Which plastic is safe for water and food (16 photos)

What is structured water, how to obtain and store it

Now many people are talking about the benefits of structured water and its beneficial effects on the human body, down to the cellular and gene levels.

Structured water can be conveniently stored defrosted in glass bottles

Structural changes in the composition of water occur as a result of freezing or heating. Thus, British physicists recently stated that at a temperature of 40–60 ℃ water changes its properties and there is reason to consider this the second state of aggregation of liquid water.

At home, structured water is prepared by freezing in several stages:

1. First, clean filtered water in an enamel container is placed in the freezer for a short time, until a thin top layer of ice appears. This edge is removed and discarded because it contains deuterium and tritium - heavy water that freezes at temperatures of 0.28–3.8 ℃.
2. Next, the water is frozen to 2/3 of the volume, the remaining unfrozen water is drained. It contains ultra-light isomers that freeze at temperatures below −1 ℃, all salts and chemical impurities.

The remaining ice will be pure structured water, which can be conveniently stored in the freezer or bottled defrosted and placed in the refrigerator. What bottles can you store water in? For defrosted structured water, it is preferable to use glass bottles, since plastic does not maintain the structural state of water and destroys it during storage.

Ideal conditions for structured water are the presence of diffused sunlight and storage in metal containers with an admixture of silver or stainless steel. Experiments by Russian scientists have revealed a significant increase in the effect of structuring water in silver dishes under the influence of light - by 7.35% in 2 hours.

Drink clean water and store it properly

One can talk endlessly about the meaning and necessity of water, but can be summarized in one phrase: “without water, neither here nor there!” So if you intend to store water, do it right.

What is the best way to store water?

The structure of an aqueous solution is affected by the container in which it is stored. Experimentally, it was found that the best option is if the water is stored in

• silver jug;
• utensils made of steel or enamel;
• glass

The greatest biological activity was observed with a combination of silver and light. Scientists have figured out how to store “living” water for drinking. The best option is glassware placed in diffused sunlight. If you add a silver coin or jewelry to it, the quality will improve significantly.

It is considered a bad option to keep the liquid in a plastic bottle or tanks. In synthetic containers, its composition changes significantly for the worse. If the bottle contains tap water, then its storage temperature should not be higher than +7-+10 C. Under such conditions, toxic substances are released less and the proliferation of microorganisms slows down. If the volume of water (19 liters) is not stored correctly, it is used for everyday needs or boiled.

The harm of plastic bottles

Why are plastic bottles dangerous?

It turns out that such containers may contain the chemical substance bisphenol-A.

This is a synthetic analogue of the female sex hormone.

And this harmful substance from the plastic bottle can penetrate into water or liquid, and then into the human body.

If you drink water from plastic bottles, you are increasing the amount of bisphenol in your body. And high concentrations of this substance are very harmful to humans. Let's find out what exactly the danger is.

• Bisphenol has harmful effects on boys and young men. Even a slight increase in the concentration of this substance can lead to a malfunction of the hormonal glands. Due to the poisoning of the body with bisphenol-A upon reaching puberty, there is a high probability of disruption of the process of sperm creation.
• For men, water from plastic bottles is no less harmful. First, increased concentrations of bisphenol increase the likelihood of prostate cancer. Secondly, bisphenol also has a negative effect on men’s health, as it disrupts hormonal levels.
• Girls and women are also susceptible to the negative effects of bisphenol. This harmful chemical promotes early puberty in girls and can also cause breast cancer in women. Female reproductive functions are also affected.
• Pregnant women are generally contraindicated to drink water from plastic bottles, since due to bisphenol poisoning, the child may be born with birth defects, for example, problems with the cardiovascular system. Problems with hormonal levels are no less likely. Scientists suggest that bisphenol-A can even have a negative effect on the structure of DNA.

So, the harm of plastic bottles lies in the contamination of the human body with a foreign chemical - bisphenol-A. Which, in turn, leads to general intoxication of the body and the consequences listed above.

«But everyone drinks water from plastic and nothing...

- you say. Let's figure out why plastic bottles are dangerous.

1⃣ Firstly, it all depends on the regularity of drinking water from plastic bottles. Scientists at Harvard University conducted a study and found that drinking cold plastic liquids for just one week increases the level of bisphenol in urine by 69%.

