Tossing #7 plastic

Do you own a Vitamix? Scroll down for information to keep your family safe.

So, are you going through your pantry like I did just now to toss all your plastics with known BPA? Did you hear the report that says it's dangerous, but maybe, sort of, not dangerous enough to warrant a warning? And then we're told, in the same breath, to watch out for plastics that have a "7" in the recycling triangle (usually on the bottom of the container). They mostly always have BPA...except when they don't.

Did you know that today's plastics warnings suggest that high temperatures like cooking and dishwashing can cause the BPA in plastics to leach out and into our food?

And that BPAs are thought, maybe, possibly, to effect fertility and possibly cause cancer?

Truth is, I had heard of the problem with plastics a couple of years ago and stopped using microwaves to heat plastic containers. Actually, I stopped using a microwave all together--but that's another story.

Almost a year ago, I purchased a few uber-expensive stainless steel canteens to carry to the gym. Because none of us 'round here want to grow children--or grandchildren someday--with cyclops eyes. Or eye.

I'm not one to let health and cleanliness sap all the joy out of life; but I like to follow the old adage, "When you know better, you do better." It's the least I can do.

That's why, also, a couple of years ago I purchased what my husband calls our third car. It's really a Vitamix, but it sounds like a jet engine taking off and cost a small fortune. But the summer smoothies and winter soups were going to whip us all into great shape and good health. It was my first baby step into suburbia agrarianism.

I just made that up, I think.

Next, there would wheat kernels being pulverized and chickens cackling next to the swingset. And maybe a goat to mow the lawn.

But back to my Vitamix. Did you know that you can heat your healthy, life-extending BPA soup right there in the 8-cup container? Because my Vitamix container has a "7" in the recycle triangle.

And if you have one, I guess yours does too.

Vitamix has not paid me to tell you this.

Edited to add: Vitamix containers DO contain cancer causing BPA; in fact Vitamix offered to sell me a $39.00 replacement container that is BPA free, defending themselves with the opinion that BPA is only dangerous when heated to 220 degrees. I told them that their company line was untrue. Nicely.

If you own a Vitamix, you can join your voice with mine and others by calling them toll free at 1-800-848-2649, or livechat with an operator by clicking the friendly face at the top right of their website, here. Or you can do both, as I did. lol.

Tell them you feel unsafe with their product and that they need to make it right! I'm going to check back with them in a week, hoping they will have changed their minds.