The Daily Green Tip

For health reasons, it's safer to opt for heat-resistant glass or ceramic containers for use in microwaves. It's also greener: It reduces our reliance on plastics, which create CO₂ in their production, and cuts down on trash.

Heating increases the likelihood that chemicals will be released from a material. Certain chemicals called plasticizers (such as DEHA), which are used to make plastics soft and pliable, are known to pass into foods under heat. This is especially true of fatty foods like meat and cheese. Avoid using soft plastic containers, including regular plastic wrap, as well as take-out containers, in your microwave. And never reuse cartons from microwaveable meals.

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