Posted by Janet Harriett on Jan.30, 2010

ⓒ iStockPhoto - JLGutierrez

I’m committed to drinking more water, but don’t want to drink phthalates or bisphenol-a while I keep hydrated. What should I look for when choosing a reusable water bottle?

Proper hydration is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain overall wellness, and individual disposable bottles of water waste both natural resources and money compared to a reusable bottle. At home, glass is the safest choice, since as an inert substance glass doesn’t leach any plasticizers into the liquid. Around small children who may not be ready for heavier and breakable dishes, polypropylene is a safe material.

On the go, glass is impractical, but you still want to take a bottle of home-filtered water with you, so you don’t end up buying wasteful commercially-bottled water that may not even be better than unfiltered tap water.

Many companies, such as Nalgene, have phased out BPA and phthalates in all of their newly-manufactured bottles. Anything from the current line of companies like Nalgene and Camelbak are safe choices. When in doubt, research the specific company to find out what they make their resin bottles out of.

Metal water bottles are more durable than plastics, but aluminum bottles have an epoxy lining that may contain BPA. Stainless steel bottles don’t need the lining, and as long as the metal inside doesn’t get scratched, the chances of anything harmful leeching into your water at cool or room temperatures is minimal.

Some companies like New Wave Enviro are making reusable water bottles out of corn resin. These have a shorter usable life than other types of bottles, but have the advantage of being made from a renewable resource, albeit one that has its own environmental and health concerns.

Other Water Bottle Considerations

The best water bottle is one that you will take with you, so look for a size and style that fits with your routine. When you’re shopping for a bottle, do a couple of laps around the store carrying the bottle in your hand. If it’s not comfortable to carry empty, you’re not going to carry it full of water. You also want to look for bottles with solidly built closures to avoid accidental spills and drips if the bottle gets tipped.

If you’re out for long periods and need more water than you can conveniently carry, look for a bottle with a built-in filter so you can refill it from any tap.

Although it may sound like vanity, consider the appearances of the bottle, too. If you spend most of your time in an office, you want a bottle that complements your professional style, rather than something that reminds coworkers of a hiker’s canteen.

Water Bottle Hygiene

While lots of attention is paid to what material is safest for a water bottle, hygiene is equally important. Constant moisture creates a perfect environment for bacteria. Rinse your water bottle out every night and invert it in the sink to dry. At least weekly, wash the water bottle thoroughly with warm water and mild detergent, scrubbing with a bottle brush. When picking out a bottle, look for one that will be easy to clean, and pay attention to the drink valve. If the sipping mechanism has lots of nooks and crannies, it will be more difficult to properly clean and disinfect.

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Posted under Ask Green Diva Mom, Healthy Water, Information & Resources.