Eco Friendly Bottles

Pollution in the world is increasing at an alarming rate. As a result the increasing impact of global warming is being felt around the world. A major reason for this phenomenon is the use of goods made up of non degradable plastic. Since this plastic is not bio degradable it causes landfills to be exhausted and initiates other kinds of pollution. Bottled water bottles is the main source of this waste plastic, it's better to use Eco friendly bottles.

Regular plastic water bottles have a lot of disadvantages. First and the foremost is the plastic used to make water bottles is a very unstable compound. Drinking from plastic bottles causes the compound in the plastic to break down and form carcinogenic compounds.

Moreover some of the colored plastic bottles contain lead, which as a heavy metal can cause other diseases as well. Plastic bottles also contain DEHA which is another potential carcinogen. Other chemical compounds present in plastic bottles have been shown to mimic human hormones and can cause hormonal imbalance as well.

Due to all these disadvantages of throw away plastic bottles, many manufactures are now introducing--safe reusable Eco friendly bottles made from glass.

As clear as plastic, but with no chance of toxins leaching into the water they are chemically stable and can hold water for a long time with no reduction in the quality or taste of the water.

People have become increasingly aware of the extent of water pollution in our planet. The water that we get from the municipal water companies and taps is safe, but still has a lot of impurities and over a life time can have detrimental effects on ones health.

Hence you need to have a constant supply of safe clean water. Eco friendly bottles are quite useful since they can hold clean and safe water for longer periods of time and it does not spoil.

Eco friendly water bottles are economical too. Since these bottles can be reused again and again, many office managers and city councils are supplying filtered water rather than bottled water for their employees.

Instead of using throw away plastic containers, you can fill these Eco friendly bottles with clean water and keep reusing them. Throw away plastic bottles form a very large part of the plastic waste on the planet. Each year millions of plastic bottles are discarded by people all over the world.

The manufacture of these bottles costs millions of dollars. Once used and thrown away, it becomes difficult to actually dispose them. Recycling is an option but that can only be done to a limit. Even the most expensive and branded bottled water is actually a health hazard. Bottled water is transported using fossil fuels, which is also is a dwindling resource and costs millions of dollars.

The icing on the cake is, the quality of the throw-away-bottle bottled water is no better than the water from your tap. You can do your part by setting up our own water filtration system, and refilling your own Eco friendly bottles and taking pure clean fresh water where ever you go.

For more information about having your own personal source of fresh clean water, please visit my web site. Terry Johnston -- the baby boomer who researches the market for great products that will help other baby boomers maintain their health and wellness.

For more information about fresh clean water. Click here http://www.healthy-clear-water-site.com/

Reusable Bottles - Which Are Best?

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

Baby Bottles - Glass Or Plastic?

Baby bottles can be the simple, inexpensive. However, baby bottle is essential for baby who is in formula. A good bottle can help prevent stomach upset and other problems associated with bottles. Plastic baby bottles are of particular concern because of Bisphenol-A(BPA) is released when milk or formula is heated. Baby bottles also come in different shapes. Some are available in the well-known straight container.

Baby bottles may be the single largest source of BPA exposure for infants and young children, but there are plenty of other sources, like the lining of food cans. Pregnant women's exposure to BPA, via food and liquid containers and other sources, can also affect their fetuses.

Bisphenol-A is a white crystalline solid that has a mild phenolic odor. It has a melting point of 150-155 deg C and is not soluble in water. It was first created in a laboratory by the German scientist Thomas Zincke in 1905, and is now one of the most extensively tested materials in use today, after becoming increasingly popular throughout the 20th century.

BPA is one of the 50 most-produced chemicals in the world. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), it is used in everything from plastic water jugs labeled #7 to plastic take-out containers, baby bottles and canned food liners. BPA are usually confined to this category, but not all #7 bottles have BPA. On the flip side, just because the bottle is code #7, doesn't mean the cap is too. BPA is not just used for baby bottles but is present in many household objects such as; laptops, CDs, car parts, tableware and coffee makers to name a few. It is completely invisible and most people come into contact with it everyday.

