Choosing a Water Bottle
School’s almost out and, for many of us, that means getting our kids ready for summer camp. I started to collect what my daughter needs—towel, swimsuit, goggles and a water bottle. As I put her Sigg bottle in the camp pile, I thought this would be a good time talk about water bottle safety.
Parents should be aware that because of safety concerns about many plastics, environmental groups generally recommend stainless steel and glass containers over those made from plastic. To determine if the plastic bottles you and your family drink from are suspect, look for the number on the bottom. This number reveals the type of plastic used to make that container. Here are two common types to watch out for:
• #1 (also called PET or PETE) is most commonly used for clear plastic bottles. These are believed to be safe for one-time use but not for refilling.
• #7 is a hard plastic often used for multiuse bottles. While sturdy, it’s made with polycarbonate resin, which leaches a chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) into the liquid it contains. BPA, which mimics estrogen and disrupts normal hormone function, may impair reproductive organs and could lead to miscarriages and developmental abnormalities, among other difficulties.
Try these safer options:
• Bottles made from #5 plastic: This type of plastic is sometimes used for refillable kids’ drink bottles. Unlike #1 and #7, it hasn’t been found to leach harmful chemicals into its contents.
• Sigg bottles: They’re lightweight, portable, recyclable and available in many fun designs for kids and adults. The company asserts that its solvent-free liner is resistant to fruit acids and isotonic drinks ($15.95 to $19.95). They keep water nice and cold.
• Thermos FUNtainer Beverage Bottle: This has an unbreakable, stainless-steel interior and exterior and stands up to daily wear. Its hygienic, push-button lid with pop-up straw makes it a good bet for young ones ($12.99 to $17.50). It’s available in styles your kids will love including Barbie, Bratz, Scooby-Doo and Hotwheels.
July 20th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Mallow
Let me disagree.
July 24th, 2007 at 7:59 am
Hello Mallow. You may disagree. Could you explain why?
August 31st, 2007 at 9:54 am
[...] Seems simple enough! Click on the link above to read the steps in full detail. (Also click here to read KIWI’s tips on choosing a safe water bottle.) We also love the face that Wee Generation is developing the diaper bag to end all diaper bags. They are asking moms and dads to share their stories about diaper bag disasters and triumphs. They are going to take all the ideas, stories and suggestions and make the first “Cradle to Cradle Certified eco-baby bag.” Log onto Wee Generation’s site to get the full details, share your story and help design the best bag for you and your children. [...]