Recycle Lady: Plastics Information and Banana Peels

Dear Recycle Lady,

Last week you said #5 plastics were safe for microwaving. What about #2 and #4 plastics? Are they safe in the microwave? Curious Reader

Dear Curious Reader,

Good Question. High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) or #2 plastics are safe for microwaving. They are often considered the safest choice for microwaving. However, #4 plastics are made of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and are not considered safe to microwave. Plastics #1, #3, #6, and #7 are not considered safe for microwaving either as they contain BPA that can leach into the food, making it dangerous to eat. The overuse of plastic containers in microwaves increases the chance of harmful chemicals leaching into your food. So, when you are using plastic containers in the microwave here are several precautions you should take. First of all, never use high power and only defrost or reheat food; never cook food in a plastic container. Food in a plastic container should not be heated for more than three minutes, and hot food should not be left in the plastic container. Transfer it to a glass container or plate so the hot food is not exposed to hot plastics. The best way to make sure your food heats up evenly is to use short intervals, stirring in between the intervals. This cuts down on the total microwaving time, which reduces the chances of plastic melting or leaching harmful chemicals into your food.

Dear Recycle Lady,

My family eats lots of bananas. Is there any way to reuse the banana peels? Healthy Eater

Dear Healthy Eater,

According to a 2013 study, about 40 million tons of banana peels, worldwide, are disposed of or go unused every year. You are not alone in wanting to reuse your banana peels, as banana peels do have a second life. For example, banana peels can be used to polish leather by rubbing the peel against the outer side of the leather, and then buffing it with a soft cloth. Peels can also be used to fertilize your plants. First, soak the peels in a jar of water, then mix five parts tap water to one part banana water. A 2011 article in “Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology” found that banana peels contain many healthy antioxidants like carotenoids and polyphenols, so some people use banana peels as a way to enrich food dishes and drinks. Chop the peels, boil them for 10 minutes and add to your favorite dish.  Who knew banana peels had so many uses?

Dear Recycle Lady

Why is the month of July called Plastic-Free July? Want to Know

Dear Want to Know,

The Plastic Free July Challenge, a global social movement, began in 2011 in Western Australia as an annual challenge to help empower people to reduce single-use plastic. The challenge, which began with only 40 participants, had an estimated 89 million participants in over 190 countries last year in the 2023 challenge. To join the 2024 Plastic Free July Challenge go to https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge , click on “Take the Challenge” and pledge to reduce the use of one single-use plastic item, target takeaway items, or be “plastic free” in July.

Good/Bad News: Laws have been passed in 42 countries that end or limit cosmetics testing on animals. Unfortunately, the US is not one of these countries.

Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling?   Send questions or requests Recyclelady7@gmail.com . Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.

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