Safe Water Bottles

What you need to know about water bottle safety and eight great BPA-free bottles to try.

By Mary Jo DiLonardo

We know we’re supposed to drink water and we know we don’t want to pile the landfills with loads of disposable water bottles. But with all the concern over BPA, DEHA and phthalates in plastic bottles, what’s an environmentally conscious, health-aware consumer to do?

The good news is that because of all the recent attention directed at unsafe plastic, reputable manufacturers are making it easy for consumers by labeling their products to make selection simpler.

The biggest health concern is BPA (bisphenol A), a chemical that has been linked with reproductive problems in animals and cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans. Until recently, BPA was found in most polycarbonate plastics including water containers and nearly all baby bottles. But because of growing health concerns, an increasing number of cities, counties, states and countries are working toward eliminating BPA from consumer products.

In January 2009, University of Cincinnati associate pharmacology professor Scott Belcher kicked off the anti-BPA frenzy when he found that BPA is released 55 times as fast when it is heated. After the release of his research, published in January 2009 in the journal Toxicology Letters, people realized that plastics containing BPA shouldn’t be heated in a microwave, placed near a dishwasher’s heating element or filled with hot liquids.

In response to increased BPA consumer awareness, major manufacturers as well as environmentally friendly companies developed “safe” plastic containers touting that they are BPA-free. As an alternative, many also offer stainless steel containers (with BPA-free plastic spouts and lids) for people who want to avoid plastic altogether. (Keep reading for a list of eight great water bottles.)

Some people do their part for the environment by repeatedly refilling disposable water bottles. Those water bottles, made with the polymer PET (polyethylene terephalate), have been declared safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, there is some disagreement about whether bottles meant as one-time use containers are OK for reuse.

The bottles don’t contain BPA or any other chemical that has proven to be harmful. The main worry is that reusing the bottles without washing them thoroughly invites bacteria growth.

In addition, there’s been concern that freezing disposable PET bottles releases harmful chemicals or dioxins in the water. But this has been debunked by researchers such as Rolf Halden, PhD, from Johns Hopkins University, who calls the fear an urban legend. “There are no dioxins in plastics,” he told Snopes.com. “In addition, freezing actually works against the release of chemicals.”

The best solution, say most experts is to avoid reusing one-time use bottles and instead invest in a reusable container.

“I’d suggest being on the safe side,” says Eric Yaverbaum, co-founder of the pro-tap water Web site, www.tappening.com. “It was made for one-time use, not to be used over and over again.”

When choosing a container, the key is to avoid BPA and then pick something you know you’ll use.

“My choice has been to abandon use of polycarbonate and other BPA-containing plastics,” says Belcher. “I always tell people to become educated and make the best choice for themselves.

 

Eight Great BPA-Free Water Bottles

PerfectBottles: If you don’t want to carry around a bulky bottle, these convenient bottles collapse to the size of a hockey puck. They’re sturdy enough to last for at least 1,000 uses. ($30 for four, www.perfectbottles.com)

Kor One Hydration Vessel: Sleek, these hinged bottles can be opened and closed with one hand. A percentage of profits go to environmental causes. ($30, www.korwater.com)

BioGreen Bottles: When you’re finished with these soft, squeezable sports bottles, toss them into the recycling bin. They’re biodegradable and affordable. ($4 to $6, www.amazon.com)

Tappening bottles: Plastic and stainless steel water bottles created to promote the pro-tap water slogan, “Think Global. Drink Local,” are safe, colorful and send a message. ($15 to $19, www.tappening.com)

Personalized Sigg Bottles: Popular colorful stainless steel Sigg bottles can be personalized with a name or a symbol. ($25 and up, www.greensender.com)

CamelBak Better Bottle Insulated Stainless: Ever a popular brand with outdoorsy types, the new dual-walled stainless bottle keeps drinks cold for hours and keeps condensation from forming on the outside of the bottle. ($30, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI)

Earthlust: Get fun and fashionable with these lightweight stainless steel bottles emblazoned with cool designs like goldfish and peacock feathers. ($16 to $21, www.shopkirdevries.com)

Watergeeks Laboratories: Filtered sport and stainless steel bottles come with a replaceable filter that filters tap or drinking-fountain water. ($15 to $20, www.thewatergeeks.com)