Non-Plastic Bottle Options
Eco-Friendly Alternative Choices for Reusable Bottles
Decided not to Uue plastic bottles any longer for water or juice? Consider these alternatives when you replace the sports or baby bottles.
Plastics are frequently chosen as liquid containers because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and not easily broken. However, they have become increasingly questioned as viable containers for potable fluids. These questions arise from findings concerning chemicals leaching into the stored fluid and the environmental hazards involved when these bottles are thrown away instead of recycled. Though the alternatives are somewhat heavier and more expensive, the decision to switch is a health and environmental one.
Baby Bottles
Glass baby bottles are seeing a revival. Glass was replaced with plastic because plastic did not shatter as easily and the bottle did not need to be frequently inspected for chips and nicks. Now health concerns about plastics leaching bisphenol A (BPA) into the fluids are causing plastic baby bottles to be seriously questioned. Concerned parents can find several popular brands, including Dr. Brown’s, Born Free and Evenflo, making glass bottles with silicone nipples. These can be purchased almost anywhere baby products are sold.
Other companies, such as Green to Grow, Medela and Nuby, offer another alternative, BPA free plastic bottles. These bottles are plastic but without BPA or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). All are available with silicone nipples. Other infant and toddler products made from BPA free plastics include sippy cups, toys and feeding supplies.
Sports and Water Bottles
Sports bottles and other reusable drink containers are returning to aluminum. These bottles are 100% recyclable when retired, whereas plastics are not.. They are dishwasher safe, though hand washing is preferable since dishwashers are known for leaving behind food residue in tall bottles. Heating in a microwave is not recommended. Design improvements have also made these metal bottles lighter weight, thus more suitable for young children to carry.
Though dusting off the old camping canteen has some retro appeal, there are many other options available. Reputable companies such as Kleen Kanteen and SIGG offer a large assortment of sizes, colors and styles; from children sippy cups to sports bottles, flasks to thermoses. Aluminum bottles have been tested for quality and do not show measurable amounts of leached chemicals.
Aluminum water bottles are becoming very popular and many manufactures now offer their own version. Common places to purchase them, besides the Internet, are at sporting goods or outdoor enthusiasts stores. As with any unfamiliar product, investigate the brand in advance. There has been one recall in October of 2007 for high lead levels in the paint on the outside of the bottle.