2⃣ Secondly, the release of bisphenol depends on temperature. The higher the temperature, the more active water pollution occurs with bisphenol from plastic. That is, ordinary summer heat can increase the concentration of harmful substances in water tenfold. Well, if you fill plastic bottles with hot liquid or specially heat them, the release of bisphenol will increase up to 55 times! This fact should be known to parents who heat milk in plastic bottles for their children.

What to do? It is necessary to reduce the intake of bisphenol into the body.

That is, use plastic bottles less often. Replacing them, for example, with glass ones, will have a positive effect on your health.

You can also look for plastic bottles without bisphenol-A: some manufacturers, sensing increased demand and, accordingly, the smell of money, began to produce safer containers for liquids. This is indicated on the packaging. Of course, in addition to bisphenol, there may be other harmful substances, but at least you will get rid of the most harmful ones. That is, all we need is to show a little more awareness in everyday life.

Storage errors

For each product, certain rules must be followed to maintain its freshness and benefits. There are several common mistakes when keeping bottled water at home:

• Do not leave liquid in an open container in direct sunlight or near warm radiators while the system is on. Otherwise, mold may form. • Empty containers that are filled with water for drinking from time to time should not be stored in conditions of high humidity or dust. • Bottles should not be left near sources of strong and pungent odor, as the container will absorb it, and the liquid contained inside will acquire an unpleasant taste. • Storage temperature should not be lower than 2 degrees.

What kind of liquid to drink and how to store it correctly, everyone chooses for themselves. The main task is to preserve all the useful components in it and prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms and harmful substances. Compliance with the terms of use indicated on the packaging is an important rule that allows you to preserve human health. When ordering supplies of bottled water, all questions of interest are clarified with the organization’s employees.

— Are all bottled waters suitable for daily drinking?

— Fresh drinking water with a salt content of less than 1 gram per liter is suitable for daily consumption.

Waters with a total salt content of 1 to 15 grams per liter should have restrictions on the volume and duration of continuous consumption. And medicinal mineral waters with a salt content of more than 15 grams per liter should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Previously, we went “to mineral waters” for 24 days, and then for six months we did not drink these waters or drank them in limited quantities. Because even if you drink such well-known mineral waters as “Essentuki” and “Borjomi” constantly, day after day, like drinking water, you can disrupt many functional systems of the body.

— How much do you need to purify the water? At one time there was talk about how you should drink distilled water, purified from literally everything.

— Distilled water, when used for a long time, is just as unsafe for the body as unpurified water. Our body maintains a certain salt homeostasis, salt balance.

If you get completely desalted water, you seem to dilute the concentration of salts that you have inside your body. As a result, the body takes certain protective measures, which, with prolonged use of desalted water, can have a negative impact on health.

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Innovation against plastic

In fact, there is even plastic in tea bags. As of 2021, 95% of them
have a seal at the very top where the plastic is contained.
The simplest and most obvious way to eliminate plastic problems in the future is to stop using it. But although there is active discussion about banning single-use plastic products across Europe, it cannot be expected that all countries will pass relevant laws at once. And even if so, there will still be countries outside the EU where something also needs to be done. Scientists around the world are still trying to come up with simpler ways to recycle plastic. People produce and use a million bottles per minute, of which less than half are recycled. But on a small island near Panama they are solving this problem by using bottles to build houses. Canadian Robert Bezu, who came up with the idea of ​​turning plastic into buildings, admits that the idea came to him after he was tired of collecting bottles on the beaches of the island. The village, by the way, is now called Plastic Bottle Village.

Another innovation is the processing of plastic into oil. About 8% of global oil production is used to produce plastics, a figure predicted to rise to 20% by 2050. Perhaps the best way to recycle plastic is to turn it back into oil so it can be reused. And Japanese scientists have already made a device that is capable of this. The process is surprisingly efficient—it can produce a liter of oil from a kilogram of plastic for just 20 cents.

ReDeTec has developed the first and so far only system that can recycle plastic waste into new filament and then use it for 3D printing.
At the same time, the ProtoCycler printer can load a variety of plastics - from defective 3D models to empty bottles.
Biodegradable packaging options are also emerging.
The drinking water bottle, created by Icelandic designer Ari Jonsson, contains red algae powder and water.
Huge potential has also been found in fungal mycelium. Experiments are ongoing, but it is already clear that such packaging will have natural fire resistance and plasticity. PHOTOS: estradaanton – stock.adobe.com

How to store water

Returning to the issue of plastic bottles, according to manufacturers, it is possible and necessary to store water in them.

