One of the easiest and most popular ways to go green is by reducing your use of plastic water bottles and purchasing a re-usable one. And with all the different options, it’s difficult to find the greenest option out there. The truth is, almost all re-usable water bottles are now certified as BPA free, and that’s one of the most important things to look for when searching for the perfect bottle. BPA stands for bisphenol A, and there have been multiple studies as to the dangerous effects BPA can have on the human body. A bottle made of polycarbonate plastic, as some typical water bottles do, is likely to have BPA in it. Logically, a metal water bottle would then become the safest, which is true. You can find an inexpensive metal water bottle at your local Walmart or Target. Just be sure that the metal is not coated with paint, which could have additional toxins in it!
As you may have noticed, though, plastic re-usable bottles are the most popular. Not surprising, as they are less expensive to produce then the metal, and are more convenient for the majority of the public, as they are less heavy. One of the most innovative new bottles is the Water Bobble, a water bottle with a built in filter. The filter in the bottle removes any impurities in the water before you drink it, and it makes the water you’re drinking almost identical to water you’d find in a mass produced water bottle. This also helps if you live in an area where the quality of your drinking water is a little questionable. The Bobble itself saves up to 300 bottles of water per filter, however, the $6.95 filter should be replaced every two months, or every 40 gallons. Add that to the approximately $10 cost of the bottle, and it becomes a bit of an investment. However, the bottles and the filters are all guaranteed BPA free, are made of 100% recycled plastic, and are recyclable should you decide that you don’t like the bottle. So, it’s a very green investment!
One of the oldest and most popular brands of bottle is the Nalgene bottle. With over 15 different options of bottles, the popularity isn’t surprising. A nice thought to keep in mind with the Nalgene bottles, however, is that every product is guaranteed 100% BPA free, and Nalgene works with four different eco-companies, including filterforgood.com and the Colorado Environmental Coalition. Nalgene also has it’s own Community Sustainability Program. Nalgene’s biggest competitor, or so it seems, is the new and ever-more-popular Camelbak. All of Camelbak’s plastic bottles are BPA free, and they have invented a technology that filters the water like the Bobble. Camelbak has partnered with water.org, and the purchase of their collaboration bottle brings safe drinking water to people in third world countries. But Camelbak has not partnered with an eco-concious companies, though they do endorse the move to a disposable bottle free workplace. So in the battle between Nalgene and Camelbak, Nalgene has made more moves to be an environmental company.
Go green and go water smart! Remember, a non-brand-specific water bottle is just as good as a major brand’s bottle. If you choose a plastic bottle, remember to check for the BPA free stamp, and if you purchase a metal bottle, make sure it’s not coated in paint. Both are eco-friendly options, it’s all up to what is most convenient to you! Enjoy your water, and enjoy your planet, everyone!
Earth Lust and Kleen Kanteen have some pretty awesome bottles, so check those out!