Using stainless steel & glass water bottles in New Zealand

Too often we don’t think about the type of water bottles we purchase at the grocery store or the petrol station or the effect they might have on us or our environment. But the fact is that the majority of disposable water bottles are unsafe. They leak harmful chemicals like BPA (which may cause prostate and other cancers) and may retain bacteria especially if used over and over again. And they ultimately end up in New Zealand‘s landfills which isn’t great for the enviroment.

So what is the better choice?  The good news is that there are safe and economical alternatives to disposable plastic water bottles.  High quality stainless steel and glass water drink bottles are the best.  They don’t impart or retain flavours, do not leach chemicals,and don’t require a lining  Stainless steel and glass water bottles are also usually easy and quick to clean and can be used over and over again.  If taken care of they can last a long time and can actually end up being far cheaper in the long run than the cost of buying a disposable water bottle every day – both on your wallet and on the environment.  And when the time comes, they are fully recyclable so they aren’t going to add to our New Zealand landfills.

On another note, Aluminium is also often used for reusable water drink bottles.  However, I would avoid them if possible. While aluminium drink bottles are lightweight and recyclable and may be less expensive than their glass and stainless steel counterparts, they require a lining of some sort which often disintegrates over time, adding a strange taste to your water and exposing you directly to the aluminium which can lead to Alzheimers.

So, the bottom line is, next time you reach for a disposable plastic water bottle on your quick stop at the petrol station, stop and think about the real cost to you and the New Zealand environment and rather invest in a high quality stainless steel or glass water bottle.  You’ll be glad you did.