152/365 Christmas List: BPA-free or Metal Water Bottle

Friends and Fitness Enthusiasts,

Drinking water is important whether you're hanging around the house, running errands, or exercising. The vessel in which you hold your water is also important. Make these considerations before purchasing a new water bottle for yourself or those on your list.

BPA-free
I'm sure that you have heard this phrase before in regards with water bottles but, what does it mean? BPA stands for bisphenol-A. It is a synthetic chemical that can leach into your food and drink from your container; it has been shown to be carcinogenic. BPA is present in plastics labeled #3, #5, #6, and #7. You should be cautious of these containers but, especially scrupulous about microwaving, dishwashing, or heating these plastics to any capacity because it will enhance BPA's leaching abilities. Due to this concern, there has been an impetus to manufacture BPA-free bottles. Consumer Research recommends bottles and products by CamelBak.

Metal
Metal bottles come in two varieties: stainless steel and aluminum. Where stainless steel is heavier, it is more durable than aluminum. Aluminum requires a proprietary liner while stainless steel does not. There has been some concern with what this liner is made of; I recommend getting a stainless steel bottle instead. Klean Kanteen produces several stainless steel bottles to choose from depending on your needs.

There you have it, a break-down of the different choices of bottles on the market today. Go and be an informed consumer! Get rid of those #3, 5, 6, and 7 bottles. Sadly, one of my bottles is a #3; so long!

In health,

Lauren

http://www.consumersearch.com/water-bottles/metal-water-bottles
http://www.organicbabysteps.org/bpa-plastic-3-5-7-bisphenonl-a/