What you drink has consequences on your health – we all know that. But did you know that what you drink from can also make a difference? It seems trivial, but what your bottle is made from carries more than an aesthetic result.
Plastic bottles
The pros
Lightweight, portable, and pretty much get the job done. Plastic bottles are cheap and easily accessible, so people often flock to them for their first foray into reusable bottles. They’re also available in lots of styles and designs to fit a variety of lifestyles.
The cons
BPA, a major ingredient in plastic production, has been linked to cancer. Many companies changed the way they source plastic to tackle this problem and now such bottles are marketed as BPA free. Although BPA is no longer as big of an issue, plastic bottles also face problems with chemical leakage and taste hindering. They can also vary drastically in quality.
Stainless steel bottles
The pros
Stainless steel bottles are free of all the toxins and chemicals that affect their plastic counterparts. They are usually of a high quality and very durable for long-lasting use. Most models are dishwasher safe meaning it’s easy to keep them clean and healthy. They have seen an increase in popularity, so lots of models are available on the market.
The cons
They may not be the best choice for those who live in warmer climates, as they can heat up during warmer months. As durable as they are, they can also dent went dropped, so can end up not as aesthetically pleasing as when they were first bought. Some people also complain of a metallicy taste when drinking from them.
Glass bottles
The pros
Glass doesn’t affect the taste of your drink, so purists may appreciate this bottle more than others. Glass is also completely chemical free as well as being dishwasher safe. A simple concept, but seeing as we often drink out of glass when inside – why not take it outside too?
The cons
As to be expected, glass can be fragile – so it’s not the most durable of bottle options. Fortunately, many models come with a silicone casing on the outside to protect it from bumps and scratches.
Image: Liz West