Bottled water production line

Plastic water containers are mainly made from food grade PET(E) (polyethylene terephthalate), which is neutral, meaning it does not interact with water and is harmless to health. The plastic markings can be seen - they should be embossed on the bottle. Sometimes you can find bottles made of PVC plastic (it is toxic) or melamine (not suitable for storing water).

The shelf life of water in plastic bottles depends on its quality and averages 6-12 months, so when purchasing, it is advisable to pay attention to the bottling date. For storage, it is better to choose a dark place away from radiators and heating devices, the optimal temperature is 20-30 ℃

Water should not be kept in open bottles for more than 5-7 days.

The shelf life of water in plastic bottles is 6-12 months from the date of bottling

It is recommended to first filter tap water for storage and pour it into a glass, enamel or plastic (PET) container, let it sit for several hours (leave overnight), without closing it tightly, so that the chlorine vapors evaporate. Then the containers with water should be tightly closed and stored at room temperature (no more than 2-3 days) or in the refrigerator.

If you prefer to use only boiled water for drinking, then it is better to keep it in an enamel container under a tightly closed lid in small volumes, that is, do not boil it for future use. How long boiled water can be stored depends on its initial composition and quality, and the degree of preliminary purification. Boiling kills all bacteria existing in water, including beneficial ones, and when boiled water sits for a long time, microorganisms enter it from the external environment, so the effect of boiling is reduced to zero.

Well or spring water is best stored in glass or ceramic (clay) containers. When hermetically sealed, it can retain its natural beneficial properties for up to 3 years. Metal cans or barrels for storing water should only be enameled or coated with another neutral layer on the inside.

Choose proven sources of spring water, such water is dangerous to drink

Storage rules

In order to preserve the beneficial properties and fresh taste of natural water for as long as possible, you need to take care of creating certain conditions. Thus, bottles filled with water must be kept in ventilated areas, protected from direct sunlight and not subject to strong temperature changes.

If a container of water is left near heating devices or in a sunny area of ​​the room, the water will soon turn green, become moldy, change its taste and acquire a musty smell. Drinking such water can cause various intestinal disorders and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Do not place water in bottles in front of a window with sunlight, do not store it near radiators during the heating season.

When going on vacation or a business trip for more than 7 days, be sure to turn off the water cooler and completely drain the water from the cooler, first through the taps and then through the drain plug (be careful when draining hot water). Also, do not leave the open bottle with the pump inside for a long time.

Remember to periodically perform a thorough, internal sanitization of your water cooler.

What to choose

How to properly store water? In what room and container? Here is a list of the most popular options:

Glass. The best option. Glass has no effect on water at all. Does not react, does not impart odor or taste. Glass itself is an environmentally friendly material, and therefore it is best to store water in it, especially for children. In this case, the shape, color and size do not matter at all. The disadvantages are the weight and fragility of the containers. The bottles are quite heavy, and therefore lifting them “with one left hand” is hardly possible. Place glass containers away from children in those cabinets that the child either cannot crawl into or cannot reach. "Stainless steel" and aluminum. Our compatriots still have the habit of storing water in metal cans. What can you do, because in Soviet times it was impossible to find plastic bottles during the day and with fire. However, we must give such “ware” its due - it is better than plastic. Much stronger than glass, it cannot be broken, but it can easily be bent. So be careful. Some people note that water, after standing in stainless or aluminum cans, acquired a metallic taste. Plastic. This type of “ware” is the cheapest and most popular. Only the water in it has the shortest shelf life. You need to select plastic bottles with extreme care. There is a very high risk of buying a product made from low-quality toxic material.

Trust your sense of smell - if the container gives off a persistent chemical “aroma”, pay attention to other options.

After purchase, any container must be thoroughly washed. Don’t forget to add detergent there (the option for dishes is perfect), pour warm water and let it sit for several days. Then rinse the container thoroughly and can be used for its intended purpose.

What about clay jugs and enamel dishes? These options are also great.

What determines the period of preservation of liquid properties and how does packaging affect this?

The period of time during which the liquid retains its properties in full directly depends on how carefully the rules for storing and transporting the goods were followed.

General technical information regarding drinking water packaged in containers is specified in GOST 32220-2013.

The duration of water storage is also affected by the container in which it was poured:

• Plastic packaging is the modern and most common option. In its manufacture, polyethylene terephthalate is used, a material that does not enter into chemical reactions with liquid.
• Glass containers are less convenient, but at the same time they are the safest material. Glass does not react with the contents of bottles even after long-term storage.

