is descriptive text designating the particular content.

In a further twist to the evolution of recycling symbols, at least one individual company has promulgated its own version of a 'recycled' symbol. Hewlett-Packard identifies its packaging materials with a symbol that is similar to the 'recyclable' symbol for plastic resins. In the 'recycled' symbol that is depicted the basic material is of course paper. The first number of the pair tells the minimum percentage of post-consumer recycled content (in this case 50%), while the second number denotes the total recycled content (in this case 80%). Other materials, including plastics, are identified with an appropriate labeling.

The symbol with the blue background shows the three arrows in a planar context. This particular symbol is a relatively new arrival.

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a non-profit, public service organization that promotes the recycling of portable rechargeable batteries. These batteries are typically found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys. Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, and small sealed lead (Pb) batteries weighing less than 2 lbs are all accepted for recycling. Please keep in mind that batteries CAN NOT be deposited for recycling in a curbside recycling container with other recyclable products. Batteries must be delivered to a battery collection site. Visit the RBRC website to find a nearby collection site or call the phone number shown on the recycling symbol. The collection sites are widely available and include large well-known retailers such as Sears, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Target among others.

The 'Green Dot' (Der Grne Punkt)The green dot (in German- der grne punkt) was orignally developed by Duales System Deutschland AG, a privately owned non-profit German company, in 1991. It has since been adopted by other countries of the European Union including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. It has also been adopted in the non-EU countries Latvia, Norway, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

In 1995, a general license for the 'green dot' was transferred to Packaging Recovery Organisation Europe s.p.r.l., otherwise known as PRO EUROPE, having its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. PRO EUROPE licenses the 'green dot' to nationally recognized systems set up in European Member States to implement the European Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste dated December 20, 1994, with the further objective of making the 'green dot' at least a pan-European trademark.

The 'green dot', as utilized in Europe, carries a somewhat different meaning than the recycling symbols used in the United States. The presence of a 'green dot' symbol on packaging denotes that the manufacturer of the package has purchased a license for the right to use the 'green dot' trademark. The cumulative license fees fund a system of not only recovering and recycling packaging materials, but also of minimizing the use of packaging material, and of creating packaging that is easier to recycle.

Closing statementOther specialized symbols for aluminum cans and steel cans are being utilized by individual manufacturers. Therefore, the trend in the evolution of recycling symbols can be summarized as follows:1. First, birth of what was intended to be a universal recycling symbol.2. Second, divergence of the original recycling symbol into a 'recycled' symbol and a 'recyclable' symbol, with variations of each.3. Third, proliferation of industry-specific recycling symbols of the 'recyclable' variety together with use of unique symbols by individual companies, and by other regions of the world.4. Lastly, additional symbols will continue to appear as new variations and categories of recycled and recyclable products are developed.

SPREAD THE WORD-REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!!

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2The universal recycling symbols for recycling are actually Mobius loops comprising three changing arrows used to form a triangle, such as the one seen below.

History of the symbolThis Mobius loop was designed by Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old-college student in the late 1960s to 1970. The design was the winning entry for an art contest sponsored by a Chicago-based recycled paperboard company to raise environmental awareness amongst high schools and colleges across the country. Read more on the history of recycling. What the symbol meansThe triangle in the recycling sign represents the "Reduce Reuse Recycle" Waste Hierarchy. This hierarchy in turn illustrates the most effective plan of action to reduce waste and conserve natural resources, through reducing first, then reusing and finally, recycling. The three arrows in the symbol represent the three main stages in recycling.The first arrow represents the first stage of recycling collection and sorting the various recyclable materials, to prepare them for processing. The second arrow represents the second stage of recycling processing the recyclable materials into raw materials and using these raw materials for manufacturing new products. The third arrow in the symbol represents the third and final stage of the recycling process the sale and purchase of products created using recycled materials. The three arrows form a closed loop, illustrating how the three main stages contribute and reinforce one another in the recycling process. The closed loop also means that should any of the stages in the recycling process be ineffective, the sustainability of the entire recycling effort would be affected. Types of recycling symbols on productsThe universal recycling symbol is not a trademark, and its use is not regulated. In other words, anyone is free to use the recycling symbol, although local laws may restrict its use in product labeling. There are many variations to the universal recycling symbol. However, there are however, two main categories of recycling symbols. One category is reserved for products which can be recycled after consumption. This category of recycling symbols usually comprises the Mobius loop, either white with black outline or solid black, such as the two symbols below. In fact, these two symbols are often used interchangeably.

