My Digital Online Diary

Water, water everywhere, but not a safe bottle to drink? Well, practically a requirement for the eco-conscious urbanite to lug water everywhere in a colorful hard-plastic bottle. But, studies now show these and other bottles can leach potentially toxic chemicals. Choose stainless steel or glass instead.

Here are the benefits choosing stainless steel or glass: Polycarbonate plastic leaches bisphenol-A, a chemical linked to increased risk of birth defects, miscarriage and prostate cancer. Scratches in the plastic, harsh detergents and boiling liquids exacerbate the leaching. With no known health hazards, soft, opaque plastic may be a better choice.

Stainless steel doesn’t react or leach also, so it’s good for water and other beverages. Aluminium is trickier because the metal itself may be neurotoxic so it usually has a coating. And, glass is non-reactive, dishwasher safe and free if you reuse a juice bottle with a tight fitting lid. And if you’re a klutz, there are cute covers to protect them.