Do not microwave** in plastic containers or plastic wrap. If you must use the microwave, try a paper towel, plate or napkin. Use metal or wooden cooking utensils instead of plastic. Store foods in glass or ceramic, other than plastic where possible. Choose beverages that come in glass bottles or store opened drinks in glass containers. This information was taken from a recent newsletter produced by 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition. Check out their new website www.1in9.org This group is very environmentally active. Many strong statewide(NY) initiatives have been pushed forward with their help. Most people know that the women of Long Island have helped create an awareness of the connection between cancer and the environment. And from the Green Guide: Safer Plastics for Storing Foods by Andreea Matei For the environment's sake, it's best to reuse water bottles and avoid plastic packaging, choosing glass, metal, paper or ceramics instead. But when plastics are the only choice, look for options with recycling codes #1 PETE, #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP (on the bottom of containers). Of these, #1 and #2 are most commonly recycled. As they are generally not recyclable, avoid #3 PVC or V (poly vinyl chloride), #6 PS (polystyrene) and #7 (polycarbonate) plastics. PVC's manufacture and incineration release dioxins, which are carcinogens and hormone disruptors. In contact with foods, especially hot, fatty foods, PVC can also leach chemicals such as adipates and phthalates, which have been shown in mice to cause birth defects and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems. Polycarbonate plastic can release bisphenol A, a suspected hormone disruptor, into liquids and foods it touches. Most 1, 1.5 and 2 liter, and some half-liter water bottles are made from #1 and #2 plastic. **Ann's NOTE: One recent study demonstrated a change in the blood when microwaved food was eaten. Several animal studies have shown "failure to thrive" when the animals on are placed on a diet of microwaved food. Hey, they don't call it "nuking" for nothing! Ann has been using glass and not plastic for many years. She is 'sensitive' to plastic and can barely tolerate the bandages used in hospitals. LINK Grass roots advocacy, emphasis on environment Annie Berthold-Bond www.Care2.com Trimellitic Acid from Epoxy Anhydride Can Coating in Food No Harm Plastics www.noharm.org Good - Bad and Okay Plastics Phthalates in cosmetics and medical devices Phthalate Alters Metabolism of Estrogen (Young Female Mice) Mothers Exposed to Phthalates - Son's Reproductive Problems J Current Biology, 4/03 Bisphenol A Contaminates Food (from Can Coatings) EPA MUST Reassess Health Risk of Bisphosphenol-A BPA & BBP Alter Breast Genes (Rats) News@Nature.com, April 2005 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.