EcoVessel Water Bottles – While there are many excellent reusable water bottles available, EcoVessel water bottles stand out for many reasons.
Living in the dry southwest, our family brings water bottles everywhere we go.
It’s a habit, even in the winter months.
We choose stainless steel, rather than reusable BPA-free plastic ones, 98% of the time.
During the school year, this also means our kids bring a stainless steel water bottle in their backpacks each day.
They also pack water for their lunch bags.
They need water bottles that are reliable and easy to use for 180 days each school year.
We own many water bottles and have tried many through the years.
We have various ones for different circumstances.
In the summer and for outdoor adventures, we carry water bottles that hold 25 or more ounces.
For school, our kids bring water bottles that are at least 16 ounces.
For their lunches, they need something much smaller.
EcoVessel water bottles
We owned The Surf, and now we own two EcoVessel water bottles.
We wanted a smaller one for lunches and a larger, all-purpose one for everything else.
EcoVessel Scout review
One of our biggest problems has been finding an appropriately-sized stainless steel water bottle to fit in our kids’ lunch bags.
We had tried a competitor to EcoVessel in the past; however, the lid broke after a few months.
Additionally, while it was BPA-free plastic, we preferred stainless steel. It was also 16 oz and took up a lot of room.
Our goal was to find something smaller.
What we like about the EcoVessel Scout: 13 oz
The bottle’s size fits well in taller lunch bags as well as shorter ones.
It holds 13 oz which is an ideal amount to bring for lunch.
Easy to use
It’s easy to lift and open the drinking spout.
You can keep the straw in for no-tilt drinking or choose to remove it.
EcoVessel Scout Materials and design
This water bottle is made from 18/8 single layer stainless steel.
It’s not insulated but for our purposes, this isn’t a problem.
It’s suited for cold drinks, not hot.
Again, this meets our needs.
There is a wide-mouth which makes it easy to fill.
We like the wide mouth also because it makes it very easy to clean as well as dry out completely.
It’s hand wash only.
We are used to this with water bottles.
We empty them when the kids are home from school and rinse them out and wipe them down.
Like with all reusable water bottles, we air them out completely overnight to inhibit mold growth.
The Scout is easy for kids to hold and carry with the loop in the lid.
EcoVessel Scout Colors and designs
They have cute, unique designs which are suited for children.
What could use improvement: Lid handle
The lid handle is wide.
It’s four inches which takes room in the lunch bag but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Some may view this as an attribute as it’s handy for kids to carry it.
However, for our purposes, we just wanted something our kids could use at lunch.
Designs and patterns
The EcoVessel Scout comes in artistic, appealing designs.
However, being our kids are older, it would be great if EcoVessel would offer the Scout in bright solid colors — even more than one color, with stripes, etc. — to appeal to tweens and teens.
Simply decide to bring your own water bottle with you. You will be creating an easy habit that will reap immediate rewards each and every time you use it instead of a disposable water bottle.
Brincatti Travel Bottles Review
I’m always in the market for gear that makes green travel — and green living — easier.
The folks at Brincatti were kind enough to send me their travel bottle kit and a refillable spray bottle to try out.
So far, I’ve loved them both.
Here’s why I enjoyed using the Brincatti Travel Bottles.
Brincatti Travel Bottle Kit: Green Traveling Made Easy
It’s so wasteful to use the tiny bottles of shampoo that hotels supply, so I always want to bring my own.
Unfortunately, I’m usually reusing the tiny hotel bottles, which are difficult to fill up and end up making a mess.
Plus, they don’t hold enough shampoo for a long trip.
The bottles in Brincatti’s travel bottle kit are much bigger at 3 oz. each and have wider mouths, which makes filling them a breeze.
They even come with adhesive labels that you can add to each bottle for shampoo, condition, lotion, sunscreen, etc.
Each kit contains four bottles, three of which have flip caps and one of which has a spray top.
The kit comes with a TSA-approved plastic carrier, too.
The only downside to the plastic carrier is that there’s no room for other liquids, so if you want to bring toothpaste or deodorant, you’ll need to bring a different TSA-approved plastic bag that can hold everything.
These days, I have been using regular Zip-lock bags instead of buying a special clear travel bag.
Overall, though, Brincatti’s travel bottle kit is great.
You can buy one for less than a bottle of shampoo.
Brincatti Travel Bottles
Refillable Spray Bottle: Green Living at Home
Next, we tried Brincatti’s refillable spray bottle.
If you make your own cleaning products, you’ll love Brincatti’s refillable spray bottle.
Unlike many spray bottles, this one has a wide-mouth opening that makes filling it up simple and mess-free.
I love using it around the house.
It is 22 ounces.
I use cloth diapers for my 10-month-old son and had been looking for a way to make using cloth wipes easy.
I ordered handmade wipes from Etsy, but needed a simple way to get them wet right before I used them.
The Brincatti refillable spray bottle is the perfect solution.
I made a homemade cloth diaper wipe solution and was able to mix it right in the bottle.
And because of its wide-mouth feature, it is very easy to refill without having spills.
The bottle would also be great for homemade household cleaners, vinegar, or even a marinade for meat or veggies.
At under $5, the refillable spray bottle is a worthwhile investment for green living at home.
Brincatti Refillable Spray Bottle
These Brincatti Travel Bottles are an easy way of going green while traveling and while at home.
You will conserve and save on plastic bottle waste.
When you use the refillable spray bottle, you can be helping your own environment by filling it with earth-friendly cleaning products that you can make yourself.
Or you can buy in bulk and dispense it yourself.
Either way, by bringing your own toiletries on vacation with TSA approved bottles and by refilling bottles at home, you will become more economical and be earth-friendly at the same time.
Runner up as it’s not as versatile for travel but is the best for kids and good for everyday use Brita Water Bottle with Filter
LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle with LifeStraw Filter
This is a great leak-free, BPA-free plastic water bottle with filter.
Best use: Great for traveling, hiking, camping, etc., as well as work and around town.
Why: I like the option that you can drink water from a stream or pond as well as tap water. It’s lightweight.
Capacity: 23 ounces
Best feature: The filter will stop taking on water when it’s time to be changed, which is fantastic so you will know for sure when it isn’t working anymore.
Also great: You won’t need to replace the filter for awhile. It will work for 264 gallons of water.
Lightweight: 5 ounces
LifeStraw is an industry leader, known for quality products.
Their portable water filter and water bottle filtration system eliminates 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and waterborne protozoan parasites.
The LifeStraw Go Water Bottle is one of the only water bottles with filters that can filter water from ponds and streams as well as regular tap water.
It’s light and it’s leak proof too which make it ideal to bring on hikes, camping, and while traveling.
I love how light it is when empty, just over 5 ounces.
Like most plastic water bottles, this is hand wash only.
GRAYL Ultralight Purifier Bottle
This is the latest and greatest in purifying and filtering water.
It’s also BPA-free and doesn’t leak.
Best use: Easy to take anywhere.
Why: Purifies and filters water fast. I like that I can change out the water filter to a water purifier to use when adventuring outdoors in nature. It will work with any freshwater source.
Capacity: 16 ounces
Best feature: Takes just 15 seconds until you can drink clean water.
Also great: This is essential when you travel internationally.
Lightweight: 10.9 ounces
How does it work? Think of a French press — you use your body weight to press down on it.
We love it because it offers great filtration and water purification (easily change it to a water purifying filter).
It does a great job of filtering silt and particles.
You can filter 40 gallons of water before needing a replacement cartridge.
GRAYL products are also exceptional at removing 99.999% of what you don’t want in your water, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
It also will filter dangerous heavy metals, particulates while removing odors.
This is also hand-wash only.
GRAYL redesigned this bottle to be very lightweight while offering the superior ability to remove contaminants.
