I just received an email from my mother-in-law, with a link to an article on Dr. Mercola’s site. It seems that Nalgene bottles are being taken off the shelf because they contain BPA (bisphenol A), a toxic chemical that causes hormone disruption.
This article explains it all very well.
I’m sad to hear this because I had originally started using Nalgenes for their convenience, so that I could bring water with me without the cost and waste of individual plastic water bottles (which also leach chemicals into the water). I am now on the lookout for some type of water bottle that is safe- most likely I will end up with something stainless steel. I will let you know when I find one. For now, I will probably use stainless steel coffee mugs, although these are not ideal because they cannot be put in a diaper bag they have to stay upright and can’t just be tossed in a diaper bag.
If anyone knows of a good substitute for these kinds of bottles (especially ones that aren’t ridiculously expensive), please leave a comment and let us know!
A canteen would work just as well (but won’t fit in your cupholder). You can buy them ridiculously cheap at Army surplus, Goodwill, or garage sales, or new at WalMart, Target, etc.
Children’s thermoses (the kind with pictures on them that come with lunchboxes) are made of the softer, safer plastic – but it’s probably prudent to avoid plastic altogether.
Don’t forget to check your baby bottles!
Sigg water bottles could be a good choice. You can find them at Whole Foods Market or just search on line for them.
I like Kleen Kanteen bottles. They come in different sizes and you can choose different tops for them…sports bottle, cap, even sippy lids for the 12 oz. size! They are a bit pricey, but they last.
Another suggestion is Thermos Funtainers. They are stainless steel as well (plastic straw, though). My kids have these and they have held up really well! Target usually has them.
My understanding is any plastic with a number 7 is bad news. LIke my Starbucks water bottle and coffee mug. These are mostly the harder water bottles. We use the 5 PP plastic for our water bottles….I’ve always thought they were the safest. Maybe I am wrong. WOuld love to see proof of that if anyone has it.
We have one Kleen Kanteen. It’s made out of stainless steel. These are safe, but just a little more spendy. They also have little kid cups (Elena has one.
This is great- you’re all doing my research for me! 🙂 I’m excited to look at the bottles you suggested.
As for the question on #5 plastics, I found a couple of articles on The Green Guide that talk about plastics in water bottles:
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/101/plastic
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/sloan2
Sounds like the ones to really avoid are #3, 6 and 7 (BPA, the stuff the Nalgenes are made of).
I found you can buy Kleen Kanteens on Amazon for $15. Not to bad of a price.
I was flipping through the channels last week and saw Oprah’s green show, and it highlighted a stainless steel one (and ironically nalgene’s as well), so if you go to her website, you may find it.
Try drinking your tap water from a Swellz TapSack. Great product.
Check out http://www.swellz.com
A used Mason jar is just fine, especially packed in a bag. Folks tend to make a big deal out of glass breaking easily but when was the last time you cut yourself on broken glass, even as a kid? For me it’s “never”.
You’re right, Samara. Mason jars do work, and I’ve used them on occasion.
Although I do really love nice spouts for drinking, especially in the car.
Hmmm, I need to look around at some of these. Thanks for all the great ideas!
I second Klean Kanteens . . . we saw them today at REI and I also have found them on amazon.com. They’re certainly not the cheapest (the largest, 40 oz size runs at just under $30 and the rest are less) but if you figure that buying a bottle of water costs around $1.50 – even if you reuse it for a few days you’ll pay for the cost of the bottle within a month or two of use. They also have both stainless and sport tops and will work (so I’ve heard) with Avent sippy cup tops for their smaller sizes. Check out their website for more info:
http://www.kleankanteen.com
I’ve also heard good both good and bad things about Sigg – the ones I’ve seen are made of aluminum with a lining (which SHOULDN’T leak, but might after much use and washings) and they have a smaller spout so are harder to clean, but they are another option.
I think that I’m going to get a few Klean Kanteens both for mama and baby and toss the rest of the plastic. Best of luck!
Hmm, I did look at Kleen Kanteen and even got to see one in church last Sunday. I really liked it.
I’m not so into the idea of the one made of aluminum, guess it would depend on what the lining is made of.
Thanks, Sarah!