Video:How to Safely Reuse Plastic Containers

Transcript:How to Safely Reuse Plastic Containers

Hi I'm Deena Keeler for About.com and I'd like to talk to you about how to safely reuse plastic containers.

BPA Is a Concern When Safely Reusing Plastic Containers

The biggest health and safety concerns right now is tied to BPA. BPA is a chemical found in plastics contained primarily in rigid plastics. There is information right now that BPA can leach itself into food when its heated. This is something that is topical right now but there is nothing from the EPA that states it is unsafe.

Avoid Reheating Food in Plastic Containers

It's tied to heat so you want to avoid reheating food in plastic, and also leaving water bottles in your car especially during the summer when there is extreme heat.

Clean With Soapy Water to Safely Reuse Plastic Containers

If you're gonna be cleaning plastic, and this is what most manufacturers recommend, to clean with soap and water. It is not recommended that you place plastics in the dishwater because again the heat can be unsafe. There are no issues with reusing plastic for utility purposes. A lot of elementary schools collect bottles with planters and for artwork. And that is how you safely reuse plastic.