Just a filter: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
LifeStraw also offers an essential item — the filter on it’s own.
This small filter is great because it’s:
Lightweight: At just 2 ounces, you can bring it anywhere.
Ideal for outside activities: It eliminates 99.99% of parasites and bacteria.
Lasts a long time: One filter can filter 1,000 liters of water.
Best feature: It’s just so small and handy and easy to take with you. There really isn’t a reason not to own one, even just for an emergency situation.
You won’t need iodine tabs or batteries or anything to eliminate toxins from any freshwater source.
This is truly a must-have item but know that this is just the filter, not the water bottle too.
Keep it in your car, bring it when traveling, RV-ing, hiking, camping or keep it as part of your emergency-preparedness planning.
It can be absolutely invaluable and possibly lifesaving should you ever need to use it.
Best water bottle with filter — other bottles we reviewed
Brita Water Bottle with Filter
Best use: The gym, for toting around town, and for your kids at school.
Best kids water bottle with filter: This is perfect for children who refill water using drinking fountains.
Why: These would be fine for work too but have a more sports-look to them. Also good for hiking because they are lightweight but you have to bring your own water, not source it from nature.
Capacity: 20 ounces or 24 ounces
Downside: This isn’t geared toward outdoor activities or international travel
We like Brita products as Brita is a long-time recognized name in water filtration for the home.
One of their water bottle filters can filter the equivalent of 300 of the standard 16.9 ounce sized water bottles.
They are made from BPA-free plastic.
Great for kids at school water fountains
I like that I can throw this bottle in my gym bag and not worry about it leaking.
I typically fill it up at home and once again after my workout from my gym’s water fountain.
Who knows how often places service their water fountains, so this is a great bottle to choose if you or your kids refill at water fountains at school, the gym, at work, etc.
These Brita water bottles filter out lead, chlorine, and other contaminants for fresher tasting water.
They come in a set of two.
My kids use these in the hotter months during the school year, and say they are easy to refill at their school’s water fountain.
Bobble Bottles
We love products made in the USA and Bobble bottles are.
Best use: The gym, work and toting around town.
Why: Easy to take with me.
Capacity: Vary in size.
Downside: Can also take hiking and biking but need to have your own water source. You can’t use this to purify water from rivers and streams.
The Bobble with water filter is meant to filter tap water, and they do an excellent job of filtering water to make it free from chlorine and other common organic contaminants.
I always get a compliment when I use one of the two I own.
Best water tumbler with filter
ZeroWater Portable Filtration Tumbler
You can also use it without the filter.
ZeroWater Portable Filtration Tumbler
This tumbler isn’t leak-proof but we love it all the same.
Best use: Taking it from your home to the office, around town, toting in your car’s drink holder, etc.
Why: I like drinking from a straw in the car instead of tilting my head back — eyes-off-the-road hazard — with the traditional water bottle.
Best feature: What I love about the ZeroWater tumbler is that there is a color-changing indicator right on the filter so you know when it’s time to change it.
Capacity: 26 ounces
The ZeroWater Portable Filtration Tumber can be used with or without the filter.
The only downside to this for traveling is that it has a removable straw that doesn’t seal.
You wouldn’t want to take this hiking, etc.
Otherwise, we love it.
It quickly filters water in 5-stages to remove 99.6% of dissolved solids.
Note, this is a water filter for a tumbler.
It beats other brands filters for tumblers for eliminating the contaminants typically found in tap water, including:
In organics:
Chlorine
Nitrate
Chlorite
Metals:
Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Pesticides: Removes 14 prevalant pesticides
VOCs volatile organic compounds: It removes these as well.
So many times you don’t know if a filter is still working and effective.
We love the fresh, clean taste of water and like to feel good about using a reusable water bottle so using a water bottle with a filter is a good idea.
Eliminate the dissolved solids and other contaminants and enjoy water again.
Filters eliminate odors and improve clarity as well.
All of these are great choices.
When you consider:
Where you will be using it most often
Where you will be sourcing the water
Then you will be able to choose the best water bottle with filter.
Some will be more practical for you, depending on where you see yourself using the water bottle most often and where you will be sourcing the water from.
Maybe you want to use it everyday; it’s essential for traveling.
Or maybe you want one to be prepared in case of emergencies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have this in-depth guide for using a water filter to avoid Cryptosporidium.
Whether you live in a tornado or hurricane-prone area, are prepping, backpacking, or just want to drink safely, it’s important to have access to clean water.
These water bottles with filters are effective and convenient.
Best Portable Water Purifier for Travel
Last year, my husband and I took three months to road trip through Africa.
Visiting over a dozen countries in our 4×4 was no small feat and there were countless hours of planning.
While I am happy with how we planned and stayed on budget, there is one piece of equipment I wish we would have had with us: a portable water purifier for travel.
Instead, we carried 5 liter bottles that we bought along the way.
Thankfully, we were able to refill them when we stayed in places with water purifiers so they didn’t end up breaking the bank.
However, we saw so many water bottles littered in ditches along the way, we knew that we would choose a more eco-friendly option for our next trip.
Best Portable Water Purifier for Travel
We have been talking about another African road trip, so it’s a great time to start looking into the best portable water purifier for travel.
Unlike the first two purifiers, this Katadyn water filter is not a purifier.
So even though the water will be safe to drink, it may still have some unpleasant taste.
However, I like this particular water filter because does have a glass-fiber element inside that does help to improve the taste of water without chemicals.
This Katadyn water filter is easy to clean — you just have to swish the filter in water.
It also has a handy water bottle adapter, which can be really helpful.
I appreciate that this filter does not use any chemicals so there is no chemical aftertaste.
It also can filter the most water per filter — depending on the water quality, the Katadyn Hiker PRO can filter up to 1150 liters.
A countertop carbon filter pitcher like the Mavea Elemaris XL is an excellent, sustainable way to avoid bottled water and make sure your water is healthy.
Here are my favorite features and the one downside I’ve found.
Removes Many Harmful Contaminants
As you know if you’re a regular reader, we’re all about healthy water and healthy water bottles.
Tap water sometimes gets a bad rap, but the truth is, many of the harmful chemicals and pollutants in your water can be easily removed with an inexpensive carbon filter like the one in the Elemaris XL pitcher.
I drink a ton of water every day and it’s a hassle to constantly have to refill a pitcher, so I appreciate that the Mavea Elemaris XL holds 9 cups (just over 2 liters) of water.
It’s big enough to hold a lot of water, but not so big that it takes up too much space on the counter or in the refrigerator.
Easy to Refill
It may seem like a no-brainer for a water pitcher to be easy to fill up, but not all water pitchers are simple to refill.
The Elemaris XL has a pour-through lid, which makes filling it up a cinch.
It even has a flap in the pour-through area that automatically closes when it’s full.
My recently retired Brita pitcher didn’t have this feature, and I’m really glad my new pitcher does.
Comes in 6 Great Colors
One of my favorite things about the Mavea Elemaris XL pitcher is that it comes in 6 fun colors: white, black, purple, green, orange, and red.
I generally care much more about function than aesthetics, but I use my water pitcher constantly throughout the day, and it’s fun to see that splash of color in my kitchen.
Part of a Filter Recycling Program
It may sound crazy now, but for many years the filter pitcher giant Brita didn’t recycle their filters.
After successful lobbying by environmentalists, the company finally started to take back their filters.
Fortunately, Mavea has a great filter recycling program.
They’ll even pay for shipping when you send your used filters back.
Learn how to recycle your Mavea filter on Mavea’s website.
Downside: Price (Especially of Filters)
The one negative I’ve found with the Elemaris XL is that both the pitcher and the filters are a bit more expensive than similar items from other brands.
