Problems with plastic recycling from wikipedia
Problems with PVC (#3) plastic from the Green Guide
Action for Sustainable Living on plastics
Dioxins are released in the manufacture and incineration of plastics.
The following can leach into food and drink: phthalates, Bisphenol A (BPA, a hormone disruptor), and antimony (antimony poisoning is like arsenic poisoning).
The Green Guide's product report says "producing a 16-oz. PET bottle generates more than 100 times the toxic emissions to air and water than making the same size bottle out of glass."
The good & bad lists from The Green Guide (includes plastic alternatives).
Care2's list of good & bad plastics #1 through 7
EWG on Bisphenol A
Two more links regarding drinking bottles:
- Environmental Working Group on safe drinking bottles
- Drinking bottles - the safest picks from greenerpenny