How do you decide which type of reusable bottle you should use? The advantages and disadvantages of seven types of plastic, aluminum and stainless steel bottles will be compared to help you make an informed choice.

Features related to health, performance, environmental impact, and cost will be evaluated. Environmental impact will be assessed by considering the durability of the bottles and whether they are recyclable. The resin code (type of plastic) is identifiable by the number within the triangular symbol on the bottoms of plastic bottles.

Plastic #1

Most disposable water bottles are made of plastic #1 or PET. Some people try to reduce their plastic waste by washing them out and reusing them, but bottles made out of plastic #1 are not reusable.

A Canadian study found that 13% of the water bottles tested in an elementary school had bacterial levels (9% were found to have fecal coliforms) exceeding drinking water quality guidelines by the end of the school day. Bottles made of plastic #1 are not durable enough to withstand use, cleaning, and reuse without losing their integrity.

The compelling issue with these bottles is not whether they leach unwanted chemicals into the water, but that bacteria cannot be easily washed out of them. Long storage time on the shelf or in a warm garage or trunk does increase the likelihood of bacterial growth and may cause antimony to leach from the plastic. Contrary to urban legend, freezing bottled water does not increase the likelihood of leaching. These bottles are recyclable everywhere, and they should be recycled after a single use.

Plastic #3, #6, and #7

There are numerous reports that plastics #3, #6, and #7 leach unhealthful substances into drinks. Plastic #3 (PVC) leaches phthalates which have been shown to cause developmental and reproductive damage. Plastic #6 (polystyrene) leaches styrene which can cause nervous system effects and liver damage. Polycarbonate, one type of plastic #7 (other assorted types) from which the clear, brightly colored bottles are sometimes made, has been shown to leach Bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen.

Plastic #7 (polycarbonate only) is controversial. Two groups of technical experts studied it and came to differing conclusions. They agreed that BPA leaches into drinks at low levels, but one group said the levels were too low to cause any concern, and one group said that the levels were significant to human health. Polycarbonate has been banned by the Canadian government and is being re-reviewed by the USEPA.

There is a new type of plastic #7 that is BPA-free; whether it leaches other substances, not currently known to be hazardous, is yet to be seen. None of these three types of plastic is widely recyclable. Plastic #7 is durable, but like most plastic, will wear more quickly if exposed to heat in the dishwasher. Bottles made from plastic #7 cost between $8 and $12.

Plastics #2, #4, and #5

Plastics #2, #4, and #5 are the healthiest plastic bottle options since they are not known to leach. These plastic bottles do retain odors and stains and after repeated use, tend to leak if not held upright. This lack of durability makes them a poor choice for long term use, and they will not hold up well in the dishwasher.

Plastic #2 is commonly recyclable, but plastics #4 and 5 are not recyclable in many municipalities. Bottles made of these plastics are inexpensive, ranging from $5 to $10.

Aluminum

Aluminum bottles are lightweight and hip looking, and they keep drinks cooler longer and fresh tasting. Because aluminum is reactive with acidic liquids, aluminum bottles have to be lined with an enamel or epoxy layer that could become a problem with wear and tear. They are durable, but if you drop them, they may dent which may affect the efficacy of the liner within. The most popular aluminum bottles have very narrow necks making them difficult to clean, dry, and load with ice. They are not dishwasher safe. Aluminum bottles with certain types of lining are not recyclable. Aluminum bottles cost between $10 and $30.

Stainless Steel

Food-grade stainless steel bottles are lightweight and hip looking, and they keep drinks cooler longer and fresh tasting. There are no known safety issues; stainless steel is non-reactive so the bottles do not leach and do not have to be lined. Stainless steel water bottles are the best choice health-wise.

They are durable and can last for years, but if you drop them, they may dent. They are dishwasher safe, but will only get clean and dry if the opening is wide enough for easy water and air circulation. Stainless steel is recyclable in all communities that recycle. Stainless steel bottles cost between $10 and $30.

Recommendation

Stainless steel bottles are the best water bottles, but ANY reusable bottle, no matter where it comes from or what it is made of, is better for the planet than the manufacturing and shipping of disposable plastic bottles. Stainless steel bottles make a safe choice health-wise and have the best performance features. They also have a low long term impact on the environment because they are durable and are widely and cost effectively recycled.

A stainless steel bottle will easily pay for itself because it won’t need to be replaced for years. If you fill it up with tap water, rather than spending 17 to 75 cents for each disposable bottle of water in the grocery store, it will only take 2 weeks to 6 months to break even on your investment. So go out and get yourself a stainless steel bottle and fill it with tap water, filtered if you want, and know that you are consuming the healthiest, most cost-effective, and carbon-conscious drink under the sun.