I’m willing to spring more for a pitcher I really like, but the price difference in the filters will add up over time.
These filters are a bit more expensive than some other brands; Brita’s filter, which also filters 40 gallons.
Is price a deal breaker?
I don’t think so.
I really like the Elemaris XL’s features and, for me, they outweigh this one negative.
Interesting Tidbit: Why Haven’t I Heard of Mavea?
While Brita has become a household name, Mavea may not ring a bell. So why haven’t you heard of Mavea?
The short answer is you have — sort of.
There’s some interesting history with Mavea and what it boils down to is that Mavea is the current incarnation of the original BRITA brand.
Clorox bought Brita in 2000, so current Brita products are owned by Clorox.
The Brita parent company, though, retained its name — BRITA Gmbh — and now sells its American products under the Mavea brand.
A confusing, but interesting, piece of filter pitcher history.
The Bottom Line
The Mavea Elemaris XL is a nice, solid carbon filter pitcher.
It comes in great colors, is easy to use, and eliminates a number of harmful contaminants from tap water.
The one downside is that it’s a bit pricier than some competitors, but I think the features outweigh the slightly higher price.
Mavea Elemaris XL is an excellent alternative to bottled water and I would highly recommend it.
Glass Brita Pitcher
Glass Brita Pitcher
I’ve long been interested in finding a Brita pitcher made from glass.
You can’t buy any glass pitchers with a built in filter in the United States, but Brita makes a version sold in the UK.
Fruit infused water bottles – Fresh, refreshing drinks that are actually healthy.
Yes, please!
Learn about the best fruit infused water bottles and why they are awesome.
I never knew what a difference owning a fruit infused water bottle would make!
Prior to owning one, I thought that I could just put some fruit in my glass or reusable water bottle if I wanted some extra flavor.
I had been “off” of diet soda for over a year. Instead, I (unfortunately) switched to vitamin water and also started adding those sugar-free powders into my water for flavoring.
But when I finally stopped to think about all the chemicals I was adding unnecessarily to my body, I never bought them again.
Best Fruit Infused Water Bottles Review
Being I use reusable water bottles every day, it’s essential the bottle is easy to manage, won’t break, and won’t ever leak.
I also like when they are lightweight, and in the case of fruit infused bottles, easy to fill with fruit.
If they can be cleaned in the dishwasher, that’s a huge plus as well.
With all of these fruit infused bottles (), I love that I can create different great tasting concoctions based on what produce I have on hand.
Overall, I am thrilled with using a fruit infused water bottle and feel good about being so much healthier than I was before.
People use them for detoxing and cleansing as well.
All of these I tried have a twist top, not a flip lid.
Savvy Infusion Water Bottle
This was the first bottle I tried, and I absolutely love it.
Here’s what makes it one of the best infuser water bottles:
Easy to put fruit and vegetables into it
Holds 24 ounces
Made with Tritan plastic so won’t break
Easy to carry with the handle
Twist on lid, so it closes securely. I’m never concerned about it leaking when I put it in my purse with my smartphone.
BPA-free
It’s dishwasher safe
It also comes with a digital fruit infused recipe book but I did not access it as I was making up my own recipes when I first bought it.
Downsides to Savvy Infusion Water Bottle
Something people may consider to be a disadvantage is that you have to unscrew and take off the lid completely in order to take a drink from it.
But of course, this is what makes it leakproof!
I use this while walking so it hasn’t been a problem but for those wanting to take a fast sip while working out on a treadmill, bike or stepper, or driving, etc., it might be a negative.
There are slots at the top which help to regulate water flow, which means water doesn’t spill out when you take a big drink from it.
The only real criticism I have with the Savvy Infusion Water Bottle is that I wish the fruit chamber went a little lower in the bottle so that water at the bottom can be more flavored and infused before I finish it.
However, this is typical with several other fruit infused water bottles I tried, that didn’t make this top 3 best fruit infused list.
The Savvy Infusion Water Bottle is a great bottle overall.
Advantage of The Savvy Infusion Water Bottle
The screw on/off cap works well and is leak-proof.
This one holds 24 ounces of fruit-infused water, and it too has a twist-on/off lid.
It also was completely leak-proof, and like the others, the lid has to be completely untwisted and removed to take a drink from it.
Overall, it is much more sanitary to drink this way in that you don’t have to worry about cleaning the spouts and straws like other reusable water bottles often have.
So I consider this a plus.
At the time I ordered the Design for Living Tritan Infuser Water Bottle .
This would be a great fruit infuser to try if you are not sure if you will really stick with using it.
Like the others, it is also dishwasher safe in the top rack.
Downsides to Design for Living Tritan Infuser Water Bottle
My criticism of this one is that the fruit chamber isn’t low enough to infuse the water at the bottom.
When I used this bottle, I found myself filling it up the night before and putting it in the refrigerator so that the water had time to become fully flavored.
It wasn’t that big of a concern though because it ended up saving me time in the morning.
The only downside then became that I use the bottle in the day and then often run my dishwasher at night.
So for the several weeks I tested and used this bottle, I found that I just ended up hand-washing it and then refilling it right away for it to infuse overnight.
Design For Living Tritan Infuser Water Bottle
Also made of Tritan plastic, this one has a rather narrow fruit chamber.
Depending on what type of fruit or vegetables you are putting in there, it may or may not be a problem.
I tend to cut up my fruit into smaller pieces to get more of the juice out but if you would want to put a large whole strawberry into it, it may not fit.
Made with Tritan plastic so don’t worry about it breaking
What’s unique about the FruitFused bottle is that it offers a lifetime guarantee, which is rare.
Downsides of Fruit Fused Infuser Water Bottle
Some might not like the very wide mouth of this bottle which makes it difficult to use in the car… not that we should!
However, it might be a negative for some who want to use it at the gym because you have to unscrew the lid to drink from it.
But it was fine for me and makes it that much easier to clean.
It also means that you can drink from any part of the rim; there isn’t a “spout” area from which to drink, so it’s like you are drinking right out of a cup.
I think it’s a great design.
Cleaning fruit infused water bottle
This one is also able to be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher.
It is important to rinse out the fruit chamber before putting it into the dishwasher.
Sometimes I wipe it with a paper towel or scrub brush, just to get all the fruit out.
I like that the fruit chamber sits lower so you can enjoy the fruit more.
It’s great for the water that is still in the bottle to get some additional flavor.
There was supposed to be an e-book with fruit infused water recipes but if I did get it, I didn’t see it in my email.
I’m sure in time I will be looking for some fruit infused water recipes, but until then, I’m happy using whatever I have on hand.
I just love feeling like I am drinking something healthy.
Advantage of Fruit Fused Infuser Water Bottle
Dishwasher safe.
The fruit chamber sits lower enabling the last of the water to capture more flavor.
Cleaning a fruit water bottle diffuser
What is very unique to these types of bottles is that they are dishwasher safe!
I absolutely LOVE this feature because I use my infuser water bottle most every day and really dislike hand washing something that gets such heavy use.
I also want to know it is cle
Usually, only a glass water bottle would be dishwasher safe, so this is really a plus given these are made from plastic.
Cleaning tip for fruit infused water bottle
It’s best to rinse out the fruit chamber first so the fruit that might be stuck to the bottom or sides doesn’t get “baked” on from the heat of the dishwasher.
I always rinse whatever I put into my dishwasher so this is a habit already and not a concern, more just a tip.
Fruit infused water bottles smackdown
The results: The three of these are great products, all of which I would recommend.
I’ve used them with tea bags also, and they all worked well.
Any of these fruit and vegetable infused water bottles are a simple way to add extra flavor into your water without all the chemicals.
I love knowing they can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
I also think they make great gifts and that kids would enjoy using them as well.
So many times kids are drinking sports drinks and sugary juice boxes.
