Many chemicals in plastic utensils or containers
According to Preeti Mahesh of Toxic Link, there are many chemicals in plastic utensils or containers. These chemicals react with hot food. It is very important to check plastic containers but it is rarely seen. So there are a lot of questions on the quality as well. He told that chemical is used to make these plastic containers. This makes it dangerous. Its quality deteriorates after every use. What kind of chemical is being used in the container and what are its disadvantages should be researched. When 20 products were banned, it was said that a list of other things will also be brought in which it can also be included, but till now we have not been able to ban only the first twenty items. A lot of research has been done on water bottles that it has been proved that microplastics are coming in the water. But there hasn’t been much research into food yet. A lot of work needs to be done on this.
Which are the safe plastic containers?
According to experts, not every plastic container can be considered dangerous. Plastic containers with #2, #4, and #5 printed on the bottom are considered safe to hold and store food. While #1 remains printed under the single use plastic. This means that after one use it has to be destroyed or recycled. Whereas plastic containers with #7 print are considered the most dangerous. It contains a lot of BPA and food should never be stored in it.
what is option
New products are coming. Plastic containers for sugarcane waste are coming. It is biodegradable and strong too. But right now the demand is low so their prices are high. If their demand increases, then their rates are also likely to decrease. But for that the government and people will have to take initiative. According to the CSE report, Delhi has the highest usage of 20 single-use plastics banned after Maharashtra. This survey was done recently.
what precautions to take
- Avoid keeping hot food in plastic containers
- Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave
- Do not re-use these containers
- While taking a plastic container, pay attention to its mark and also understand its meaning.
- Delivery containers are mostly made for single use because they are cheap