Do you know what the number inside the triangle represents?
I’ll tell you their significance.
- Number 1 inside the triangle as shown in the above picture represents the plastic is made of Polyethylene terephthalate. (PET)
This plastic is safe for single use and should never be heated.
If you observe carefully, there’ll be a message on the cover saying:
CRUSH THE BOTTLE AFTER USE.
These are commonly used for bottled water and soft drink bottles.
Please don’t use the bottle after its expiry date. The plastic disintegrates eventually after the expiry date. You’ll end up drinking water along with minute amounts of plastic which is very dangerous.
SAVE YOUR LIFE
- Number 2 inside the triangle represents the container is made of High-Density Polyethylene . These plastics can be reused and refilled.
Commonly used for detergent, shampoos containers etc.
- If you see number 3 inside the triangle, avoid the usage of that plastic immediately. They contain carcinogens (these plastics are made of PVC)
Commonly found in peanut butter jars,Shower curtains,cling wrap,waterbeds,pool toys etc.
Inflatable structures
Clothing
- You can reuse the plastic if it has number 4 inside the triangle. These are commonly used as reusable bags especially for shopping.
Common usage: Grocery store bags, plastic wrap, dry cleaning bags, shopping bags etc.
- Number 5 inside the triangle is the safest. You’ll find it in ice creams cups, straws and syrup bottles.
- Common usage: Medical storage, food storage.
- Number 6 inside the triangle is dangerous and number 7 inside the triangle is deadly. PLEASE AVOID
They are made of polystyrene and polycarbonate BISPHENOL A (BPA).
HORMONE DISRUPTORS
Continuous usage might lead to cancer, heart diseases.
Common usage: Plastic spoons, plastic forks, water bottles (mostly used by athletes)
Footnotes