Using these could be the start of your kids drinking more water and getting used to drinking something without added sugar.
Why get a fruit infused bottle?
Good hydration is one of the most important factors for overall health.
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to maintain a good rate of hydration.
The reasons are many.
Some people simply forget to intake liquids.
Others are too hooked on sodas and coffee to think of drinking several glasses of boring water.
Drinking fruit infused water is a great way to increase your water consumption.
When I finally stopped buying soda and powdered packets, I started noticing flavored water at the grocery store.
I thought, “It’s water! It’s got to be good for me.”
Some were citrus flavored, some strawberry and others were mango.
I bought a small case of each and enjoyed them almost as a special treat over the next few weeks.
But I really don’t want to fill up recycling centers with cans and bottles.
And these supposedly healthy drinks were made in a factory with added chemicals for flavoring and color.
Plus, it would be cheaper and healthier to do it at home.
Finally, for once and for all, I stopped buying what I refer to as “chemicals with water.”
Fruit infused water recipes
I started with adding some mint leaves and whole fresh raspberries to just a regular glass of water.
It was tasty, and I did it for about a week.
It made my water a lot more special: I felt like I was at a spa!
And I also felt good about myself for treating my body to real fruits and not chemicals.
Then I started experimenting with other combination of fruits.
Most of them just didn’t work well or I felt like I had to almost blend them ahead of time because the fruit was more than flavoring the water… I was eating it!
I didn’t want to be drinking whole pieces of fruit so I stopped adding fruit to my water altogether.
A few months later I noticed my friend had a fruit infused water bottle on one of our walks.
I had never noticed her using it before.
She raved about it and told me some of the combinations she tried, even with vegetables.
So I went home and ordered one on Amazon that night.
I was excited to try it to see if and how a fruit infused water bottle would be better than just adding fruit to a glass.
I already knew I loved the taste of fruit in my water and was excited at the thought of adding vegetables too.
And I was really looking forward to not having the fruit slide down the glass into my mouth.
I’m glad I tried these fruit infused water bottles because they made it a lot easier to enjoy the fruit flavor.
Overall, they were convenient, easy to use, easy to take with me or to drink at home, and simple to clean.
I’m hooked.
Trend toward fruit infused water
The recent craze for fruit infused water bottles is exciting as it means people are getting away from the chemicals in manufactured drinks.
These flavored waters are a wonderful alternative to syrupy sodas and diet drinks, and they are just as good for you as plain water.
Best of all, there are many fruit infused water bottles on the market which make it easier than ever to make your own delicious water and carry it with you everywhere.
No more boring plain water
One of the problems with plain water is that it isn’t always that exciting to drink nor is it something most people look forward to drinking a lot of.
Flavored water is much nicer.
It is somehow more refreshing and is something you actually look forward to rather than feel like you “have to” drink it.
Hence our recommendation of a fruit infused water bottles.
Healthy, chemical and preservative free, low calorie fruity water
Fruit infused water bottles allow you to add fresh fruit to your water.
It is really simple to use.
You just chop up the fruit and/or vegetables of your choice and put it in a plastic reservoir that is screwed into the lid of the water bottle.
Once you have screwed the lid onto the bottle, the fruit is suspended in the water.
Within minutes, the flavor of the fruit begins to infuse the water.
It is tastes wonderful, clean, crisp, cool water with a hint of strawberry, lemon, kiwi or any other fruit is divine.
You can enjoy flavored water that is not loaded with unnatural sugar, E numbers or preservatives.
Naturally that means the infused water you are making is very low in calories.
It really is good for you without chemicals.
It turns plain water into an even healthier drink.
Benefits of good hydration
Simply put, the better your level of hydration, the better you feel.
Your body needs liquids to perform essential functions.
In fact, practically everything your body does depends on hydration in some fashion.
Most of the time, you aren’t even aware of the important role hydration plays in the quality of your life – until you’re dehydrated.
Even a minimal amount of dehydration can mean big problems.
Dehydration may be the reason you feel sleepy in the middle of the day and it might be the key factor behind that pounding headache.
It might also be the secret behind digestive issues and irregular bowel movements.
Some studies have even linked dehydration and obesity.
With that extra weight comes joint problems, but dehydration can cause joint pain even if you’re not overweight.
In certain dry and arid parts of the country, it is essential to drink water often so that you don’t dehydrate.
When your body is hydrated the way it should be, all of its systems can function optimally.
You’re not plagued by constant thirst.
You may even experience a reduction in appetite, as consuming sufficient amounts of water helps you to feel full sooner.
Best of all, you feel energized and ready to meet life’s challenges.
It sounds good, doesn’t it?
Making a habit out of using fruit infused water bottles can get you there.
What is fruit infused water?
People have been making their own fruit infused waters for centuries using mason jars and pitchers.
The basic concept is simple.
Combine slices of fresh fruit with water and soak.
The longer the mixture soaks, the stronger the flavors are.
However, the flavor never becomes overpowering and could be described as subtle instead.
Fruit infused water is not particularly sweet, so it may be something of a change for devotees of soda and commercially produced juices.
Nonetheless, its natural ingredients and low sugar content make fruit infused water a nutritionally smart choice.
Best fruit for infused water
There are so many recipes for fruit infused waters.
Some of the most popular varieties include citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and limes.
Others feature delicious strawberries and raspberries.
Some innovative recipes combine fruit with fresh herbs like mint, sage and rosemary.
People who have an insatiable sweet tooth can look for ways to sweeten the drink by adding honey or agave syrup.
Tried and true recipes can be found on the Internet and in recipe books.
Of course, it’s also fun to experiment by making your own mixture.
Why drink fruit infused water?
There are so many benefits of using a fruit infused water bottle.
A lot of people have developed poor drinking habits thanks to the widespread availability of soda and coffee.
A caffeinated beverage might provide the jolt of energy you’re looking for, but it doesn’t last long and can leave you drowsy when the effect wears off.
Moreover, many popular colas and coffees have an abundance of sugar.
They’re bad for your waistline and your teeth.
Even diet sodas aren’t a particularly good option.
With the presence of chemicals and artificial sweeteners in their formulas, they often do more long-term harm than good.
Realizing the detrimental effects that cola and coffee can have on their health, many consumers made the switch to commercially produced juices and flavored waters.
The problem with these beverages is that they aren’t as healthy or as natural as they seem.
Many juices contain very little authentic juice, and many flavored waters contain as much sugar as a can of soda.
Moreover, no matter what your beverage of choice may be, chances are good that it’s expensive.
Whether it comes in a can, a bottle, or a cup, you may be spending a lot of money each day.
Best Insulated Water Bottle – Insulated water bottles are great because they don’t sweat on the important documents on your desk, and they keep your water cold in the summer heat.
The best ones are light and not bulky so you can take them with you while hiking or on day trips.
Best Insulated Water Bottle
Here are our top picks for the best insulated water bottles.
My family used all of these for weeks or months, and some for over a year.
Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Hydro Flask Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottles
The 21 ounce water bottle is only a little bit wider than an aluminum can, which makes it fit in most car drink holders.
These bottles fit easily in their backpacks.
My kids have loved taking these bright water bottles to school.
They said they are easy to refill at the drinking fountain too.
They enjoy using both lids.
The 21 oz Hydro Flask is smaller than some water bottles they’ve used that were 17 – 18 ounces.
Again, if I could do it again, I would have ordered the 24 ounce size instead of the 21 ounce because the Hydro Flask is very streamlined and lightweight.
Hydro Flask 21 oz with Sports Cap
You can interchange the lids
Flex Cap:
This cap has a great handle which can remain upright or fold down.
It’s very easy to carry the water bottle by its looped cap.
Sports Cap:
This cap enables you to drink from it without having to remove the lid.
