Ideal Bite

There are charities that collect these as well We have a collection going on in our town now for bottle caps so be sure to check around on that!

Hi I'm concerned with many suggestions not only on your site but many others when it comes to making crafts or other things with plastics. I understand that we as a community want to use the three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle)... and live responsibly. And I'm happy that you all try hard to find ways to do that. However, there are some things we should never buy, never use, and never reuse. And plastics are one of those products we shouldn't use. Even if we ignore the environmental dangers and hazards plastics possess, there are many health risks from interacting with plastics. But to tell you the truth, the health risks of using plastics is actually a broad and misleading statement. There is actually very little we know about Plastics especially about health risks. Reasons for this is because there has been almost no studies performed on them. To date there are only a few studies. The few studies that have been done have been on only certain plastics such as PVC, recycle number 7,3 and 6. Studies have been done on chemicals such as BPA and phthalates which have been found in all sorts of plastics. So far these few studies and researches have found horrible health risks... and this is just on the plastics they have studied. No research has been performed on recycle number plastics 1,2,4 and 5. That's scary! Due to this and of course the environmental damage that plastics create I believe it is a duty and a responsibility to not buy, use and especially not reuse any plastic. So, back to your suggestions of making stuff or reusing plastic for other things. Many of the plastics which you suggest making crafts with contain BPA. Like those bottle caps. And even many of those water bottles and soda bottles contain it too. I think the side of caution is best when it comes to suggesting using any materials for crafts or projects, especially when you are suggesting these projects for children. I ask that in the future you will please be thoughtful of health and risks when making suggestions. Thank you for your dedication in providing us suggestions for helping us all improve our lives and helping us actively protect the environment. I enjoy reading your Bites. Keep up the good work.

http://www.preserveproducts.com/gimme5/ Preserve accepts your #5 plastics (Whole Foods drop off or through the mail) to use in making their products such as toothbrushes and razors. This is the company that has been recycling Stonyfield yogurt cups into toothbrushes, they are now expanding their product line.

If we don't recycle our plastics, the manufactors will simply start from scratch to get their plastic products that can me made by utilizing recycled plastics. And, personally, I see nothing wrong with using a plastic garbage can!

Just wanted to reiterate that Whole Foods does accept #5 plastics to recycle, that's super easy, just collect and drop off when you're picking up groceries!

Here in Philadelphia, they take all types of product (paper, glass, aluminum, plastics) all at once. Sometimes I see them throw trash in with everything else. How do they sort it all out? It seems like a huge mess!!

The ring that comes with the top on milk jugs makes the base of a realy cut crocheted Christmas ornament. Elaine

Just want to say a big thank you for acknowledging this topic. I have been wondering what to do with the lids as our recycling place prefers caps off. I feel so bad throwing them away and have started collecting them. I will check into the suggestions given. I do agree with the comment about reusing plastics with children. It may not be safe. What about recycling the glass jar lids? They aren't plastic. Any thoughts??? I really enjoy your bites. Laurie

How do we know which plastic # a cap is? I know the bottle is stamped on the bottom, but I don't recall seeing the same stamp on the caps? And I agree with George, much better not to use at all if possible. I haven't been able to figure out an alternative for plastic trash bags (at least they now make recycled plastic trash bags) or plastic garbage cans. I had metal cans, and the garbagemen just destroy them. Cosmetics is another challenge, it's frustratingly difficult to find cosmetics with metal cases, something where you can simply refill the container.

I read about Aveda salon's recycling of plastic caps in Galmour magazine. I was thrilled to hear of this, so I collected the caps and brought them into the nearest Aveda salon. They wouldn't accept them, they had never heard of Aveda doing such a thing. I then went to the second nearest Aveda salon. Same thing. Disheartened, I went back home with my bags of lids, where they sit in my basement waiting for someone to finally accept them. I'm thinking- lazy salon owners?? I live in downstate NY and believe me, the masses here are incredibly unconcerned with recycling efforts. It's sad.