A good drink: Reusable bottles
This morning, as I was throwing a month's worth of old water bottles into the recycling bin, I made a late New Year's resolution: I'm going to stop buying bottled water and instead I'm going to dig out my old Nalgene container. We've all read about how soft plastics can disintegrate and chemicals can leach into your drinking water. Plus, when I think about all the money I spend on bottled water, I feel guilty. If you've been having similar thoughts, check out these options:
- Nalgene bottles, made of harder, safer plastics, are always a good bet. I like this one because it has a narrow spout that's covered by a cap that will keep it from spilling in your handbag.
- SIGG bottles are 100% recyclable and have a leach-proof lining. You can buy this polka-dotted one here.
- And Pottery Barn recently came out with some great insulated aluminum drink containers. I like the poppy design.
i have that exact sigg bottle (thanks to someones kindess during the holidays on a forum i am a member of..we were a family in need.) plus three others, one for each of us. we actually use them EVERY day!!!!
Posted by: M | January 22, 2008 at 06:44 PM
I wish everyone would give up disposable water bottles! This is such an easy way to make a big impact. Good for you!
Now if I could just find these cute bottles in my area and not have to pay for shipping (and use carbon resources) I'd be set.
Posted by: Natalie D | January 22, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Great reminder! Thanks! I want to start doing that too!
Posted by: Stephanie | January 22, 2008 at 07:06 PM
I'm going to have to look into those. I just cut out all sodas and drink mostly water and some juice. This would be excellent!
Posted by: Tiff @ The Shopping Fund | January 22, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Nalgenes (of the type shown) are polycarbonate plastic (PC or #5)- which is coming into question for leaching synthetic estrogen (bisphenol-A or BPA) into its contents. Nalgene makes a milky-white colored HDPE (high density polypropylene) bottle (http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=29)
that doesn't carry the cancer risk of PC. We own a number of these HDPE bottles and really like them.
Zrecs did a really thorough run down on plastics used in baby bottles and they also discuss Nalgene:
http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2007/11/z-report-bisphenol-in-baby-bottles-and.html
Posted by: adrienne | January 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM
You read my mind! There was an article in Readers Digest this month about plastic bottles being unhealthy so I haven't bought bottled water in two weeks now. But the drawback is I know I'm drinking less water...off to Nalgene I go! Hopefully those will be the solution. Thanks!
Posted by: Helen | January 22, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Nalgene, and other polycarbonate plastics, have been found to leach bisphenol-a into their contents. It acts as synthetic estrogen. Probably better to use an alternate material, unless you're experiencing menopausal symptoms, in which case a little estrogen might do you some good.
Posted by: Shani | January 22, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Sorry- polycarbonate plastic is number 3- not #5 which is safer polypropylene.
Posted by: adrienne | January 23, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Last I heard REI was pulling all their nalgene bottles from shelves because they may contain carcinogens.
Posted by: Brittany | January 23, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Actually, polycarbonate is #7. The plastics that are safe for food and drink are 1, 2, 4, and 5. Even better is to use a Sigg (lined aluminum) or stainless steel. Klean Kanteen is stainless.
Since I like ice in my water, I wanted a metal water bottle that was insulated *and* would seal (Thermos wouldn't seal, KK and Sigg are not insulated). Finally, I found one when I was wandering through Target: http://tiny.cc/contigo Not only is it absolutely leakproof and insulated, it has a handy caribiner built into the handle so I can clip it onto the diaper bag and go!
Posted by: Sandy | January 23, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I just bought a Nalgene bottle with sippy valve feature and my son loves drinking his water from that on the go! Bummer, it's frustrating when you think you find a good thing, and then you read reports...is anything safe anymore?
Posted by: Jennifer | January 23, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Sandy:
You're right. Number 3 is PVC- which has chlorine and a history of lead or other heavy metals as stabilizing/softening agents (this is the problem with vinyl bibs).
Those new little Gerber plastic food packages are #7 PC as are many ketchup bottles.
Posted by: adrienne | January 24, 2008 at 08:33 AM
I love these bottles! Plastic Water bottles need to become a thing of the past. It takes more water to make the bottle than there is water in the bottle. We need to conserve our precious water supplies and this is a great start!
Posted by: Kelly Guenther | March 19, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Reusable water bottles are a great idea and a perfect way to lessen your dependancy on plastic! Check out www.YouShouldGoGreen.com for some great deals on bottles and other green products, such as biodegradable trash bags and reusable shopping bags.
Posted by: YouShouldGoGreen | October 22, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I recently purchased the pottery barn water bottle...does anyone know of a spout that will work with these? You either have to open it every time you drink or leave it open and risk spilling. I've looked at the klean kanteen spout but the threads are much wider. I also called pottery barn and they have no info about the manufacturer. Regardless, I love the water bottle and the price can't be beat!
Posted by: meggie | October 30, 2008 at 10:20 AM