My kids like them equally well but the Sports Cap is more convenient for them at school.
It’s also convenient to carry the water bottle from the loop.
FYI, the sports cap shouldn’t be used for hot beverages.
It is available in the Flex Cap (which I ordered) and the Sports Straw.
Given this holds a lot of water, I expected it to be a lot larger than it is. I’ve owned 24 ounce water bottles that were larger than this one at 32 ounces.
The Flex Cap twists on and off easily and offers the same handle which can remain up or down.
The wide mouth measures just over two inches wide from the opening.
It’s great for adults; kids could use it but they may prefer the narrower bottles for their smaller hands.
The bottle itself measures approximately 3.5 inches wide.
Hydro Flask 32 oz with Flex cap
Great insulated stainless steel water bottles
Now that we own these Hydro Flask water bottles, I see them everywhere.
It’s hard to miss the unique, bright colors, and the quality is undeniable.
These keep water cold for longer than I need them to, which is a good thing.
Hydro Flask’s stainless steel water bottles are made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel.
They are also sweat-free and BPA-free.
Like all insulated water bottles, you need to hand wash these.
It is important to always air dry the water bottles completely, including the lids, to prevent mold growth.
Hydro Flask focuses on the community as well by donating 5% of the net proceeds to the charity of the customer’s choice.
These bottles are durable, and as long as you keep them forever out of the dishwasher, they will last for a long time.
Personal note: My sons bring the smaller ones (17 oz) to school and they are able to easily drink from them as well as refill them on their own.
They like being able to hold the strap which connects the lid to the bottle.
It is also convenient for refilling at their drinking fountain as the cap is attached and they don’t need two hands to hold it while trying to refill it.
For adults, the 25 ounce Thinksport is perfect for hikes or even to leave in the car to refill our other bottles.
Water stays cold in it all day, even on 100+ degree days!
Our family has personally enjoyed the Thinksport insulated water bottles.
They are easy to carry by the handle when walking.
Update: Since moving to the very hot and dry southwest, my sons (8 and 10) bring the 750 ml (25 ounce) bottle to use at school.
It’s become my go-to water bottle since moving here as well.
I can carry it easily by its loop.
It holds enough for me to get through my errands, etc. when the sun is blazing.
Lately, I’ve been adding my teabag in it for extra flavor.
Best Insulated Water Bottle camelbak
CamelBak Unisex Eddy Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
CamelBak was one of the first to make stainless steel insulated bottles.
The Unisex Insulated Eddy is a little smaller than some other bottles, which allows it to easily fit in car cup holders and in most bike holders.
It’s their traditional Better Bottle with bite valve so if you already have a CamelBak and like the straw, this may be your best bet.
You can pick one up on Amazon.
This is a great one to use for sports or while exercising (and even driving!) as you don’t have to remove the entire lid to get a drink.
This is really important if you like to drink water while commuting. It’s a great non sweat water bottle.
The Briefcase Bottle is one of the largest capacities of any of the insulated bottles on the market.
At 18 ounces, the Thermos Hydration bottles are a great size and design for kids to bring with them to school.
Personal note:
My kids used them for an entire school year when we lived in the Midwest, and I used mine whenever I brought a water bottle anywhere.
But then within two months of each other, all three of our lids broke.
This was after using them for approximately 11 – 12 months with almost daily use.
We haven’t been able to find replacement caps which is a downside to these bottles.
Otherwise, we really love them and love the small, easy-to-hold design.
Because we used them so much, I put the stainless steel water bottle (not the lid) in the dishwasher multiple times a week and never had any problems with it.
This slim bottle is very well designed.
It holds a lot of water and fits in car drink holders and in the outside pouches in kids’ backpacks.
It even fits in bike water carriers.
The only downside is they don’t sell replacement caps for Thermos.
Sporting-USA Insulated Bottles
This water bottle from Sporting-USA holds 25 ounces, and is made from 18/8 food-safe stainless steel.
It’s vacuum insulated and double-walled.
Your drinks will remain cold all day.
Drinks stay hot for 4 hours.
This brand is a newer entry to the market.
Sporting-USA Insulated Bottles
What is unique about this water bottle is that it comes with two lids, for hot drinks and one for cold.
This is nice because usually companies sell water bottles for use with cold or room temperature drinks, not hot.
Usually if a stainless steel water bottle is able to hold hot drinks, you have to buy the lid for hot beverages separately.
Both have screw-top lids and are leak-proof.
The “cold” lid is a sports type with a flip up spout with a plastic straw.
It would be great for using for sports.
I’m not a big fan of straws and extra plastic in general so I don’t use this feature, and it works just fine.
The “hot” lid is also a screw top.
You take off the lid and drink from the actual bottle.
What’s great is that it holds 25 ounces but isn’t bulky or exceptionally heavy.
We like the lifetime warranty the company offers but don’t see ourselves ever using it.
When a water bottle is easy to use, you will use it more
Update: This Sporting-USA water bottle has become my son’s new favorite water bottle.
It holds more water which he needs as he doesn’t like to refill his smaller water bottles while at school.
At first, I gave him the screw-on cap which he used and liked for weeks until I finally convinced him to try the flip lid which he now absolutely loves.
He is drinking more water than ever because it’s so convenient.
After using this for a few months, the paint has chipped off, but that’s typically expected with all water bottles, unless they are the non-painted stainless steel bottles.
My son has the white one, and my husband uses their black one.
UPDATE: We’ve used this bottle on and off for 18 months.
It’s holding up but the paint is chipping a lot.
I wish this bottle just came in stainless steel without paint.
Eco Vessel Stainless Steel Bottle
Eco Vessel Insulated Water Bottle
Eco Vessel makes a triple-insulated stainless steel water bottle called EcoVessel Boulder.
It’s a great size at 24 ounce / 700 mL. They’ve designed it for hot and cold beverages, and it’s sweat-proof.
It includes a removable mesh screen which you can use for a tea bag or to block ice when you are drinking.
I generally don’t use the screen because I don’t add ice to my water but it’s a handy feature.
We also like it has a loop, like the Thinksport bottles, which make it easy and convenient to carry.
In addition, EcoVessel offers the benefits of the Boulder in larger sizes.
There are a variety of colors at different price points.
Please note, we haven’t tried or ever used EcoVessel’s larger vacuum-insulated water bottles, Bigfoot and the Boss insulated water bottles.
They also make an insulated bottle with a flip straw top and a non-insulated filtered water bottle.
Eco Vessel has a strap on it which makes it easy to carry.
The screen is a nice feature and is also easy to clean.
This also is a water bottle that doesn’t sweat.
Downsides of all the insulated stainless steel water bottles
Unfortunately, most of the stainless steel bottles should not cleaned in the dishwasher.
Additionally, most of the caps, with the exception of purchasing the all stainless steel cap from Klean Kanteen, are made with some plastic (BPA, toxin and phthalates free) and cannot be placed in the dishwasher.
This Klean Kanteen stainless steel cap is magnificent.
It fits some of the other water bottles as well.
While we continue on our quest to find an insulated stainless steel water bottle made in America, none are.
These are made in China, responsibly.
Best Glass Insulated Water Bottle
If you’re in the market for a an insulated glass water bottle, this one might be just what you’re looking for.
The Big Chill 25 ounce bottle is a 25-ounce, BPA-free insulated plastic bottle that fits in bike bottle holders.
My kids take these when we ride bikes. I like that it comes in lots of colors so we know which bottle belongs to each of us.
My kids love that they can drink it or squirt it (to drink or at each other!).
Again, I’m not a big plastic water bottle person so I never grab this when I’m walking or hiking.
But because these are so lightweight, I often fill an extra one or two of them when we go hiking as a family so that we can refill our other water bottles if necessary.
