Alexei Volkov
Plastic is ubiquitous in our lives, from buying and storing food in plastic containers to using plastic products in our gardens. With the rise of container gardening, it is important to ask: does growing food in plastic harm you? Plastic does release chemicals into the soil, which can be absorbed by plants and end up on our dinner plates. While most of these chemicals are at very low levels and considered safe, some compounds, such as phthalates, have been linked to adverse health effects in humans. It is also worth noting that not all plastics are created equal—some types of plastic, like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), are known to release additives, while others, like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are considered safer for food consumption. As consumers, it is essential to be vigilant about the potential health risks associated with plastic use and make informed choices to protect our health and the environment.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic leaching
The type of plastic used plays a crucial role in the potential risks associated with plastic leaching. Plastic marked with a "7" is typically made from polycarbonate or polylactide and is considered one of the most harmful types of plastic. This type of plastic has been proven to leach Bisphenol A (BPA), which has been linked to various health problems. Other types of plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), are generally considered safer options. Recycled plastics, such as recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), are often safer than those made with a mix of new and recycled materials, as they have a lower risk of leaching after the recycling and sterilisation process.
To minimise the risks associated with plastic leaching, it is recommended to avoid using plastic containers for hydroponic setups or storing liquids. Soil allows excess moisture to drain away, reducing the risk of leaching. Additionally, using recycled and BPA-free plastic products can help mitigate potential health risks.
While plastic leaching may not pose a significant health risk, it is important to consider the potential accumulation of chemicals in the food we eat. Certain chemicals, such as phthalates, have been found in the plant tissues of lettuce, strawberries, and carrots, posing potential human health risks through diet. The effects of these chemicals on human health are still being studied, and there is growing evidence linking them to various diseases and health issues.
Overall, while plastic leaching may not be a cause for immediate alarm, it is important to be mindful of the types of plastic used in gardening and to take appropriate measures to minimise potential health risks.
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Microplastics in food
Microplastics are small plastic particles that come from the degradation of plastics. They are found in every ecosystem on the planet, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs. They have been detected in many marine species, drinking water, and numerous foods, such as salt, honey, seafood, sugar, beer, bottled water, milk, and tea.
The presence of microplastics in food is primarily due to environmental contamination where foods are grown or raised. They can also be added during the processing and packaging of food. For example, microplastics can leach from tea bags into the drink. Microplastics can also be added or removed during the cooking process.
There is insufficient scientific evidence to show that microplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into foods and beverages. However, microplastics have been detected in the human body, including in the liver, kidneys, and placentas. Studies have also shown that once absorbed, microplastics can distribute to the liver, spleen, heart, lungs, thymus, reproductive organs, kidneys, and even the brain.
While the current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that the levels of microplastics detected in food pose a risk to human health, the FDA continues to monitor the research and take steps to advance the science to ensure food safety.
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Safe plastics for gardening
Plastic pots do not kill plants. In fact, plastic has been shown to be an efficient, inexpensive, and safe way to grow plants, including fruits and vegetables. Only minimal levels of dangerous chemicals may leech into the soil, and most of those are washed away with regular watering. Gardening pots are made from plastic that is "food safe", meaning that the plastic does not contain high enough levels of harmful chemicals to be considered dangerous.
However, plastic type 7 is a catch-all for anything that doesn't fit into the first six categories, and some of these plastics contain BPA, a harmful compound that has been linked to adverse health effects. Therefore, it is best to avoid type 7 plastics in your garden.
Plastics marked with a 1 are made of Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET. It's one of the most common plastics for food items and is one of the most commonly recycled plastics. However, PET can break down when exposed to light or heat for long periods, so it may not be the best choice for your garden.
Plastics marked with a 3 are made of Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC. PVC is a commonly known type of plastic that shows up in plastic pipes, irrigation, salad dressing bottles, and liquid detergent containers. Most PVC products contain chemicals known as phthalates, which are not the best for humans. Therefore, it is best to avoid PVC setups in your garden.
Plastics marked with a 4 are made with Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). LDPE plastic is very safe in a wide range of temperatures and can even be used in the microwave, making it a good choice for the garden.
Recycled PET that does not include any new plastic in its manufacture is often safer than PET that uses a mix of new and recycled plastics. By the time it's been recycled and sterilized, it's usually much less at risk of leaching.
