It's difficult to imagine life without plastics, and the benefits they provide are far too numerous to count. Even so, precaution is warranted when using plastics, especially in the kitchen, where some of the toxic chemicals they're made from can leach into the foods we eat and drink. Here are ways to keep your family safe without sacrifice:

• Microwave food only in glassware or in microwave-safe ceramics–including so-called "microwave safe" containers, and the containers that come with microwaveable foods. It's currently unknown whether heating the materials these containers are made from cause unhealthy chemicals to pass into foods. Use only microwave-safe ceramics and glassware for microwave cooking.
• Similarly, do not serve or store foods, especially hot foods or foods made with fats or oils in plastic containers. Hot foods more readily cause plastic leaching, and fatty foods more easily absorb the chemicals that result. Use glass, metal, or ceramics instead.
• Store leftovers, school lunches, and other foods in containers labeled with the recycling codes #2 HDPE, #4 LDPE and #5 PP, which have been found to be generally safe for food storage.
• Don't reuse containers made from #1 PETE, like disposable water and soda bottles. While generally safe for single uses, some evidence suggests that with repeat uses this plastic leaches two “possible human carcinogens” called DEHA and acetaldehyde.
• Avoid #7 polycarbonate food storage containers and plastic water and infant bottles. This plastic has been found to release a chemical called bisphenol-A into edibles stored in containers made from it. Choose safe plastics and metal water bottles instead.
• If you are unsure whether a specific container is safe, line it with unbleached wax paper first to ensure that the food stored inside doesn't make contact with any surfaces.
• Don't wash plastic containers with dishwasher detergents containing chlorine. This harsh alkali chemical can accelerate the leaching of toxic plastic compounds.

• Avoid deli-wrap and similar products. When foods like sliced cheese and meats are sold in plastic bags and or plastic deli wrap, transfer them as soon as possible to unbleached wax paper, foil, or a safe container.
• Throw out any old plastic containers, especially those that are heavily worn and/or scratched. Older plastics tend to leach increasing amounts of toxins as they age. Newer plastic is generally safer.
• Play it safe and only use glass bottles for infant feedings. Never feed an infant out of a plastic container of any kind.
• According to the Green Guide, the following brand name containers and wraps have been found not to leach toxic compounds into the foods that come into contact with them:
  • BestYet Storage Containers
  • Gladware Containers
  • Gladware Store 'n Eat
  • Rubbermaid EZ Topps
  • Rubbermaid Cereal Keeper
  • Rubbermaid Takealongs*
  • Rubbermaid Seal 'n Save*
  • Rubbermaid Pour 'n Save*
  • Rubbermaid Servin' Saver*
  • Tupperware Bowls (all)
  • Tupperware Crystal Wave Microwave Containers
  • Tupperware Modular Mates
  • Ziploc Snap 'n Seal
  • Ziploc Table Tops Bowls
  • Tupperware FreezeSmart
  • BestYet Clear Plastic Wrap
  • Glad Cling Wrap
  • Glad Food Storage Bags
  • Glad Freezer Bags
  • Glad Sandwich Bags
  • Hefty Baggies
  • Hefty OneZip Slider Bags
  • Saran Cling Plus
  • Ziploc Bags
  • Ziploc Double Guard Freezer Bags
  • Pyrex Glass Food Storage Containers
  • Rubbermaid Chuggables Bottles*
  • Rubbermaid Sippin' Sport Bottles*
  • Evenflo Colored Baby Bottles
  • Evenflo Baby Bottles (opaque, pastel)
  • Gerber Baby Bottles (colors)
  • Medela Baby Bottles
  • Lamby Glass Baby Bottles
  • Evenflo Glass Baby Bottles
  • #4 Brita Fill & Go Water Filtration Bottle
  • #2 Rubbermaid Pitchers (colors)*
  • #5 Rubbermaid Chuggables Bottles*
  • #5 Rubbermaid Sippin' Sport Bottles*
  • #5 Rubbermaid Cool Contours "Chug"; Style Bottles*
  • #5 Rubbermaid Water Bottles*
    
    *Rubbermaid lids and bases are made of different kinds of plastic; the lids are a #4 and the bases are #5. Both are generally safe.