So you have your amazing, on-demand, at home drinking water installed. If you are super lucky and smart, you have installed a PUR2o Alkaline Plus Water system! Now what? If part of your decision to install a drinking water system was to do your part and stop some of the plastic waste from your household, then the next question is obvious. What type of water bottles should you choose for you and your family?
Although there are many options and variations, the majority of reusable bottles are Plastic, Glass or Stainless Steel. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of each so you know what you should choose.
PLASTIC
First, let’s address refilling single use disposable water bottles. Simple: just don’t do it! Studies have shown re-using disposable plastic bottles is dangerous to our health. BPA is the most well known of the chemicals that leech from the plastic into our water. It has been linked to Breast Cancer, Uterine Cancer and increased miscarriages. It has also been shown to have affects on children’s development. Plastic bottles may contain PET, which is also known to leech into our water. This chemical has been linked to kidney, liver and lung damage, as well as birth defects, particularly in the development of unborn males.
How do these contaminants get into our water? The simple act of leaving a plastic water bottle in a hot car, and then drinking it later on, can be a sure way to fill your body with all those chemicals because plastic, when exposed to heat, can be toxic.
Freezing water in a single-use bottle will also have chemicals leeching into the water.
So what about reusable plastic bottles. I know that sometimes this may be the best option based on various factors including lifestyle, or kids of course, but even re-usable BPA-free water bottles just replace BPA with other similar chemicals that are now also being linked to health concerns as well.
“Seeing is believing “, that’s human nature …we generally don’t believe or think of something as a problem unless we can actually see it. But how about if you can smell it? After a few uses, our plastic water bottles start emitting a strange odor, which can be a combination of plastic chemicals or micro plastics leeching into our water, especially if it has been sitting or stored in a warm environment. Mold and mildew can also build up. If you do use plastic water bottles, clean them often with water and bleach, or water and baking soda, and air them out to dry well before their next use. Avoid leaving them in the sun, or warm environments and definitely do not microwave them!
METAL
Metal water bottles are usually aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum reacts with certain liquids, so often companies line these bottles with resin, poxy or other substances. They all claim to be BPA free, how can we know what the replacement chemical is. Stainless steel has the best reputation of the two because, although it gives a slight metallic taste to water, it is non reactive and non porous, meaning that it doesn’t have to be lined as some other products do. Water bottles are made out of food grade stainless steel, so it is dishwasher safe and durable, with no plastic to be found unless as part of the cap design. Stainless steel is re-useable for much longer periods of time and can be sanitized and disinfected, for peace of mind. Another bonus is the price, unless you are buying into a cool brand, stainless steel is cheaper than aluminum to make, so it should be more affordable to a consumer. Of course the last, but not least, benefit of Stainless steel is that it is economically recyclable!
GLASS
So, let’s address the elephant in the room for glass bottles…. Yes we know… they can break easily.
Maybe not the ideal choice for giving to the kids, but above all, the best option for long term health and environmental benefits.
Glass is non permeable, which means it does not absorb any flavors, colors or odors from its contents. It will not leech any chemicals into your water or other drinks. Not only is glass recyclable, but it does not lose quality, strength or purity; meaning it can be recycled again and again and again. It is made from materials that are naturally abundant, like sand and limestone, so it does not waste our earths natural resources.
If you are concerned about breakage, many glass bottles come with a protective outer sleeve made of silicone. The sleeve also creates a strong grip for your hand.
So to summarize and help you in your journey to be single-use plastic-free, buy stainless steel bottles for children to take to school, their games and to carry around outside. For most adults, buy glass bottles with a silicone sleeve to give water or whatever you’re drinking, the best taste, health benefits and longevity for your health, the environment and your pocket!
About PUR2o
We are striving to provide as many people as possible with filtered, purified, naturally alkaline and ionized water for drinking and cooking straight from the tap, for three reasons. We care about the health of YOU, the health of our PLANET and the health of your POCKET!
THE HEALTH OF YOU
Our goal is to provide as many people as possible with pure, crystal clear, safe & healthy water.
PUR2o Alkaline water is shown to benefit: Overall health and energy, weight management, muscle stimulation, brain power, digestive system, mood, body temperature, youthfulness, complexion, lifespan, and boosting your immune system.
THE HEALTH OF OUR PLANET
We are also committed to creating a greater awareness of how plastic and plastic bottles are polluting our planet and our bodies by providing the best water out of your tap, eliminating the amount of plastic we dispose of and how much water we consume out of plastic bottles.
THE HEALTH OF YOUR POCKET
Aside from all the health benefits of Alkaline Water, you save a tremendous amount of money with our systems! Did you know?…. If you drink eight glasses of water each day, it will cost approximately $55 per year; vs $1,700 if you were to drink the same amount of bottled water instead. The PUR2o system pays for its self in only one year by one persons water consumption.