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Plastic alternatives
The use of plastic for growing food is a rising trend, especially for those with limited space or a short growing season. However, the chemicals in certain types of plastic can leach out and be absorbed by the soil and food, potentially causing health risks.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a type of plastic that is commonly used for food storage and is considered safe for growing plants. It is often used to make milk jugs, detergent bottles, and irrigation piping. HDPE is marked with a 2 inside a triangle and is known for its resistance to UV rays and heat.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is another type of plastic that is safe for growing plants. It is flexible and commonly used for garden hoses, irrigation drip lines, and semi-flexible plastic pots. LDPE is identified by a triangle with the number 4 and is also used for some plastic bags.
Polypropylene (PP)
PP is a strong plastic often used for caps and lids, with the number 5 on the bottom of the product. It has a high melting point and is approved for food contact. PP is sometimes recommended as a cover to protect plants from frost and other elements.
Plant-Based Plastics
Plant-based plastics, or bioplastics, are made from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane, and vegetable oil. They are biodegradable and compostable but may have their own sustainability issues, such as requiring large amounts of water and fertilizer, leading to soil degradation and water pollution.
Plant Polymers
Professor Jeffrey Catchmark and his team at Pennsylvania State University are working on developing plant-based alternatives to plastic coatings within food packaging. They are focusing on polysaccharides, specifically cellulose and starch, which are derived from plants and can create sustainable food packaging.
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Plastic's environmental impact
Plastic is ubiquitous in the modern world, and its use has had a profound impact on the environment. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and its production involves the release of hundreds of toxins, which can cause a wide range of health issues, including damage to sensory organs, effects on respiratory, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems, organ impairment, increased likelihood of cancer, neurological issues, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and immune system impairment.
Once plastic is manufactured, it can take the form of packaging materials, electronics, construction components, and fabrics. Plastic consumer goods expose people to the toxic impacts of plastics, and during their use, they can shed microplastics and leach hazardous chemicals, contaminating the surrounding environment and entering the bodies of animals and humans. Microplastics have been found in all sources of water, types of food, placentas of pregnant people, and human stool ever tested.
The environmental impact of plastic waste is significant. Plastic does not break down and can persist in the environment for between 100 to 1,000 years or more, fragmenting into smaller pieces known as microplastics and nanoplastics. These microplastics have been found in every ecosystem on Earth, from the Antarctic tundra to tropical coral reefs, and pose a particular threat to marine life, which is at higher risk of ingesting plastic, suffocating, or becoming entangled. More than 1,500 species in marine and terrestrial environments are known to ingest plastics.
The impact of plastic waste is not limited to the environment; it also has economic implications. Only a small fraction of plastic waste (around 9% of all plastic ever produced) is economically or technically viable to recycle, which means that the majority of plastic waste accumulates in the environment, leading to the aforementioned issues of contamination and ingestion by wildlife.
When it comes to growing food in plastic containers, there are valid concerns about the potential for chemicals to leach into the soil and be absorbed by plants. However, it is important to distinguish between different types of plastics. Some plastics, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are considered safe for food consumption and are used in milk jugs, water bottles, and irrigation piping. Other types of plastic, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), are known to contain potentially harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA, and their use in gardening should be avoided. Overall, while growing food in certain types of plastic containers may be safe, it is essential to identify and avoid plastics that are known to leach harmful chemicals.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is safe to grow food in certain types of plastic containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) are considered safe for growing food as they are very resistant to heat and UV rays. Polypropylene (PP) is another safe option as it has a high melting point and is approved for food contact.
Plastic containers can leach chemicals into the soil and crops. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, for example, often contains phthalates, which can be harmful to human health. Additionally, microplastics can infiltrate fruits and vegetables, potentially posing risks to human health.
Look for the resin identification code (RIC) or recycling symbol on the plastic. HDPE is marked with a 2, LDPE with a 4, and PP with a 5. These plastics are commonly used for food storage and are generally safe for gardening.
Yes, "container gardening" can also be done with non-plastic containers, such as ceramic or metal pots. Growing food directly in the ground is another alternative, though this may depend on space and climate considerations.
Plastic containers are lightweight, durable, and versatile. They can be especially useful for small spaces like balconies or patios, and they can help conserve water and reduce weed growth. Additionally, some plastics can protect plants from chemicals in treated wood or the elements, like frost.