The period during which water poured into plastic containers retains its beneficial properties directly depends on the quality of the packaging used.

Liquid poured into glass containers has a longer shelf life, since glass practically does not react with other substances. Plastic, even intended for use in the food industry, over time begins to release substances hazardous to health.

Drinking bottled in bottles up to 19 liters

Bottled water has a shelf life of 3 to 24 months. After opening, its beneficial properties persist for 3-5 days. As a rule, the liquid is bottled in containers from 0.33 to 19 liters, and the volume does not affect the duration of its storage. This is true for both purified tap water and artesian water.

In accordance with the standards of GOST 32220-2013, section 11 - the shelf life of packaged water, starting from the date of its actual spill, is established by the manufacturer of the product based on the recommendations of national authorities exercising sanitary and epidemiological control and supervision.

Mineral, packaged in containers

Mineral water can also be stored in sealed bottles for 2 years; after opening the package, it can be consumed for the next 5 days if stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of +4 to 8 degrees Celsius.

Is it possible to store gasoline in plastic containers?

Gas stations are high-risk sites. Occupational safety requirements are becoming more stringent every year, and now you can often see the announcement “Fuel is not sold in plastic and glass containers.” Most often, notices are placed at gas stations located along regional highways. Cashiers and gas station attendants explain the ban in different ways. As a rule, they refer to internal orders and instructions. In addition, there are many rumors about this among drivers.

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Based on this, a logical question arises: “Can it be stored in plastic canisters?” Before answering it, you should consider the reasons why gas stations do not want to fill containers made of polymer materials:

1. Fire hazard. Plastic, unlike metal, is a dielectric material and can accumulate static electricity. Gasoline has the same property. Electric potential accumulates when two dielectrics interact. During long-term storage, there is a high risk of sparks and fuel ignition. For the same reason, all refueling equipment is grounded. Through it, the static charge safely goes into the ground. In practice, cases of fuel detonation after the occurrence of an electrical discharge are extremely rare. However, this is the main reason for the ban.
2. Low chemical resistance. Plastic containers of unknown origin may simply dissolve when exposed to gasoline. First of all, this applies to containers designed for storing food products. The use of special containers made of sustainable polymer materials allows us to solve this problem. Fuel tanks of modern cars are made of high-quality antistatic plastic, which is absolutely safe to use.
3. Pressure changes. Gasoline is a volatile liquid. When the ambient temperature rises, excess pressure is created in the container. An ordinary container may simply burst. This will most likely happen in the trunk of your car.

Drivers have their own point of view. The following arguments are used:

1. Underfilled. Using a transparent container of known volume, you can easily identify unscrupulous refillers. Large companies that value their reputation are unlikely to engage in such manipulations.
2. Low quality fuel. During the refueling process, there is no way to visually assess the clarity of gasoline. Thus, anything can be poured into the tank. Using an ordinary plastic bottle, you can assess the purity of the fuel on the spot.

To summarize, we can conclude that refueling and storing gasoline can be carried out in cans made of special plastic. In many supermarkets and shopping centers you can see containers of various sizes on sale. The inscription "gasoline" or "petrol" indicates that they are intended for storing gasoline. Polymers that do not collect static voltage are used as the main material here. The product has a certificate of conformity, which you should carry with you. He can help in case of disputes with gas station employees.

The safety of our plastic containers

The risk of purchasing a low-quality product that has toxic properties is reduced to zero if you pay attention to storage conditions and manufacturer’s instructions. So our plastic containers:

• certified and have permission
  to transport and store water and food products. The containers comply with SanPin standards “Drinking. Hygienic requirements for centralized drinking water supply systems. Quality control and ensuring the safety of systems" and GOST "Drinking. General requirements for the organization and methods of quality control”, “Natural drinking minerals. General technical conditions", "For laboratory analysis. Technical conditions";
• have lids with a breathing valve
  : water does not stagnate, the valve is hermetically closed, easy to use - you don’t have to unscrew the entire lid, but just open the valve;
• Suitable for long-term storage of water and food products
  . Our plastic containers do not emit or absorb unpleasant odors: water and other products retain their taste, smell and appearance - they do not become cloudy;
• can be recycled. At the same time, our containers are not disposable products: they can be used on an ongoing basis.

Buy plastic containers and reservoirs only from trusted manufacturers who have all the necessary documents for the sale of containers suitable for transportation, storage and accumulation of drinking water and food products.