BPA may mimic the natural female sex hormone, estradiol. While most data about BPA comes from animal research, these studies show even low level exposure of BPA may be linked to everything from early puberty and breast cancer, to attention and developmental problems. BPA is a known estrogen mimicker, and can cause hormone-disrupting effects, toxicity, neurotoxicity, low sperm counts and even cancer. Some of these effects occur in concentrations as low as two parts per billion, and yet various studies have shown that plastic bottles or canned foods can often expose consumers to far higher concentrations (sometimes hundreds of times higher).

BPA exposure is widespread and has been found in most of Americans tested. Scientists, physicians, and public health professionals suspect that existing scientific evidence on BPA indicates a real risk to human health. Manufacturers in the US have finally caved into consumer pressure and are to remove a controversial chemical from their products, Bisphenol- A (BPA). Canada formally declared BPA a hazardous substance in 2008 and announced plans to ban the importation or sale of bottles containing the chemical.

Glass is an option to plastic, but use with care to avoid breakage. Glass is safe, and so it is the undisputed safe choice. Glass tends to be heavier, and may get chipped over time and need replacing, but experts seem to agree that glass is best in terms of its food safety qualities. Glass bottles are still quite cheap: one online company sells chemical free, 8 ounce glass bottles, marked in ounces, with nipples and rings for under $12.

If you're making a switch and your baby may miss his old polycarbonate bottle, babies are picky about which bottle they'll take. Different brand of glass baby bottles are available in the market. It takes a bit of work to find, but are commonly available at Health Food stores and on the internet. A good bottle can help prevent stomach upset and other problems associated with bottles. Baby bottles can be used in a variety of ways, and how you use the bottles will help determine which bottle is right for you.

Mother's milk is still the best source of nutrition for babies, and contains essential fatty acids that help bolster babies' bodies against the impacts of toxic chemicals. However, there are many reasons why families rely on formula for some or all of their baby's diet. Breast feeding can be tough in the first few weeks of baby's life.

Albert G.Y Lee
http://www.1albertlee.com

Plastic Bottles - Advantages of Recycling

Even though we use different kinds of plastics, plastic bottles play a major role in our day to day activities. Plastic bottles are preferred by most people because they are usually lighter and do not break easily like glass materials or bottles. So it has become a common product used by everyone. Fortunately plastic is one of the materials that can be recycled after you use it, but most people don't consider the benefits of recycling.

What is the use of recycling Plastic bottles?

By recycling the plastic bottles in five areas it can be beneficial for you and your people. The five areas are,

1. Oil
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
3. Energy
4. Reuse
5. Landfill Space

Oil Conservation:

By recycling plastic bottles we can save almost four barrels of oil. We all know how the rising price of oil affects our day to day life. The increase in the price of oil causes the rise in price of gas, food, products, and other commodities. However, people don't really understand the importance of recycling plastic bottles.

Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Can you imagine, it takes less processing to recycle things. So, this means you require less energy for new manufacturing as well as less pollution being emitted. This brings about a reduction in greenhouse gasses.

Conserving Our Energy

As we all know, recycling does not consume of much energy. You can use two-thirds the energy to manufacture from recycled products. In the case of plastic bottles, which are used in water and soft drinks and are made up of material called Polyethylene Terephthalate (PTH), one pound of recycled PET can save as much as twelve-thousand BTU's energy.

The Benefits of 'Reuse'
Most people think that when a plastic bottle is recycled it transformed into a similar bottle. However, the fact is that the plastic bottle you are using now will change into something completely different after the recycling process. It may become carpeting; it may be someone's jacket or (if you can imagine) even part of someone's deck. People need to understand this and know that recycled material is used as a resource. The water bottle that you see now will not be the same when it is recycled.

