Which Plastics Are Safe For Gardening?
www.epicgardening.com
One of the more common questions I'm asked on the blog is about plastic use, specifically, "What plastics are safe for use in the garden?"  Since

When it comes to plastics, the saying goes: 4, 5, 1, 2, all the rest are bad for you.

However, #1 (PET) is not ideal since it’s often thin and intended for single use (think plastic water bottles) . Hence, it breaks down quicker and may pose a risk of leaching.

Consider re-using these for your gardens.
#4 - LDPE
#5 - PP
#2 - HDPE

  • @grueEnglish
    9•1 year ago

    1. The resin identification code symbol isn’t the recycling symbol, and the fact that trademark law failed to protect the recycling symbol is bullshit.

    2. Wouldn’t it be simpler to just say “don’t use #3 (PVC), #6 (styrofoam), and #7 (other)?”

    3. I wish the article had a section discussing PLA, which, although being #7, IMO deserves its own category because it’s “sustainable” due to being made from corn instead of petroleum and because it’s a really common 3D printing material.

    • @[email protected]English
      2•1 year ago

      Woah. Actually I think that is better because reading “4, 5, 1, 2 all the rest are bad for you” didn’t make me realise that I have a bunch of styrofoam boxes that I’m using as planters. It’s no drama though - everything I planted in those died.

      I’m surprised PVC is bad for you though? Our retic system is all PVC pipe. Wouldn’t most market gardens use PVC also? Everywhere in Asia uses PVC for potable water.

      • brianorcaEnglish
        1•1 year ago

        PVC has been used as water pipe for decades, but recently has seen greater scrutiny about chemicals leaching out. PEX is becoming more common now, but that is not perfect either.