What kind of water do you need

There is a common myth that almost any water sold in bottles is mineral. Of course this is not true. All bottled water can be divided into three main categories: drinking, mineral and artificially mineralized.

Drinking water is ordinary water from the city water supply, which has been purified and bottled with beautiful labels. It doesn't have enough salts to be considered a mineral. At the same time, drinking water is safe for health; it can be used both to quench thirst and for cooking, brewing tea, coffee and other drinks.

Natural mineral water is obtained from artesian wells - holes in the soil of natural or artificial origin. Their depth ranges from 30 to 250 meters, depending on the level at which the underground springs lie. Artesian water may contain calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and other biologically active substances. Drinking mineral waters in treatment and rehabilitation, which are beneficial for health. It is used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Artificially mineralized water is ordinary drinking water that has been enriched with minerals and bottled. The problem is that it is almost impossible to artificially achieve the same ratio of salts and biologically active substances as in natural mineral water. Therefore, mineralized water does not have a preventive or therapeutic effect.

Any bottled water - drinking, mineral or artificially mineralized - can be carbonated or still.

Types of plastic and markings

Bottles for the food industry are made from different types of plastic. You can find out what type of plastic is used in the purchased container by looking at its bottom, where the markings are indicated. It is this marking that will help you find out for what purposes this plastic can be used, and for what it is better not to use it.

• PET (PETE) - disposable bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate. They are suitable for temporary storage of water. If you store liquid for a longer time than drink manufacturers recommend for a PET bottle, then the plastic will begin to release heavy metals and substances that disrupt human hormonal balance.
• PVC (V) is ordinary polyvinyl chloride. Bottles made from this material can be used to store vegetable oil. At the same time, experts recommend avoiding contact of such a bottle with direct sunlight, because under certain conditions it can also release harmful substances.
• HDP (HDPE) is a material that is completely safe for human health. This is why most plastic bottles are made from it. Mineral water and household chemicals can be stored equally well in such bottles.
• LDPE is low density polyethylene. It is also considered safe for health, so water and food can be stored in products made from this material. In addition, bottles made of this polyethylene can store water for a long time, because no harmful substances are released during use and constant contact with the liquid.
• PS is a polystyrene material. It is very light and strong, so polystyrene bottles are less likely to bend or warp. You can store any food products and water in them, because the material does not emit harmful substances. Suitable for cold liquids only.
• PP - polypropylene. This is the safest type of plastic bottle and is even used to make baby bottles. You can store absolutely everything from it in bottles. That is why most beer manufacturers choose this material to produce bottles for their product. Requirements for storing alcohol in disposable containers mean that plastic beer bottles must have a composition that does not release any harmful substances into the drink. In addition, beer should not change its chemical composition at all from contact with the container.
• PC is polycarbonate. This type of plastic is the most harmful and is rarely suitable for storing drinks and ordinary water. It releases harmful substances that negatively affect the hormonal balance of the body. To neutralize the negative impact, manufacturers specifically indicate a short shelf life during which the product must be consumed. Under no circumstances should you drink water from such a bottle after its expiration date.

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Subtleties of drinking water storage

Everyone knows the saying “water is the basis of life.” It is especially relevant in our time, when tap water for drinking and domestic needs must be further purified. Some people install filtration systems in their homes, others buy purified water in special plastic bottles. This raises the question, how long can you store water in plastic, and is it possible at all?

Despite the fact that tap water undergoes multi-level purification using a variety of filters and chemicals, its quality and taste are far from the required standards.

Even after standing for a long time, tap water changes color, a green or rusty sediment and an unpleasant odor appear in it. Drinking such water is extremely dangerous.

Distilled

Distilled water is obtained by distillation in special devices called distillers.

The liquid is cleared of mineral salts and trace elements, after which it acquires properties similar to those of melt water from mountain peaks.

Distilled water is an excellent solvent.

It differs from ordinary water in that it has a higher boiling point and a lower freezing point.

Areas of application of distilled water:

• car parts care;
• antifreeze dilution;
• in windshield washers;
• steam equipment, irons, air humidifiers;
• cleaning of measuring instruments;
• for laboratory research;
• in pharmacology.

In theory, distilled water can be drunk.

But still, it is not suitable for daily drinking.

After all, it lacks mineral salts and microelements - essential components of a complete human diet.

It has been noticed that the less of them is contained in water, the higher the risk of developing dangerous diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and caries.

The production of distilled water is regulated by GOST 6709–72.

After this period, the water becomes acidic, which can cause distortion of test results, affect the quality of medicines, etc.

