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Metal water bottles are usually made from either stainless steel or aluminum. Most experts recommend stainless steel over aluminum because aluminum may build up in the body, causing health problems including Alzheimer's disease. Because many water bottles are unlined and the water or other beverage comes in direct contact with the metal, a stainless steel bottle is considered a safer option.
There are many manufacturers of metal water bottles, but two of the most recognizable names are Sigg and Klean Kanteen. - Metal water bottles allow you carry water with you on the go. They are reusable and simple to clean. They can be easily filled from a tap, a filtered pitcher or a water cooler.
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Metal water bottles come in various sizes and styles. A basic metal water bottle is cylinder in shape and has a lid that screws on and off.
While some metal water bottles are simply a plain bottle, the popularity of metal water bottles has inspired some companies to make stylish bottles with different sayings or designs. Children's metal water bottles may have designs of animals or flowers on them. Those made for adults may have relevant sayings or hip designs.
Many companies also use metal water bottles as marketing tools or give-aways, so there are several companies create a custom designs on their metal water bottles.
They are lightweight (although they do weigh a bit more than most plastic bottles), reusable, can usually hold hot or cold liquid and eco-friendly. -
Using a metal water bottle instead of a plastic water bottle has two significant effects. The first is the health effect. Plastic water bottles, whether they are one time use or reusable, have the ability to leak toxins into the water. Water bottles that are left out in the hot sun (such as at sporting events), washed in a dishwasher, put in a microwave or otherwise heated have even more of a potential to leak toxins.
Not all plastic water bottles are created equal. Those with a #2, #4 or #7 on them are generally considered the least safe. Those with a #5 on the bottom are considered the safest. And those with the #1 (generally the disposable water bottles) are considered only safe for one use. Using a metal water bottle that is not lined with any harmful plastics eliminates the concern about the toxins in plastic leaching into the water.
The other significant effect is on the environment. Disposable plastic bottles are recyclable, but it is estimated that 80% of them end up in landfills. The creation of the bottles takes oil (plastic is a derivative of petrol). The creation and disposal of plastic water bottles wreaks havoc on the environment. By using a reusable metal water bottle, the environment is protected from the damage done by the plastic bottles. -
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a metal water bottle is the price. Metal water bottles are significantly more expensive than reusable plastic water bottles. Because they are used on the go, there is a chance that they might be misplaced.
Another consideration is the fact that some of the metal water bottles use plastic liners. This helps to keep the water from getting a metallic taste, yet some are concerned about the what might leached from the plastic liners into the water.
Finally, when the bottle is being used should be considered. Metal water bottles can't be squeezed so a quick squirt in the mouth during a sporting event or a bike ride is not an option with metal bottles.
Comments
rox11aries said
on 9/9/2009 Concerning Siggs-Unlike stainless steel water bottles, the Sigg Aluminum bottle has coated the lining with plastic which has the chemical BPA. The Sigg company has been under fire and brand tarnished for not disclosing this info, and for the fact that they claim to be a eco-friendly. With so many quality stainless steel brands on the market, it's easy to drink safely while on the go. Klean Kanteen is a safe bottle and well as Thermos, Innate and a few others. More info can be found at http://www.metalwaterbottle.net