ARE ALL STEEL WATER BOTTLES CREATED EQUAL WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR

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When were at events we often get asked something
along the lines of So, I recently received a
metal water bottle (from work, a sporting event,
etc.). Is it safe to drink from?
ARE ALL STEEL WATER BOTTLES CREATED EQUAL?
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And our answer is always Maybe... but maybe
not. Unfortunately, not all metal water bottles
are created equal. We drink from a reusable water
bottle for several reasons cost, convenience,
flavor, environmental concern, and our own
physical health. Depending upon the amount of
water you consume, some estimates suggest monthly
savings up to 93 (for one person) switching to a
reusable water bottle. Thats a significant
savings. Even if you arent the type to
exclusively consume bottled water, disposable
water bottles are always a more expensive
alternative no matter the amount.
As for the other reasons we choose to drink from
a reusable water bottle, convenience and flavor
may be a preference, but the environmental impact
is a valid concern. Throughout the world, one
million bottles are purchased every
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minute. And even though considered highly
recyclable, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
takes 400 years to naturally decompose. According
to research projections, by 2050 the ocean will
contain more plastic by weight than fish.
USING REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES FOR HEALTH CONCERNS
Another common reason we prefer a reusable bottle
over bottled water is our own health. But if
bottled water brings to mind a grizzly bear
lapping up water from a fresh mountain spring,
you may be disappointed to know thats rarely the
case. According to an ABC News report, most
bottled water is repurposed tap water.
Big-selling brands are just reprocessed tap
water from cities around the country. One of a
popular bottled waters sources is the Detroit
River! However, theres one major difference
between the water flowing from your sink and
whats in bottled water. Bottled water isnt held
to the same standards as
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municipal water, so you really dont know what
youre drinking. The FDA regulates bottled water
and the EPA regulates tap water.
Tap water often gets a bad wrap. We hear the
words tap water and think of a dirty,
industrial water treatment plant. And then we
hear bottled water and think of the sparkling,
crystal water thats portrayed in commercials.
But between the two administrations regulating
water, take a guess who has the more strict water
guidelines...
THE DANGERS OF DRINKING BOTTLED W ATER
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But the major health concern over bottled water
isnt whats inside the bottle its the bottle
itself. The plastics used in the bottles contain
harmful chemicals, such as BPA (bisphenol A - an
endocrine disruptor linked to cancer,
neurological issues, diabetes, reproductive
issues and more). And the longer you drink from a
disposable bottle the more likely it is to
release BPA. Drinking from these containers
presents serious health risks. Equally concerning
is 30 billion plastic water bottles that land in
our oceans and landfills each year. As these
chemicals break down, they continue to
contaminate the environment around us further
impacting our health. But steel water bottles
provide an alternative drinking source that
covers all the bases. Theyre cost-effective,
convenient, they dont add a bad flavor to the
water, and they dont add to growing amount of
plastics in our landfills and oceans. Steel is
durable and can withstand a beating. No matter
what life experience you throw its way, it wont
wear out over time.
BUT, ARE ALL STEEL BOTTLES THE SAME?
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Unfortunately, the answer is No. There are
various types of metal used in bottles. Aluminum,
which has been linked to diseases such as
Alzheimer's, is often used by even popular
companies. Since aluminum is not a food grade
metal, these companies line the bottle with
plastic which can contain BPA and/or other
harmful chemicals that leach into your water.
Whats worse is when the plastic liner is
scratched or worn down it can expose you to the
aluminum.
SO, W HAT TYPE OF METAL SHOULD I DRINK FROM?
Since youre aware of the environmental impact
and health-related concerns associated with
plastic water bottles, like any responsible
consumer, youve decided to choose a metal water
bottle. But what type of metal bottle should you
buy? The only metal bottle you drink from should
be a stainless-steel sports water bottle.
Stainless steel bottles are able to hold both hot
and cold drinks and provide several other
practical benefits. Stainless steel doesnt
contain the chemicals found in plastics that can
cause severe health risks even in very small
'doses'. And unlike aluminum, stainless
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steel doesnt require a liner since it doesnt
give off any harmful chemicals. However, there
is still a word of warning you should consider
when purchasing a stainless-steel bottle. Even
some stainless-steel bottles have been found to
contain toxic levels of lead. So, if you want to
be guaranteed youre drinking from a safe,
reusable, steel water bottle, look for 304 or
18/8 food-grade stainless steel. 304 or 18/8
food-grade stainless steel is safe at any
temperature and wont leach chemicals into your
water if its scratched or ages.
IN SUMMARY
If you want to be sure you arent consuming any
toxic chemicals with your water, choose a bottle
that is made with 304 or 18/8 food-grade
stainless steel. Disregard any reusable bottles
that are made with anything else.