It is also BPA-free but doesn’t keep water as cold as all of the other bottles.
My water stayed cold for only about 4-5 hours.
This is fine for me as I don’t like drinking cold water all of the time but most people buy insulated bottles to keep things colder longer.
How to Pick the Best Insulated Water Bottle
We believe the best water bottles are insulated stainless steel and glass water bottles. Here’s what to consider when looking for the best insulated water bottle.
Best Insulated Water Bottle
Actual Size of Bottle
Because insulated water bottles have a double wall they are larger than bottles that hold the same amount of water.
If you’re looking for a bottle of a particular size (like to fit in your bike bottle holder) I would recommend the .5L CamelBak or a Thermos brand bottle.
CamelBak also has a Big Chill 25 ounce bottle. It fits in most bike drink holders. It is made with 100% BPA-free plastic.
We like this one especially because it is lined with material that eliminates bacteria from growing.
Bottle’s Liquid Capacity
Generally, insulated water bottles have double wall construction.
The liquid capacity is less than you can get with a similarly sized, non-insulated bottle.
Thermos has some good, large capacity bottles.
You can choose from a 34-ounce or 26-ounce insulated water bottle.
EcoVessel has an excellent 25-ounce, all-purpose stainless steel insulated bottle.
Know that many of the best insulated water bottles only hold 15 – 18 ounces.
This is fine for when you’re sitting at your desk and can refill it but not ideal if you want to use it for hiking or other forms of exercise.
Some may view it as fine because they don’t want to carry the weight of extra water, but in the dry southwest, we need to carry more water on our hikes.
Cleaning Insulated Water Bottles
The manufacturers of most of these bottles recommend hand washing only.
We’ve learned the hard way to always wash by hand because of the seal on most of the lids.
You want to be sure your bottle stays 100% leak proof.
So, in addition to using a special brush, how do you clean your water bottle when you can’t put it in the dishwasher?
It helps to have a detachable drinking spout/cap and a large opening.
Remember, you can only put an all-stainless steel bottle in the dishwasher.
You have to hand-wash them otherwise.
It is extremely important to allow your water bottle to air out and dry completely to prevent mold growth.
For this reason, we prefer when there is a larger opening.
Type of Material and Where Manufactured
Unfortunately, as we’ve covered extensively while talking about stainless steel water bottles, there aren’t any stainless steel bottles made in the US. They are all made in China.
Oh, how we have searched for a great insulated water bottle made in America!
Therefore, if you want an insulated stainless steel water bottled that’s not made in China, you may have to buy a plastic water bottle.
Just make sure it’s a BPA-free water bottle.
Another option is to buy a glass water bottle.
We highly recommend that you buy stainless or glass because they are safe water bottles.
There won’t be BPA, a hormone disrupter, that you will find in many plastics.
Straw or No Straw
When we first started reviewing stainless steel water bottles, we didn’t like straws in them because they are difficult to clean and rarely dry completely.
Straws need to dry completely to prevent mold growth.
The best we have found with a straw is the CamelBak Glass Eddy water bottle.
CamelBak also offers a stainless steel insulated water bottle with a straw.
Also, Eco Vessel is another great choice for an insulated water bottle with a straw, and they come in lots of colors too.
There’s been such great reviews about Ozark Trail Tumbler and how it is giving the Yeti Rambler a run for its money.
Is Ozark Trail just as good as Yeti?
We say, yes.
Here’s why we love ours.
Ozark Trail Tumbler vs Yeti Cup review
In the Yeti vs Ozark Trail competition, there are many factors to consider.
Materials used to make them
Keeping drinks hot and cold
Lid
Ease of cleaning
Price
Size
Grip
Warranty
Ozark Trail Tumbler the Walmart Version of Yeti
Materials used to make Ozark Trail and Yeti Cup
Both stainless steel tumblers are made in China.
They are made with food-grade 18/80 stainless steel and are BPA-free.
They are equal on this point.
Ozark Trail Tumbler Keeps drinks hot and cold
Both the Ozark Trail tumbler and Yeti tumbler seem to have the same high quality, vacuum-insulation.
They are both double-walled.
They both keep ice from melting for hours.
Even in a hot car with the windows closed (and I live in HOT Arizona).
In both of these vessels, your drinks will stay hot for hours longer than you will need.
They both are superior on this point.
Yeti Tumbler Lid and Ozark Trail Tumbler Lid
Both tumblers come with a lid. These lids are designed to sip out of, not to use with a disposable or reusable straw.
You will be able to work certain brands and types of straws in it but the lids’ designs aren’t meant for straws as they aren’t circular.
Yeti has a great lid on Amazon.
It’s called the Yeti Rambler straw lid (see examples) and it fits the Ozark Trail tumbler too.
It comes with a shatter-proof lid and a reusable straw.
What’s great about this lid is it’s meant to fit a straw as it has a circle opening.
I like how having this lid adds more versatility to the Yeti and Ozark Trail tumblers.
There is a notch to stop the straw from coming out of the drink but it doesn’t make it leak proof.
We love using a straw to drink from, especially while driving.
Using the Yeti lid that is meant to be used with a straw makes it so much safer to drive and sip as you don’t have to tip the tumbler up. I also like it better for work, meetings and on-the-go in general.
The lids from both Yeti and Ozark are great.
Sizes of Ozark Cup and Yeti Tumbler
I have been using the 30 oz Ozark Trail tumbler and the 30 oz Yeti Rambler for a true comparison.
Ozark and Yeti tumbler are equal with the 20 ounce and 30 ounce tumblers.
Yeti Tumbler vs Ozark Trail Tumbler
These make great gifts, especially for couples.
We have several of each brand in our home.
Ozark Trail and Yeti both offer two packs in 20 oz and 30 oz sizes.
Yeti Cup and Ozark Tumbler Ease of cleaning
Ozark Trail and Yeti tumblers are made with stainless steel which is easy to clean.
They aren’t porous like plastic tumblers so they won’t stain or retain odors.
The cleaning instructions for the Ozark Trail say to only hand wash it.
I imagine this is because of the vacuum seal; however, the directions for the Yeti tumblers say they can be put in the dishwasher, including the lid.
Score one point for Yeti.
I love being able to use the dishwasher to be sure it’s clean and for the convenience.
Prices of Ozark and Yeti Tumblers
Overall, the Ozark is less expensive than Yeti.
Ozark tumblers definitely have the advantage on price.
Grip
The only complaint I might have is that in the 30 ounce size, both are a bit difficult to grip if you have small hands.
A petite person or child may find the 30 ounce size to be a bit of a challenge to use.
However, this is a non-issue for me and will probably be for most people.
You will be happy to know that unlike stainless steel water bottles of the past, these insulated tumblers won’t freeze your hands when you have cold drinks or burn them with your hot beverages.
This set includes a 30 ounce Kitchen Leaders stainless steel tumbler, a sliding lid, straw, straw cleaner, and best of all — the handle too.
We wanted to review a generic version to see how it compared to the now-popular Ozark and the legendary Yeti tumblers.
This brand is made with the same type of 18/8 food grade stainless steel as the Yeti, RTIC tumbler and Ozark Trail.
It’s kept our drinks cold for hours. (We haven’t tried it for hot drinks yet.)
It seems to be the same quality tumbler as more expensive competitors; you just aren’t paying for the Ozark Trail, Yeti or RTIC name.
The handle makes it more convenient to hold, and the straw cleaner is great to be sure you are really cleaning the straw, not just running water through it.
Kitchen Leaders tumbler
Ozark Trail and Yeti review
When comparing the Walmart Ozark Trail vs Yeti brands, you basically need to consider the cost and whether having a “brand name” is worth the extra money.
