It’s no secret we advocate for the use of reusable bottles. But how often have you found yourself at the reusable bottle aisle at REI and had no idea what to choose? I mean, how many sleepless nights must one lose trying to figure out exactly what bottle to purchase!?

Well, I probably have not lost sleep over this issue, but nonetheless it’s important to once-and-for-all lay the rest the myths and facts about different types of bottles available for purchase.

Reusable Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and flavors. From squeezable bike bottles to heavy-duty plastic bottles like those by Nalgene, plastic bottles offer the greatest variety and versatility for consumers.

Lately, however, the news surrounding a key ingredient used in the production of plastic bottles has seen quite a bit of backlash from consumers. BPA, as it is commonly known, has been linked to cancer in lab tests and, predictably, many consumers quickly moved away from plastic bottles. Major bottle companies like CamelBak and Nalgene quickly changed their bottle production techniques to remove this chemical from their bottles.

Should you be concerned about BPA in plastic bottles? Probably not anymore. Nearly every plastic bottle sold in 2010 seems to be BPA-free and manufacturers even have sections on their websites completely devoted to the issue. It is important to note that bottles produced prior to 2010 may have BPA in them; if you are concerned, contact the manufacturer see whether this is a concern.

Do the Plastic Numbers Make a Difference?

The number on the bottom of a plastic container denotes what materials were used to make the item. Many people are confused about what these numbers mean and how they can affect you.

Plastic #1

Most disposable water bottles (e.g. Dasani and Aquafina) are made of plastic #1 or PET. Some users try to reduce their plastic waste by washing these bottles out and reusing them, but bottles made out of #1 are not reusable. Bottles made of #1 are not durable enough to withstand use, cleaning and reuse without losing their integrity. The compelling issue with these bottles is not whether they leach unwanted chemicals into the water, but that bacteria cannot be easily washed out of them. Long storage time on the shelf or in a warm garage or trunk does increase the likelihood of bacterial growth and may cause antimony to leach from the plastic.

Plastic #3, #6, and #7

There are numerous reports that plastics #3, #6, and #7 may leach unhealthful substances into drinks. #3 (PVC) leaches phthalates which have been shown to cause developmental and reproductive damage. #6 (polystyrene) leaches styrene which can cause nervous system effects and liver damage. Polycarbonate, one type of plastic #7 has been shown to leach Bisphenol A (BPA), a hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen. Polycarbonate has been banned by the Canadian government and is being re-reviewed by the USEPA. There is a new type of plastic #7 that is BPA-free. None of these three types of plastic is widely recyclable. Plastic #7 is durable, but like most plastic, will wear more quickly if exposed to heat in the dishwasher.

Plastics #2, #4, and #5

Plastics #2, #4, and #5 are the healthiest plastic bottle options since they are not known to leach. These plastic bottles do retain odors and stains and after repeated use, tend to leak if not held upright. This lack of durability makes them a poor choice for long term use, and they will not hold up well in the dishwasher. Plastic #2 is commonly recyclable, but plastics #4 and 5 are not recyclable in many municipalities.

Plastic Bottle Pros:

• cheapest to buy
• simple to clean – usually dishwasher safe
• variety of sizes, colors and shapes
• doesn’t have a metallic taste

Plastic Bottle Cons:

• usually not safe for hot liquids or microwaves
• some models may still have BPA
• debate over use of plastic toxins continues to exist

Overall Plastic Bottle Rating: 5 out of 5

Reusable Stainless Steel Bottles

Stainless steel bottles are generally crafted from culinary-grade stainless steel and come in many sizes and some different colors. Stainless steel bottles are a decent alternative to plastic bottles if you are concerned about toxins or manufacturing techniques involved with the production of plastic. There are no known safety issues; stainless steel is non-reactive so the bottles do not leach and do not have to be lined.

Stainless steel generally is less dishwasher safe and probably not a good bet in hot climates since the metal will heat up more quickly than its plastic-counterpart.

Stainless Steel Bottle Pros:

• durable, high-quality design
• no plastic toxins to worry about
• more sizes and colors becoming available
• generally dishwasher safe
• lightweight and hip

Cons:

• may dent if dropped
• possible metallic taste
• heats up in summer temperatures

Overall Stainless Steel Bottle Rating: 4 out of 5

Reusable Aluminum Bottles

Aluminum bottles often look feel and disguise themselves as stainless steel, but in reality, these bottles are dramatically different than their steel counterparts.

Because aluminum is reactive with acidic liquids, aluminum bottles have to be lined with an enamel or epoxy layer that could become a problem with wear and tear. Some researchers have noted that BPA is one main ingredient used for the epoxy layer. They are durable, but if you drop them, they may dent which may affect the efficacy of the liner within. The most popular aluminum bottles have very narrow necks making them difficult to clean, dry, and load with ice. They are not dishwasher safe. Aluminum bottles with certain types of lining are not recyclable.

Pros:

• Light-weight
• Trendy

Cons:

• Sketchy construction techniques
• Possible BPA liner
• Easily dents
• Difficult to clean

Overall Aluminum Bottle Rating: 1 out of 5 (highly not recommended)

Conclusion

Overall, using any reusable bottle is much better than buying bottled water and immediately throwing the away the waste. I recommend sticking with bpa-free plastic or stainless steel bottles and avoiding aluminum due to liner concerns. When purchasing a reusable bottle, look for bottles that are durable and will stand up to your daily use and punishment. Bottles come in a variety of sizes, colors and lid-types.

Join Ban the Bottle and support the movement away from disposable bottled-water by purchasing a reusable bottle. You can make a difference.