Save our Landfills

You may be thinking 'how much room can one plastic bottle really take?'. If everyone in the USA were to think that way, imagine how many plastic bottles that would be. One of the biggest problems facing us today is that our landfills are running out of space. The need to create new landfills, which take up more space and puts more trash into our earth, is never ending. One of the only solutions left to us is to drastically reduce what we put into them.

People should know by recycling one ton of plastic bottles you can free up to 7.4 cubic yards of landfills. Considering the recycling avenues available nowadays, that turns out to be a lot of space that is being used unnecessarily.

As you can see, there are many benefits of recycling plastic bottles.

Mark Ransome is a contributing editor and writer for the popular new website Think Green Articles. For more information on what you can do to solve the problems of pastic water bottles, you can check out our page on plastic water bottle alternatives

PET Plastic Bottles - Bottled Water Information

What is PET Plastic?
PET plastic otherwise known as polyethylene terephthalate plastic or #1 plastic is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. This plastic makes for a very popular package for food and non-food products. PET plastic is a desirable packaging material for manufacturers because of its thermo-stability, strength and transparency. Consumers on the other hand like PET plastic because it is recyclable, inexpensive, lightweight, re-sealable and resistant to shattering. PET plastic can be easily identified by the #1 code on or near the bottom of bottles and containers.

What are the benefits of PET plastic for Bottled Water?
Since the PET plastic bottle was first patented in 1973 it has only grown in popularity each year. With the growth of the bottled water industry the PET bottle has become the container of choice for single serve bottled water. As a strong, transparent plastic that stores easily and safely, PET plastic provides an excellent container for water. Contrary to some rumors, PET bottles can be re-used and refilled.

As an inert plastic PET does not leach harmful materials into its contents -- either when a beverage is stored unopened, or when bottles are refilled or frozen. One note of caution is that opened bottles can harbor bacteria, just like mugs, glasses or any other beverage container. However, PET bottles are no more likely to foster bacteria than any other packaging or drink container and can be re-used provided they are properly cleaned and sterilized.

What are some of the newest developments with PET Plastic Water Bottles?
In recent years the bottled water industry has witnessed a growing controversy related to polycarbonate water bottles that contain Bisphenol-A (BPA). Although more research needs to be conducted there are signs that Bisphenol-A could potentially be harmful for humans. As it stands now, polycarbonate water bottles, marked by the #7 symbol, are the overwhelming industry bottle of choice for re-useable 5 gallon and 3 gallon water bottles.

Thanks to PET plastic a new option for 5 gallon bottles is emerging in the bottled water marketplace. Bottled water delivery companies are now beginning to carry BPA-free bottle options including PET 5 gallon bottles. PET plastic is completely BPA-free yet still provides the same durability and ease of use as polycarbonate plastic. Although, only a few progressive water delivery companies carry these PET 5 gallon bottles they are now available for bottled water drinkers looking for BPA-free options.

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 http://www.DrinkMoreWater.com

Plastic Water Bottles - Environmental and Safety Issues

Americans buy over $22 billion plastic water bottles per year, which translates to over 70 million bottles consumed daily. Recent reports have many consumers confused as to whether it is safe to drink from these bottles. Since only 17% are recycled, there are also environmental concerns.

The safety reports about Bisphenol a (BPA) in plastic are not generally found in the single use plastic water bottles purchased by most people. If there is a resin recycle code #1 on the bottom of the bottom, it uses PET, which is generally considered safe. The resin code that can indicate the presence of BPA is #7, although not all code #7 bottles contain BPA.

Even though most plastic water bottles do not contain BPA, they can still leach chemicals into the drinking water. To minimize this risk, keep bottles out of extreme heat, which can accelerate the leaching process. Internet rumors about freeze risks are false (however since water expands when frozen, drink a little before freezing to allow room for the expansion).