It’s true, Yeti is a forerunner in making legendary products, starting with their flagship product, the Yeti cooler.
However, if you are simply looking to be able to tote your drink while keeping cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, without using dangerous plastics, the Ozark Trail tumbler(buy on Amazon) is the way to go.
Yeti Tumbler – We can all agree that nothing beats a cup of hot coffee in the morning.
But there are things that can come in the way that may prevent us from sipping that warm beverage, like an urgent staff meeting. During those instances, you’d really want to have a tumbler that can keep your coffee for a long time.
There are many tumblers available but two stand out for the quality of their construction, durability, and function.
Here’s the Ozark Trail vs Yeti Tumbler review which explains it all.
Yeti is well-recognized as it was the forerunner in these products.
Yeti Rambler features
It is made with stainless steel with vacuum-insulated walls designed for regulating ambient liquid temperature.
Like the Ozark Trail, it has 30 ounce and 20 ounce versions.
The Rambler Lowball is the mini version of the tumbler but unlike the Ozark Trail which is 12 ounces, it is only 10 ounces.
Yeti Tumbler
Yeti is dishwasher safe
The 18/8 stainless steel gives it a clean palate, and doesn’t leave behind any metallic taste.
The tumbler is also very easy to wash as both the cup and lid is dishwasher safe.
This is a huge advantage knowing you can save time by not having to hand-wash it.
As in the case of the Ozark Trail, you will also like that the Yeti doesn’t leave behind any residual taste, meaning you won’t taste the coffee you had in the morning when you drink water from the tumbler in the afternoon.
How long can the Yeti Rambler keep beverages hot or cold?
But the question that may be lingering in your mind is —how long can the tumbler keep your beverage hot or cold?
Let’s just say that the Yeti Tumbler can keep your favorite liquids hot or cold for hours longer than you probably need it to.
According to most user reviews, the Yeti Tumbler can keep hot coffee warm for five to six hours at room temperature.
It is very impressive when compared to your typical titanium mug.
The Yeti Rambler keeps ice for over 12 hours, which essentially makes it a mini ice chest.
Many reviewers keep raving about how durable it is.
Of course, neither of these will replace your best insulated water bottle, which can also hold more than water.
For one, you can’t expect to throw it in your backpack without spilling.
While the plastic lid fits securely on top, it may still spill its contents when the tumbler tips over.
The same goes for Ozark’s tumbler. While the lid seals in tightly, there are still complaints about the contents spilling over.
But again, these are different products for different purposes.
Yeti Tumbler vs Ozark Trail Tumbler
So the question is—what is better, the Yeti Tumbler or the Ozark Trail Tumbler?
While it cannot be denied that the Yeti Tumbler is a great tumbler for keeping beverages cold or hot for an extended period, it is also hard to deny that it is pricey.
It price starting at can be pretty steep especially for the budget conscious.
This is where the Ozark Trail Tumbler gets a lot of love, because it is very inexpensive.
You can basically get the same type of performance that Yeti Tumbler can give you but get two of them for the same price.
Walmart’s tumbler is strong competition, especially if you don’t concern yourself with labels and brand names.
In the Ozark Trail v Yeti face off, their design and performance are almost the same.
In fact, when you place the Ozark and the Yeti tumblers next to each other, you would have a hard time figuring out the differences.
The only difference is the logo. The shape and weight of both tumblers are very much the same.
Both have interchangeable lids
More surprisingly, their lids are interchangeable.
You can use the lid of the Ozark to seal the Yeti tumbler, and vice versa.
This is great if you want to have replacement lids.
You might as well get the less expensive lid.
Both keep drinks cold and hot
The two tumblers are also very good in keeping beverage cold.
Most online reviews indicate that it can keep ice for more than 12 hours.
When it comes to hot beverages, you can count on these tumblers to keep your coffee or tea warm for more than five hours.
According to The Wall St. Journal, in terms of maintenance, Yeti Tumblers seem to have an upper hand over its competition as the Yeti is dishwasher safe.
Ozark Trail tumblers are not dishwasher safe thus you will have to clean it the traditional way which is by hand washing.
Unfortunately, like most all water bottles and tumblers, they are made in China.
Neither win in the Ozark Trail vs Yeti decision.
Tumbler Warranty
Yeti comes with a three year limited warranty but Ozark Trail tops it with a lifetime warranty.
After considering all those factors, it is easy to say that the Ozark Trail tumbler at Walmart provides users with more value.
The Ozark Trail can keep beverages warm or cold for an extended period in the same way as its pricier counterpart does.
It is also well-made with a heavy duty body and a nice, stainless steel finish.
Both tumblers look very much the same, so it is a no-contest in this area.
Benefits of stainless steel tumblers
You want hot coffee and cold soda, right?
Yet if you have a regular glass in the office, chances are you won’t be able to enjoy one after coming back from an hour long meeting.
That’s why tumblers are usually a fixture in the office.
Tumblers enable office workers to enjoy their beverages hot and cold.
Yeti tumbler
Brand recognition is a big one where Yeti tumblers. Brand names sell, right? Owning a Yeti tumbler Rambler is something of a status symbol.
In this case, Yeti products do have a positive reputation for their quality.
And while they became popular seemingly overnight, Yeti tumblers have also become the standard by which other tumblers were made.
This includes the Ozark tumbler.
Yeti cup
Yeti offers different products. Perhaps most famous for the popularity of the Yeti tumbler, many people refer to their Yeti as a cup instead of a tumbler.
Whether you refer to it a Yeti cup or tumbler, it’s the same thing. On their site, Yeti refers to these as Yeti Rambler Tumblers.
If you are looking for more of a traditional Yeti cup with a handle, there is the Yeti Rambler Mug. Think of the Yeti mug as a stainless steel coffee cup.
The Yeti coffee mug has an easy-to-use handle much like a coffee cup does. These come in various sizes, including 10 oz, 14 oz, and 24 oz. The 10 oz sizes are stackable.
Note, if you want to change up your Yeti Tumbler, you can also purchase a Cup Handle for your 20 oz or 30 oz.
Ozark Trail
While Ozark Trail tumblers may not have the immediate brand recognition that Yeti tumblers do, but many consider them to be Yeti’s equal.
Ozark Trail cups now come in a variety of colors. When they were first released, the only option was stainless steel. Now, to be more competitive with Yeti, they have a wide range of colors and styles.
Yeti Pink Tumbler
Yes, Yeti makes a pink tumbler. It’s Yeti’s limited edition Harbor Pink.
This pink Yeti tumbler is to honor those battling and recovering from breast cancer. The Yeti pink tumblers are available in the 20 oz and 30 oz Ramblers.
Due to popularity, these are often sold out.
It should be noted, Ozark Trail sells a pink tumbler as well. It’s also available in the 20 oz and 30 oz sizes.
Which is better Ozark Trail versus Yeti
Okay, it’s Yeti vs Ozark Trail.
Because it is cheaper and practically does everything that the Yeti Tumbler does, it is not surprising that Walmart’s Ozark Trail tumblers are selling fast.
Whichever stainless steel tumbler you choose, you will likely find you carry it with you often.
Unless you really care about being able to wash your stainless steel tumbler in the dishwasher, the Ozark Trail tumbler is a more practical option than the Yeti tumbler.
FAQ about Yeti vs Ozark Trail
Is Ozark Trail the same as Yeti?
No. These are competing brands. Ozark Trail offers a tumbler similar to Yeti for a discounted price.
Is Ozark Trail owned by Walmart?
Yes, Walmart owns this private-label brand name.
Why is Yeti so expensive?
Yeti has set the standard for insulated tumblers and coolers. In fact, they’ve set the bar very high. Because of this, they’ve established themselves as the industry leader.
Yeti is more expensive because of the brand name.
How does a Yeti tumbler work?