The second category is reserved for products that contain recycled materials, or make use of recycled materials in the manufacturing process. This category of symbols usually comprises the Mobius loop inside a circle, either black on white or white on black, such as the two symbols below.

The white-on-black version is often used for 100% recycled materials, while the black-on-white version is often for products containing both recycled and non-recycled materials. For convenience, some manufacturers may also include a label, such as This product can be recycled or This product is made of recycled materials, along with the symbol for recycling. When a percentage is indicated within the symbol, such as the symbols below, it means that the particular percentage of the product has been made from recycled materials.

Thus, when making purchases, do look out for these symbols for recycling as well as the manufacturers claims. Symbols for specific materialsToday, there are many different types of materials that can be recycled, as well as be processed and made into new products. To help consumers identify these recycle products, symbols specific to certain materials were also created. One example is paper.Since the paper industry has one of the highest demand and supply of recycled products, it was quick to introduce some basic and easy-to-understand recycled symbols for consumers. For example, the recycling sign below has been patented as a registered trademark by the Recycled Paperboard Alliance. It means that the paper product is made of 100% recycled paperboard.

Another example of a symbol for paper recycling can be seen below. It is a corrugated recyclables symbol. This symbol means that the corrugated material can (and should) be recycled after use.

Glass is another material that can be recycled and made into new glass products. Most glass containers are recyclable. Hence, this symbol below merely reminds consumers to recycle their glass products.

Besides paper and glass, some types of plastic can also be recycled. The various categories of plastics can be identified by the numbering in the centre of the recycling symbol triangle. Read more about the different types of plastic recycling codes and what they mean. Why bother about symbols for recycling?These symbols for recycling matter because they help you and I identify the products that can be recycled, so that we will send them for recycling rather than throwing them out in the garbage. The recycling codes also help us identify the products that contain recycled materials, such that we can make it a point to purchase these eco-friendly products to complete the recycling loop. Once you become familiar with these symbols and codes, identifying these green products will become a breeze. It will become your second nature. In turn, as more and more of us purchase eco-friendly products, more manufacturers will be more driven to participate equally in recycling and green efforts. All these will ultimately contribute in a big way to the health and wealth of our earth and human race.3Reusing water bottles: Is it dangerous?

Thirsty? If you reach for a handy bottle of water, youre like millions of Americans who have changed their water drinking habits over the past decade. And I admit Im one of them. I keep a small water bottle on my desk, and two or three times each day I trek down the hall to the water cooler and fill it up. It seems logical, right? Why spend money on a fresh bottle every day when I have access to an easy fill-up right here at work?But before you take your next sip of water from a plastic bottle, I have some information that might change the way you quench your thirst. It certainly has changed mine.Kid hydration Water is the most natural and necessary beverage you can put into your body. But as weve seen in other e-Alerts (such as last summers Where The Yellow Went 7/15/02, about the dangers of fluoridation), the contents of the water you drink can have a significant effect on your health. So its no wonder that people have turned away from straight tap water which often contains high levels of lead, chlorine and who-knows-what-else?Now, two recent studies from Idaho and Canada bring important warnings for the millions of people who enjoy their water in convenient plastic bottles. First the good news: Im not going to tell you bottled water is bad for you. But you may be surprised to find out that what you do with the bottle after youve drained it might lead to serious health problems.Researchers from the University of Calgary collected water samples from 76 plastic bottles used by students in a Calgary elementary school. About one third of the samples contained bacterial contamination severe enough that, had the water come from a tap, health officials would have issued a boil water advisory. Some samples even contained fecal coliforms. Cathy Ryan, the lead professor of the study, noted that if fecal coliforms were found in a town water supply, it would have to be shut down.These contamination problems are a direct result of reusing water bottles without proper washing between each use. The researchers speculated that the contamination of the elementary school water bottles was likely complicated by insufficient hygiene specifically, a lack of thorough hand washing. Nevertheless, any water bottle reused again and again without washing is subject to contamination with bacteria.Cleanliness doesnt guarantee safety A University of Idaho survey revealed that the reuse of water and soda bottles was widespread on the UI campus, with some individuals using a single bottle for several weeks. One participant reported that they had reused the same bottle for six months. This survey was taken in conjunction with a graduate program study that examined the effects of repeated bottle use.The UI study tested water samples from typical soft-drink and water bottles made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Analysis of the samples showed that with repeated use, toxic chemicals in the plastic can break down and migrate into the liquid inside. One of the toxins that appeared with regularity was di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, a carcinogen that has been shown to cause liver damage and reproductive problems.Furthermore, when bottles were used repeatedly, the concentration of toxins gradually became more pronounced. And ironically, washing the bottles didnt help in fact it only made matters worse. The UI data suggested that the break-down of toxins was accelerated by regular exposure to hot water and soap.Rotate! So the water bottle dilemma has some similarity to the problem with tap water. Lead in water pipes is drawn into the water just as the toxins in plastic are drawn into the bottled water. The difference, of course, is that you have far more control with bottled water. And in most cases, bottled water is less contaminated than tap water.As these studies demonstrate, its probably not a good idea to stick with one bottle for very long even if you clean it after each use. Im really not trying to boost sales for bottled water, but a fresh bottle every couple of days would seem to be the wise way to quench.Of course, you can always take your water the old-fashioned wayin a glass.4The Health Dangers of Reusing Plastic Bottles and Bags

