How do you decide which type of reusable bottle you should use? The advantages and disadvantages of seven types of plastic, aluminum, 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 (PBA), 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.
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
