The Real Cost of a Water Drink Bottle in New Zealand

When you look at the high price of purchasing a good quality stainless steel drink bottle like a Klean Kanteen, ECOtanka or other similar brand or the even higher cost glass water drink bottles like Life Factory, you may wince and think, “That’s so expensive” and “Is it even worth it?”

However, I’m here to tell you that it really is worth it AND it’s ultimately far more economical than purchasing a disposable plastic water drink bottle from the supermarket or petrol station every day or even purchasing one every so often and reusing it.

In New Zealand as of late 2011, an average size stainless steel drink bottle (800ml) is going to cost roughly between $20 and $35 depending on the brand and quality.  A glass bottle close to the same size (650ml) may be around $45 to $50.00. But this is only an upfront cost, as opposed to an ongoing cost.  Generally speaking, stainless steel and even glass can last for many years.  At most, you may have to replace a lid now and then, especially if it’s a sports sipper lid.  This will cost you maybe $4 to $5 every 6 to 24 months depending on usage.  You can refill this water bottle as many times as you like in a day from whatever source you choose.  You can also likely use it for juice or milk as well.

Now, in New Zealand, the cost of an average sized plastic water bottle – we’ll take a 1 litre – is going to run you somewhere between $1.00 and $2.50 for each bottle.  If you only drink ONE bottle a day, even at the lowest cost possible of $1.00 per bottle, you have just spent $180.00 over a six month period.  For a $2.50 bottle, you have spent $450.00 over that same six month period.  Even if you just purchase TWO 1 litre plastic water bottles per WEEK as a top up, that is still $52.00 over six months if you’ve managed to find $1.00 bottles.

Your  “expensive” stainless steel or glass water bottle has just paid for itself up to several times over even just over a six month period.  Imagine the savings over a couple of years!  Not to mention, the savings to the state of the environment and landfills.  And the savings to your health and well being since most disposable water drink bottles may leach chemicals if left in the sun – which is another reason why you don’t want to buy a disposable water bottle and use it for ages.   The health problems associated can ultimately cost hundreds if not thousands in future medical bills and time off work.

So, next time you look at a stainless steel or glass drink bottle, and think “Wow!, That’s too expensive and I can’t afford it”, think again.  You can’t afford not to purchase one.