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One of the most overlooked hazards to your baby looks harmless. It's a polycarbonate plastic baby bottle.According to The Chicago Tribune, researchers concerned with the evils of a common chemical known as bisphenol-A (BPA) suggest you should toss out these baby bottles along with any toys suspected of containing lead or dangerous magnets.BPA can be found in a variety of manufactured items, according to a Tribune article titled "As Long As You're Hauling Out Toys, Take Some Plastic" by Julie Deardorff. Some typical products with BPA include liners of food cans, lenses in your eyeglasses, and shatterproof baby bottles. With regular use, the chemical bond between BPA and the polycarbonate in a baby bottle breaks down and leaches from the plastic.Industry utilizes more than 6 billion pounds of BPA each year, according to author Daniel J. DeNoon. He indicates that The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes that 95 percent of Americans have measurable amounts of the toxic chemical in our blood. It's half-life in the human body is about six hours.Deardorff maintains that researchers have found BPA acts similar to the female sex hormone known as estradiol. During animal studies, scientists have noted female reproductive problems, early onset of puberty, and cancer of the breast and the prostate at even low levels of exposure to BPA. They also cite a link to lowered sperm counts and developmental issues.According to The Tribune, last year a Federal panel voiced "some concern" about the risk to brain development of fetuses, babies, or children. However, scientists are arguing big time about the relationship, if any, between animal studies and effects on human beings.Deardorff indicates that a group of 38 independent researchers recently warned that even very low levels of BPA exposure could cause adverse health effects, especially to a fetus.What about a replacement for your baby's plastic bottles? The most obvious alternative is glass. However, switching now won't help your older child, who drank from a plastic bottle for two years, some researchers believe. One of the reasons opinion is divided over the older child is the range of sensitivity to BPA that scientists have observed among individuals.Fortunately, there are now a number of BPA-free bottles on retailers' shelves. If you want to make a switch but your child will not tolerate another type of nipple, Deardorff suggests that you can still manage to lower the risk of BPA exposure in these ways:1. Avoid heating the plastic bottle. This means steering clear of a dishwasher, sterilizer, or microwave. The incidence of leaching is much more severe from heated than unheated plastic bottles. One alternative is to heat milk in a pan on top of the stove, let it cool, then pour it into the bottle.2. Discard any cracked bottles. Leaching increased after a bottle had been washed more than 20 times, went through prolonged daily use, or became scratched, researchers noted.3. Switch to safer brands. Bottles manufactured from BPA-free polypropylene are still on the market. Some of the brands include Medela, Born Free, and Adiri Natural Nurses. Also be sure to check the recycling labels since many No. 7 bottles contain BPA. By contrast, most No. 2, 4, and 5 plastic bottles are made of polyethylene or polypropylene.DeNoon suggests you can avoid the BPA problem altogether if your baby will tolerate a switch from canned formula to a powdered product. He cites reports from a March 2007 study by The Environmental Working Group in which national laboratory tested 97 cans of food purchased in Atlanta, GA; Oakland, CA, and Clinton, CT.Tests proved cans of chicken soup, baby formula, and ravioli had the highest BPA level. A full one third of the cans with infant formula had BPA levels 200 times the Government's safe exposure level.Deardorff also cites Ari Brown, co-author of the 2005 book "Baby 411". Brown urges parents to simply avoid using any polycarbonate bottles until researchers know more about the impact of BPA.As for your little one, you can replace all your plastic bottles for just $50.00 to $100.00.

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