I just lost my 3-year-old reusable bottle, which it’s statistically far longer than what most people keep a reusable bottle for. Now I’m looking for a new one and decided to share my research as I find the perfect trendy and BPA-free reusable bottle.

Ideally, I’d like to get it from a local store, so I’ve been asking Facebook and Twitter friends for suggestions on where to get a cool bottle. Here’s a reusable bottle 101:


Regular plastic bottle: This is the worst type of bottle there is. It’s not good for the environment and it’s not good for you. Millions of plastic bottles end up in landfills every year, which release all kinds of chemicals into the atmosphere. Now, for those of you who don’t care about recycling -and I can point a few- you should know that plastic bottles also release DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate)) into the water, which is extremely toxic and carcinogen. Release of this chemical is accelerated when the bottle is left under the sun or kept at warm temperatures, or when the bottle is reused -yes, even if you try to be green by reusing your plastic bottle, you’re getting exposed to toxic chemicals. The best thing to do is to forgo these bottles all together. If you must: recycle it!



Reusable plastic bottle: Although not the best option, this bottle is a step ahead of the regular plastic bottle because it’s reused. However, they are not recommended because they are made of polycarbonate, the same plastic that does into CD’s, sunglasses and computer shells. Imagine chewing your sunglasses? Polycarbonate has been linked to bisphenol-A, or BPA, a synthetic hormone that can cause prostate cancer. Surprisingly, many baby bottles are made of polycarbonate as well.


Aluminum water bottle: They are extremely light, 100 percent recyclable, dishwasher safe and come in very cool designs. However Siggs, the largest maker of aluminum bottles, admitted last year that bottles purchased before August 2008 had traces of BPA. Sigg guarantees the bottles are safe now, but then there is the issue of the leaching: aluminum can leach if the linen is scratched. Another cons is in the price: $17-50 or more depending on the design.


Stainless steel bottle: They are less expensive than aluminum bottles, non-toxic, very difficult to crack or break, recyclable and will not stain or acquire odor from your drink.They won’t leach into the water like aluminum cans. They are a little more heavy that aluminum cans though. There are a few makers, including KleanKanteen, Earthlust, Guyot and Innate.

Conclusion: I think I’m going to get a stainless steel bottle. Yes, aluminum bottles are lighter and come in more colors and designs, but there’s no reason to spend more. Plus, if there are small chances of the water getting contaminated, I don’t want to take the risk.

What do you think? What reusable bottle type do you use?