Plastic water (and juice) bottles waste resources and generate a lot of trash. Reusables save money and make it easy to drink water wherever you go. Once you buy a reusable bottle, you will have it for years. Here are some we really like (prices average around $19.95 for one bottle):

Sigg – 144 bottle designs in lightweight aluminum, 22 interchangeable lids

Kleen Kanteen - Klean Kanteen is a reusable, risk-free stainless steel container that does not leach toxins into its contents. Recent studies link toxins such as Bisphenol A (BPA) to breast cancers and reproductive mutations. Plastics leach carcinogens including BPA during regular use, exposure to heat and especially after cleaning. From manufacturing to use and disposal, plastics pollute our health and environment. Aluminum or stainless steel offer healthier alternatives.

Platypus – Made out of safe No. 5 polypropylene plastic, these collapsible bottles roll up when they’re empty for easy stowing in a purse, briefcase or backpack.

The Water Geeks - In-line filtration bottles remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminates, allowing you to simply refill and enjoy pure water anywhere, anytime. Features a non-leaching line of hydrapaks, insulated sport bottles, and stainless steel bottles.

For an easy-to-follow analysis by someone who’s tried almost all of them, see this article on Slate.

What about Nalgene? How old is your Nalgene bottle? Scientists worry that the Bisphenol-A in older Nalgene polycarbonate plastic can leak into the water you drink from the bottle. Bisphenol-A is an endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen in the body and has been linked to breast cancer and uterine cancer in women, decreased testosterone levels in men, and reproductive problems for babies and young children. BPA has also been linked to insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. For more of the science on the effects of BPA on our endocrine system etc. see these studies: Environmental Health Perspectives Journal.  New Nalgene bottles are  made from HDPE plastic that is safer than polycarbonate.

To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach, TrustedMD.com says check the recycling symbol on your bottle. If it is a #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), or a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine. Bottled water is usually sold in a #1, and is only recommended for one time use. Do not refill it.

For more information on safe plastic water bottles, see Sierra magazine.

Find more information about reusable water bottles here.

RELATED BLOGS:

Environmental In-Box: Planet Matters Water Filtration Bottle

How to Protect Your Family From Bisphenol A