Everything About Plastics

Explanation
Plastics labeled #4, #2 high-density polyethylene, and #5 polypropylene, have not been found to transmit any harmful chemicals into your food. #1 polyethylene, used in disposable water and soda bottles, is also a safer plastic, although research has found heavy metal antimony in water stored in these bottles for long periods of time.

- National Geographic, Food Safety & Storage

Explanation
Sometimes referred to as "excrement of oil," plastics are made from leftovers of the petroleum industry. But what's worse is that some plastics are derived from the same natural gas that, instead of being used to heat homes, is being turned into a disposable water bottle that will be thrown away.

-National Geographic, Green Guide

Explanation
New containers and packaging made from polylactic acid (PLA) can be made from a variety of plants, including potatoes, corn and sugar cane. These plants all contain a sugar called dextrose, which is separated from the plats, fermented, dehydrated and then crystallized to form PLA polymers that can take the place of plastic in many products.