GREEN TIP: Confused about Plastics?

You're not alone. Experts have reached a consensus and recommend that you avoid these varieties -- identified by a triangle and number on the bottom of most containers -- for the following reasons:

1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.

2. Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.

3. Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated, or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, this is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.