TL: GREENPEACE PVC BRIEFING, #1: THE PROBLEMS OF PVC....AND THE ALTERNATIVES SO: GREENPEACE UK, (GP) DT: JUNE 1996 PVC creates environmental problems throughout its life cycle. PVC releases a cocktail of toxic chemicals that will somehow, at some stage in the process and in some form or another, end up back in the environment. The only way to end this is to phase out its use and switch to alternatives. During the production of PVC, dioxins are created and released. Dioxins are one of the most toxic chemicals known. They have been linked to immune system problems and cancer. Dioxins are also a potent hormone disrupter. PVC contains many additives. Phthalates are added to PVC to make it more flexible. 95% of all phthalates produced are made specifically for use in PVC. Some phthalates have been found to have hormone disrupting effects. When its useful life is over, PVC creates further environmental and health problems. When burned in incinerators and accidental fires, dioxins are created and toxic gasses can be released. Putting PVC into landfill is no answer as, over time, it releases additives which can threaten groundwater supplies. Recycling PVC is difficult, results in more toxic emissions and just recycles the same problems. PVC has a wide variety of uses. There are, however, alternatives to almost every one of these. PVC is used for consumer products such as credit cards, records and toys; it is used for packaging like cling film, bottles and vacuum packs; in construction for window frames, panelling, pipes, gutters and cables; around the home in flooring, wallpaper, blinds, shower curtains; in the office for furniture, binders, folders and pens. It is used in the vehicle industry for car interiors and underseal; in hospitals for medical disposables; for imitation leather; for garden furniture...and many more things. ------------------------------------ This series of factsheets will show you a range of alternatives to PVC packaging Distinguishing PVC from other plastics is not always easy. If PVC is marked, it is distinguishable by a number 3 in small triangle somewhere on the product. Don't knowingly buy PVC. Demand alternatives! HOW TO AVOID PVC PACKAGING CONSUMER POWER The following are just a few examples of goods that you may find in PVC packaging and containers: shampoo, bubble bath, baby oil, shower gel, mouthwash, disinfectant, vegetable oil, sandwiches, mineral water, fruit cordial, window cleaner, bathroom cleaner...and the list goes on. Consumers have an increasing amount of power today. By choosing to buy PVC-free products in your everyday shopping, you can send a strong message to the industries which use PVC for packaging...that it is time to go PVC-free! Begin by applying a few simple rules and you'll be making a difference immediately: 1. Avoid all packaging whenever possible, that way you can be sure that you are avoiding PVC packaging! 2. Choose well-known, durable materials, such as glass and paper, over PVC. 3. Where plastic is really the only option, then choose non-PVC plastics. HOW TO CHOOSE ALTERNATIVES TO PVC There are readily available alternatives for virtually all PVC packaging currently on the market. Many of these alternatives have been around for many years and are tried and tested in terms of both their environmental impact and their durability. Glass bottles and containers are available for many products, including toiletries, food and drinks. They are easy to identify and should be your first choice, as they are the least environmentally harmful to produce, have the longest life (so have the greatest potential to be reused) and can be most easily recycled. Look for recycled paper or card as an alternative to PVC wrapping. Where plastics are the only viable option, choose those which are not made from PVC, such as high and low density polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE), polypropylene (PP) or plyethylene terephthalate (PET). Although not perfect, all of these plastics have fewer environmental problems than PVC and should be chosen in preference to PVC if glass, paper or card are not available. HOW TO SPOT PVC-FREE PLASTICS Symbols to look out for: a triangle containing the numbers 1,2,4 or 5. (1= PET, 2 = HDPE, 4 = LDPE, 5=PP) The symbol to avoid: a triangle containing the number 3. This signifies PVC. Making a conscious decision to avoid PVC will make a real difference. It's a simple switch - Go PVC-free!