Recycled paper and cardboard..

[cptncrackoff]

Hi everyone.

I was listening to the gardening program on BBC radio Suffolk(only just over the border, and the Essex program doesnt start til i'm hard at work!!) before work yesterday.
A caller mentioned the recent newspaper reports regarding recycled papers and cardboards 'leaking' 'dangerous' chemicals/oils into food.My understanding (and dont quote me) is that the ink used in newspapers etc etc is potentially harmful to us.(Like I said don't quote me... I read it in the Sun!!)
The caller asked the gardening expert if he would be happy to use recycled cardboard where he was growing, he said for edibles such as salads, he wouldnt use cardboard.
He also said it's up to the individual to decide.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Jon

[binley100]

If that's the case why do chippies still use it to wrap chips?

[cptncrackoff]

Think it's more to do with the recycling process than raw newspaper, but like i say, i'm no expert!

[Poddington Pea]

There's another thread with grapes talking about this. Your post may be appreciated there aswell.
Binley- I thought all chippies stopped doing that years ago?!

[snohare]

Doesn't surprise me in the least. I am always amazed at what the recyclers accept in terms of glossy mags, shiny paper, etc - all of which are likely to contain toxic heavy metals and old fashioned, solvent based inks. If it is shiny on the surface and coloured, then the newer, safer soy based inks cannot be used due to the heat of the calendaring process (never mind anything else) and so I consider it dodgy.
I only ever use newspapers, and matt (usually only brown or white) cardboard, in the garden, with any sealing tape removed. I read recently that even normal "safe" cardboard contains boron in the glue, which would build up in the soil; but I wasn't planning on staying a century...
FWIW, I consider that the only non-toxic thing about the Sun is the materiel it is made of !

[binley100]

Binley- I thought all chippies stopped doing that years ago?!

shows how long it is since I went to the chippie

[chris]

I posted a similar thread over here - few replies in there you might like to read: http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...sue_56021.html

[cptncrackoff]

Sorry about the duplicate thread!!

feel free to slap me on the wrist for not paying attention.

The gardening 'expert' did mention that brassicas absorb toxins from the soil, I am not informed enough to decide either way, although for now i'm holding off on adding cardboard and newspapers to the compost bin.