Number 3 (PVC) is the cling-wrap plastic. It contains phthalates, which mess with hormones. Don’t drink from it. It’s also the weirdly flexible plastic in some squeeze bottles—just say no.
Number 7 (Other) is the wild card. Some number 7 plastics are safe (like Tritan or certain baby bottles), but many contain BPA, a chemical that imitates estrogen. If you see number 7 and no “BPA-free” label, treat it like a suspicious stranger.
Number 6 (PS) is Styrofoam. It leaches styrene, which can cause headaches and dizziness. You don’t drink from Styrofoam cups, right? Right? Good.
Is HDPE Safe for Drinking Water?
What About That Reusable Bottle You Love?
Here’s a fun test: look at the bottom of your favorite water bottle. If it says 5 or 7 (BPA-free), you’re golden. If it says 1, it’s a one-time date, not a long-term relationship.
I have a stainless steel bottle now, but I used to carry a plastic one marked number 1 for months. I thought I was saving the planet by reusing, but I was actually giving myself a daily dose of microplastics. Oops.
The easiest rule? Reusable plastic bottles should always be numbers 2, 4, or 5. Number 4 (LDPE) is the soft plastic of squeeze bottles—safe, but not as durable for daily abuse.