For use for other purposes, the shelf life is unlimited.

Water is stored in closed polyethylene bottles, as well as in ceramic, glass or enamel vessels.

But when stored in a tightly closed container, the substance may acquire a musty odor over time.

To avoid this, calcium chloride tubes filled with lime are inserted into the lid and covered with cotton wool.

Part 2. Local problem, or Is drinking from plastic harmful?

The more garbage there is on the planet, the more harmful the environment in which we live, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Let's call it a systemic problem. But much more often people are concerned about the local issue of their own health, rather than the environmental situation in the Pacific Ocean.

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So, you buy water in a plastic bottle. What's happening? What harmful substances enter your body? Do they pose a risk of poisoning? Do they cause cancer? To be honest, there is practically nothing to worry about here, otherwise plastic containers would have been banned long ago. There are a number of assumptions and hypotheses claiming that contact of various types of plastic with water leads to the release of carcinogenic compounds into the liquid, but there is no direct evidence of this.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely involved in research in this area. Up until 2010, virtually all FDA reports concluded that they lacked statistical material. But in January 2010, the FDA suddenly released a large amount of material about the potential harm of plastic containers for water and food, and, moreover, described very specific diseases and their causes. In particular, bisphenol A (C15H16O2), one of the main components of plastic and a participant in the “plastic revolution” of the 1960s, was recognized as a dangerous substance. It has been proven that when food is heated or stored for a long time in containers containing bisphenol A, it actually passes into the food and can lead to serious poisoning, in particular, damage to hormonal function and a decrease in the amount of sex and thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Therefore, in a number of countries around the world, after the publication of the report, the use of plastics containing bisphenol A in baby food containers and feeding bottles was banned. Various articles emphasize that Canada was the first to do this, even before the publication of the report, but this is not entirely true, because back in 1997, bisphenol was abandoned in Japan - based on the results of its own local studies.

On many plastic products, even those not intended for direct contact with food, you can often find the BPA FREE marking, that is

There are a number of other studies on this topic. All the results boil down to one conclusion: it is possible to store water and food in plastic. But not for too long (different times vary for different plastics). But you shouldn’t heat it up at all, especially above 60 °C.

It is worth noting here that polyethylene terephthalate, from which the lion’s share of all bottles are made, is still considered safe for health; it does not contain bisphenol A or other potentially harmful substances. But let us remember: the FDA has been thinking about bisphenol for more than 10 years. And then I thought of it. So rely on the doctors, but don’t make a mistake yourself. In addition, we note separately that the same bisphenol is often found in packages where it should not be by default, since it is removed at the production stage. But, apparently, not completely.

Controversial, but still direct harm from the use of plastics is complemented by global harm caused to the environment - we mentioned this above. We drank from a disposable plastic bottle and threw it away. It seems like they didn’t harm themselves, but the world around them, yes. And this accumulated harm leads to the poisoning of the earth and animals, and through them it ricochets back to us.

So where does all this garbage go if it doesn't end up in recycling plants?

Common myths about plastic surgery

In addition to popularity and demand, various myths have developed around plastic containers. In particular, myths about the harm that containers cause to the body.

Myth 1. Chemicals

Some experts claim that plastic containers contain bisphenol-A, a substance that causes cancer. However, recent studies have proven that the release of bisphenol-A into food and water is extremely low - 4000 times less than the permissible limit.

Myth 2. Environmentally friendly

Plastic packaging is thought to be non-recyclable, but this is not true. In fact, containers from garbage cans go to recycling: they are washed with a solution and crushed. The resulting plastic granules and flakes are used in the production of plastic furniture, clothing, road surfaces, and car components.

Myth 3. Recycling

Contrary to popular belief, plastic can be safely recycled. Yes, unlike paper, it decomposes slowly on its own. Therefore, in the production of plastic containers, a catalyst is used that accelerates the process of self-decomposition.

In addition, the use and disposal of other materials causes no less harm to the environment. Thus, glass containers are disadvantageous due to expensive transportation, which requires 9 times more fuel, and paper packaging requires 2 times more water and energy.

Myth 4. Storage

Another common myth is that plastic containers cannot be stored in direct sunlight or in areas with high temperatures. It is believed that this is how harmful substances get into water and food. In fact, the sun cannot heat the contents of the container to the temperature at which it can hypothetically release harmful substances.

Most rumors about the unecological and dangerous nature of plastic food containers are exaggerated. It only causes real harm if used incorrectly.