Plastic water bottles can be reused, but you must make sure to wash thoroughly with soap and water to eliminate bacteria. Allow to dry before refilling. I recycle mine after several uses or if it gets exposed to heat or the water develops a funny taste.

Bottled water can cost 2500 times more than tap water. Many brands of bottled water, including Dasani, are simply filtered tap water. Bottled water costs about $3-$5 per gallon. Regular community tap water, which is perfectly safe and tested regularly, costs about $2 per thousand gallons. You can buy a faucet filter and make your own filtered water for about $0.10 per gallon, or use a tabletop model like Brita for about $0.25 per gallon. To eliminate chlorine without a filter, you can use a trick I learned when I worked for a garden center about removing chlorine in irrigation water for delicate plants: leave the water uncovered overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

Plastic bottles certainly have their use, and there are places where it can be impractical to bring a permanent reusable water bottle, but whenever possible, it is best to use a stainless steel or aluminum reusable water bottle.

Unfortunately, less than 20% of water bottles get recycled, despite demand for the resin from companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi which have pledged to use 10% recycled resin in their bottles. Few states have deposit programs which have been shown to increase recycle rates. In addition, only about half of all Americans do not have curbside pickup of recyclables. While becoming more common, most public places do not have water bottle recycle bins next to trash cans. We throw away close to 60 million plastic water bottles each day.

The bottom line is that plastic water bottles are safe, but harmful to the environment. The responsible choice is to use a reusable water bottle whenever possible, and make all efforts to recycle the plastic water bottles when a metal water bottle is impractical.

Kit Parks is the president of Ecoroot, a reusable products company which donates 20% of its profits to environmental education programs. She writes about environmental and lifestyle issues. Parks can be contacted via the Ecoroot website http://www.ecoroot.com

Getting Paid to Recycle Plastic Bottles Instead of Throwing Them in Landfills

Water. It's the ultimate in going green for our bodies. Bottled water is the fastest growing beverage in the America. We've been told to drink more water; it's healthy. So we've stepped up. According to the Beverage Marketing Corporation, bottled water consumption has more than doubled over the last ten years, from 10.5 gallons in 1993 to 22.6 in 2003. But this newly acquired habit is not so healthy for Mother Earth.

And think about why. Bottled water is portable. You drink it at work, at the park, at the mall, in your car, on your walks, at the gym...the list goes on and on. The problem with all this drinking is there usually aren't recycling receptacles available at these places.

It's estimated that only about 12%-16% of plastic water bottles are recycled-which is less than other bottled drinks such as soda or beer. Wow...it's staggering to think that up to 88% of all the millions of water bottles sold end up as litter or stuffed into our landfills.

But the good news is there is something YOU can do about it. The Container Recycling Institute is hoping that a nationwide bottle deposit law would create the desire to recycle. There are currently eleven states that already have such a bill in place. And the Institute claims that States like Michigan that do have a bottle deposit law see a whopping 95% recycling rate!

The best part of such a bill is it gives individuals and organizations the chance to raise funds for whatever they may need. Collecting bottles from neighbors, picking up litter and putting recycling receptacles in local businesses to then turn in the bottles for cash (usually about $.05 per bottle) is a wonderful way to get paid, save energy as well as help keep the Earth healthy.

Okay, now back to what you can do. In 2007, Massachusetts Representative, Edward Markey, introduced the Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2007 into the U.S. House of Representatives. If the bill passes, it will mean a $.05 deposit on every plastic bottle container sold.

So to make it super simple for you to help, the Container Recycling Institute has set up an online toolkit so you can help to get the word out and get this bill passed. You can become an activist for this worthwhile cause. The toolkit comes with all sorts of goodies like press releases, reports, opposition tactics, letters to the editor and much, much more. Go to toolkit.bottlebill.org to access the toolkit and do your part to help keep Mother Earth healthy.

Go to http://www.howyoucangogreen.com/blog to sign-up for the How You Can Go Green Newsletter and to be the first to get updates on green issues, products and ideas.