Author: Lydia Chambers

The author, Lydia Chambers, is co-founder of Back2Tap, a social business that educates people about the wastefulness of disposable plastic bottles and bags and sells stainless steel bottles and fair-trade organic cotton bags through direct sales and through group fundraising online and in bulk. Graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Colorado, Lydia is a certified professional geologist who worked for Shell and Exxon in oil field development and contaminated site assessment and remediation. She has lead grassroots environmental campaigns to raise awareness about lawn pesticides, car idling, and bottled water. Currently, Lydia serves on her municipal Planning Board and Open Space Committee. Read more at: http://www.back2tap.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lydia_Chambers

Plastic: Practical or Problematic?

Concern that heat and cold might release certain chemicals within the plastic that seep into the contained and cause cancer. So are our water bottles safe, or not? While conclusions regarding the dangers of the soft … As far as the effects of heating and freezing are concerned, it is important to investigate safety precautions regarding plastic.

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Freeze plastic bottles of water or canned drinks that are not carbonated, such as Hansen’s fruit juices. The frozen drinks will act as ice and will keep the other items in your cooler colder. You can also freeze water or other …  

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PET Plastic Basics

PET plastic also known as polyethylene terephthalate plastic is marked by the ’01′ recycling symbol typically seen on the bottom of the products made of PET. This plastic is very popular for packaging of food and non-food products because it is strong, transparent and stands up well to heat.

Pet Plastic And Pet Plastic Water Bottles

PET plastic is also popular with consumers because it is shatter-resistant, lightweight, re-sealable and recyclable. You will also notice that PET plastic is widely used throughout the beverage industry especially for single serve soda, juice and water bottles.

PET Plastic Water Bottle Benefits

The first PET bottle was patented in 1973 and since that time PET plastic has become the popular choice for single serve bottles throughout the beverage industry and food industry. This is especially true in the bottled water industry where single serve 16.9 oz and 24 oz bottles are practically all made with PET plastic.

PET plastic works exceptionally well as a water container because it is durable, transparent and can be easily and safely stored. This means the water inside is not compromised and the bottles will not be destroyed during transport.

One rumor that has persisted about PET plastic bottles is that it is not safe to refill the bottles because the plastic will leach. However, this is untrue and total misinformation that has been spread throughout the internet.

PET plastic is an inert plastic that does not leach harmful materials into the contents. PET bottles also do not contain dioxins, plasticizers or orthophthalates as can sometimes be falsely claimed. PET plastic bottles are also 100% BPA free. Bisphenol-A is not used in the production of PET material nor is it used as a chemical building block for any of the materials used in the manufacture of PET plastic.

One small note of caution regarding PET single serve plastic bottles is that opened bottles can harbor bacteria. However, this is really no different than other containers like mugs, drinking glasses, stainless steel canteens or other beverage containers. PET plastic drink containers can be re-used as long as they are properly cleaned and sterilized.

New Developments with PET Plastic Water Bottles

PET plastic is now making big news in the bottled water industry.

A controversy surrounds the use of polycarbonate plastic bottles for 3 and 5 gallon bottles because these bottles contain BPA (Bisphenol-A). Although further research needs to be conducted there are signs that BPA can be harmful for animals and possibly even humans.

For years polycarbonate bottles (marked by recycling symbol #7) have been the only practical option for bulk water delivery. However, with new developments PET 5 gallon water bottles are now available on the market. Consumers that receive 5 gallon bottles delivered to their homes and offices now have a 100% BPA free option in the form of PET 5 gallon bottles.

PET 5 gallon bottles are just as durable and easy to use as polycarbonate bottles yet contain no BPA. At this point there are only a select group of water delivery companies that are carrying PET 5 gallon bottles. However, if you search diligently enough you can find the right bottled water provider and then enjoy 100% BPA free water bottles.

By: J.H. Matthews Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Copyright Jason Matthews, Bottled Water Connoisseur. Choosing the right bottled water and bottled water delivery service is a very important decision for your health and well being. To learn more about bottled water and to find the perfect company for bottled water delivery please visit www.DrinkMoreWater.com

Earth Day Snob: Reuse Your Bag

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... soap packaged in old plastic soda bottles, plastic water bottles and glass beer bottles to help clean up our environment. Each bottle is cleaned, sanitized and processed for reuse as packaging for your favorite brand of liquid soap. 

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