Recycle Lady: Xylitol, Hard Plastics and More

Dear Recycle Lady,

Thanks for the information on plant-based cleaners. However, I have some suggestions for additional information to your response last week to Cleaner-Upper. The most important benefit of choosing plant-based cleaners over chemical cleaners is their safety and the absence of toxic chemicals in your home. The ingredients in chemical cleaning products have been linked to asthma, allergies, endocrine disruption, and even cancer. According to the Consumer Report article, https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/choose-healthier-and-more-sustainable-cleaning-products-a3827765097/ , there is no federal law, at this time, requiring companies to list all ingredients in cleaning products. It further states that “using cleaner cleaning products with safer ingredients leads to healthier living spaces.” Homecourt mentions the environmental impact of chemical cleaners on their website, https://homecourt.co/blogs/cleaners/a-healthier-home-the-advantages-of-plant-based-cleaners . Since plant-based cleaners are designed to be biodegradable, they decompose rapidly into non-toxic, harmless components that are absorbed safely in the environment. Plant-Based Cleaner

Dear Plant-Based Cleaner,

You are absolutely correct! Using non-chemical, non-toxic cleaners in our homes is definitely healthier for humans and healthier for the environment. The two websites given explain clearly why this is true and how to achieve this goal. Many thanks for the info.

Dear Recycle Lady,

Many foods in the grocery store are packaged in #5 plastic containers. I have heard that these containers are toxic. Is it safe to reuse these containers? Is it safe to use them in a microwave? Like Plastics

Dear Like Plastics,

Polypropylene plastics, or #5 plastics, are considered safe to use in the microwave as they are heat-resistant and stable under heating. Number 5 plastics are hard plastic; thus, they can tolerate both extreme cold as well as extreme heat. They stay cool even when heated, whereas other types of plastics become hot, causing them to warp or melt. When this happens, the plastic may leach harmful chemicals into the food. If you are unsure of the type of plastic your container is made of, do this short test. Put some water in the container and microwave it for 30 seconds. If the container gets hot, it is not safe for microwaving. One word of caution, #5 plastics, or any other types of plastic, are not oven-safe. They will melt in the high heat and may cause your oven to catch fire. Incidentally, #5 plastics are not recyclable locally.

Dear Recycle Lady,

This isn’t about recycling, but I thought it was good information for readers, especially dog owners. Kentucky-based veterinarian, Dr. Matt McGlasson, has cautioned that there are potentially fatal consequences if dogs eat sugar-free foods such as candy, gum, baked goods, pudding snacks and peanut butter as they contain a sugar substitute called xylitol. Dog Lover

Dear Dog Lover,

Thanks for alerting readers to the dangers of xylitol. According to https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs , when dogs eat xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause a profound drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Higher doses cause liver failure. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 if xylitol has been ingested by your dog.

Good News : Parley’s Global Cleanup Network, a worldwide alliance of organizations, is clearing plastic from beaches, rivers, mangroves and coastal communities in 30 countries. They are working to protect marine environments from plastic and to address the flow of plastic waste in waterways.

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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