Whether it’s ice-cold water for a long sweaty hike or a hot coffee wake-up kick on your morning commute, you need a good quality reusable water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated.
With the abundance of different reusable water bottle materials on the market, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you.
Don’t panic! I’m here to help…and I’ve brought my obsessive research skills with me!
In this article, I’ll dive deep into some of the most common materials for reusable bottles so you can make an informed decision about the best water bottle choice for your eco-friendly lifestyle.
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Do you think your water bottle choices are limited to plastic and glass? Think again!
Reusable water bottles come in various materials, each boasting unique benefits and pros and cons.
How and where you’ll use the bottle will dictate the best material for you.
From classic stainless steel to ancient copper, there’s an option available for every eco-friendly consumer looking to reduce their single-use plastic consumption.
Check out my environmentally friendly water bottles article for my review of the best options currently available.
Glass water bottles aren’t as durable as other reusable water bottles (although many glass bottles come with protective silicone sleeves to help avoid breakages).
However, they’re still an excellent choice because they are non-porous and won’t retain any lingering taste or odor.
Stainless steel water bottles are safe to use, are incredibly durable, and easy to keep free from mold due to being able to be cleaned with boiling water.
While not offering quite as pure a drinking experience as glass, stainless steel bottles still offer an entirely non-toxic drinking experience (providing it’s made from high-quality 18/8 food-grade stainless steel).
Aluminum bottles are popular because they’re usually cheaper than a stainless steel water bottle.
However, they must be lined with plastic, enamel, or epoxy resin to prevent the metal from being attacked and broken down by acidic drinks.
Plastic bottles have a bad reputation. Disposable plastic water bottles, in particular, are an environmental nightmare that adds to the global plastic waste crisis.
However, when you invest in reusable plastic bottles, you’re making a better environmentally conscious choice than using disposable plastic bottles.
BPA-free plastic bottles are considered safe, but some people are concerned about chemicals passing from the plastic into their water.
Various types of plastic are used for reusable plastic water bottles. Check the recycling symbol (usually on the base) to discover what your plastic drinks bottles are made from.
Copper water bottles have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve the digestive system and overall health.
Today, they’re praised for reducing bacteria and neutralizing compounds that cause bad taste or odor.
They can also help keep your drink at optimal temperature longer than glass or plastic bottles.
Silicone water bottles are not massively popular, but some people consider them the best choice for multiple reasons.
They’re lightweight and portable, making them easy to take wherever you go. You can even get collapsible versions.
They’re also durable and won’t leach chemicals into your water like plastic or aluminum can.
However, they can be hard to clean properly and may retain stains. And don’t put them in the dishwasher. It’s better to hand-wash silicone water bottles to keep them looking their best.
Yes. Check out my reusable water bottle recycling article for more details.
Tritan copolyester is a type of plastic used for reusable water bottles. The manufacturer claims it’s BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and odor/taste resistant.
No. Many are handwash only. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations if you’re unsure.
No. Recent years have seen an upsurge in the number of reusable water bottles designed for children, with various designs to make the bottle fun and interesting for small kids.
The containers are also lightweight, making them easy for little ones to carry.
Many water bottles use a screw-on lid with a rubber or silicone seal to ensure the contents don’t leak out.
To stop your reusable water bottle from leaking, screw the cap on tightly after every use. If it leaks when the lid is on tight, then the seal might need replacing.
For starters, it’s great for staying hydrated and keeping your body in top working condition.
It also ensures that you don’t have to buy plastic bottles of water when you need them. Not only does this help the environment, but it also helps you save money.
Every day in the U.S., more than 60 million water bottles are thrown away.
This many reusable plastic bottles have a devastating effect on the plant.
Switching to a good quality reusable water bottle helps you get the hydration you need and reduce plastic waste.
There are a variety of materials that reusable water bottles can be made of (glass bottles and stainless steel bottles are my ’goto’), but which one is best for you depends on your needs and preferences.
I hope this article has helped you pinpoint those needs and identified the best water bottle material for you.
What are your reusable bottles made from?
Do you prefer glass or stainless steel water bottles like me? Or are you happy to use whatever is the cheapest or the free plastic bottle given to you at conferences or sporting events? Drop me a line and let me know.