These tumblers are vacuum-insulated. What does that mean? There is a layer of insulation between the inner and outer layer.
The tumblers are made from 8.8 food grade stainless steel. They won’t corrode or rust.
People choose Yeti tumblers and Ozark Trail tumblers because they keep drinks cold or hot for hours. They’re also leakproof making them easy to take with you throughout your day.
Can Yeti tumblers go in the dishwasher?
Yes! This is what makes Yeti different from many other insulated tumblers. You can put the Yeti tumbler anywhere in the dishwasher but the Yeti lid should always be on the top rack.
Best Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle – It’s summer! With new products coming on the market often, it’s time to review the best insulated stainless steel water bottle available.
We chose the top brands to review: Thinksport and Klean Kanteen.
Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
It’s best to choose stainless steel bottles — whether insulated or not — because of their all-around durability.
Best Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle wish list
Made with 100% safe materials
Leak-proof
Clean them in the dishwasher
No plastic components
Drink stays cold or hot
Easy to drink from
It’s easy to carry
Easy to refill
Made in USA
Not bulky
Unfortunately, we have yet to find a stainless steel water bottle that is made in America, although many glass water bottles are made in the US.
Additionally, most of the stainless steel bottles have some plastic in the cap, even if it is just the plastic ring which helps the bottle to seal.
Still, stainless steel is preferable to using an entirely-made-of-plastic water bottle.
best insulated stainless steel water bottle: Thinksport
Best insulated stainless steel water bottle review: Thinksport vs Klean Kanteen
We’ve tried many insulated water bottles and our favorites are Thinksport and Klean Kanteen.
Both of these companies give back with charitable contributions as well as offer superior products while making product safety a priority. Here are the pros and cons of each bottle.
Thinksport Insulated Sports Bottle review
We were excited to try these new Thinksport water bottles.
We wanted water bottles that were insulated and easy to refill so we tried the Thinksport Insulated Sports Bottles in the 17 ounce (500ml) size.
Thinksport Insulated Sports Bottle
Pros of Thinksport stainless steel water bottles
Insulated bottle keeps it cold:
These bottles keep water cold all day.
Even on 100+ degree days, there is still ice in the water bottles hours later.
Now that it has cooled off and I’m not adding ice, it stays cold for hours.
When I used it for hot tea, the tea stayed hot for as long as I needed it to.
Made with safe materials
The bottle is made with food safe, 18/8 stainless steel (304 grade).
Thinksport performs extensive tests to ensure there aren’t toxic chemicals in their products.
No liner:
I love that this bottle does not have an interior plastic liner/coating over the stainless steel.
It seems safer and cleaner to drink from, and it is safe for hot liquids.
Two places to open it:
There are two twist on/off caps.
The drinking spout on top is smaller.
You can cover it with the mouthpiece/guard.
The second is the entire cap which has a wider mouth which makes it easy to refill and also to clean.
Easy to carry:
The contoured design makes it easy to hold while drinking.
When walking or hiking with it, we tend to carry it by the loop handle.
Thinksport pieces
Leak-proof:
Both the drinking spout and the main cap are twist on/off so you can be sure they seal properly.
There is also a plastic ring inside the main cap to ensure it remains leak-proof.
The bottle comes with an extra plastic ring.
Double-walled; doesn’t sweat or burn hands:
I mostly use this to tote water, and I love that there isn’t external moisture like with many water bottles.
I have also used this a few times with hot tea and was stunned the bottle wasn’t hot.
Your hands will be happy!
Easy to refill:
While at home, I remove the larger cap and fill water directly into the bottle, not via drinking spout the way my kids do at school.
They need to refill their 17 ounce water bottles several times a day being out for recess when it is 100+ degrees.
It is easy for them to remove the covered mouthpiece/guard and refill it through the smaller hole.
This is great because they can use one hand to hold the bottle and other to access water from the fountain.
The mouthpiece stays attached to the bottle so they don’t have to hold it separately or put it on the ground while they are filling up.
Covered mouthpiece:
The mouthpiece can be covered when not in use.
It won’t be exposed.
Mesh ice screen/filter:
Until moving to Tucson we never needed to put ice in our water bottles.
Now we do.
This stainless steel mesh screen has proven to be a great asset.
You can drink without ice cubes falling out.
The strainer has also enabled me to put a teabag in my water bottle, as it doesn’t interfere with my drinking.
This is something I’ve never toted around before: iced tea and hot tea!
I love it!
Thinksport mesh screenThinksport mesh screen in bottle
Many sizes:
Thinksport has taken this successful line and varied the sizes.
Their Insulated Sports Bottle is available in 25 ounce, 17 ounce, and 12 ounce sizes and comes in a variety of colors.
Thinksport gives back:
10% of the purchase price of Thinksport bottles go to one of the following organizations: Pelotonia, Healthy Child Healthy World, Habitat for Humanity, and CureSearch.
Thinksport in 12, 17 and 25 ounces
Neutral point on Thinksport stainless steel water bottle
Putting in the dishwasher:
Our water bottles get so much use, and I believe it is easy to have bacteria build-up because it is difficult to thoroughly scrub out the bottles without a proper water bottle cleaning brush.
And who takes the time to do that thoroughly everyday?
Therefore, it’s a huge bonus when I can safely put water bottles and lids/caps in the dishwasher.
The care instructions that come with Thinksport state the bottles are dishwasher safe but to remove collar and strap.
We owned these bottles in the past and put them in the top rack of the dishwasher.
The paint chipped off of them.
If you buy one that is all stainless steel — no color, per se — this will be a non-issue.
But it’s near impossible to remove the collar and strap.
I have a hard time doing it so I haven’t put my new Thinksport bottles in the dishwasher.
I’m also not sure if it is advisable/safe to put the cap in the dishwasher being there is the plastic liner.
If you do, be sure to remove the silicone ring or it will melt over time.
We also experienced this firsthand from past experience.
What’s great is that Thinksport includes an extra plastic ring with each purchase.
While the cap is made from stainless steel, it is lined with plastic as well.
The mouthpiece is also made from plastic. (It is a BPA-free, safe plastic.)
Need two hands to open it to take a drink from it:
These bottles do not have flip-top lids which may or may not make a difference to you.
If you want to use this while driving or while exercising, you will need two hands to unscrew it.
Covered mouthpiece:
Even though you aren’t drinking from the mouthpiece cap, it comes in contact with the spout your mouth drinks from, so you have to worry about washing this piece too.
Paint chips if put in dishwasher:
If you opt for the stainless steel one without the color, this will be a non-issue.
You should wash the lid, mouthpiece, and mouthpiece cover by hand.
Made in China?
Unfortunately, aren’t they all?
Thinksport does perform extensive testing to ensure the safety of all of their products.
best insulated stainless steel water bottle: Klean Kanteen with Loop Cap
Klean Kanteen Vacuum Insulated Classic review
I love Klean Kanteen water bottles and their concern for the environment.
From their start, they offered high quality and safe products while encouraging health, sustainability and environmental awareness.
One of my favorite things about Klean Kanteen water bottles are the different types of caps that are available and compatible with their water bottles.
You don’t have to buy entirely separate bottles to take different drinks on the go.
Easier to drink from when walking, driving, and exercising as you can access it with one hand instead of two.
Steel Loop Cap:
This is MY FAVORITE because it’s made from 100% food-grade stainless steel.
You can wash it in the dishwasher!
No plastic will touch your drink!
Therefore, this will be the first water bottle I own — and I own lots of them — that is made with almost no plastic (there is the silicone ring which helps seal it).
This is my second favorite cap because only stainless steel, and not plastic, touches my water.
It is not dishwasher safe.
It is made from sustainable harvested bamboo.
Swing Lok Cap:
You can turn your water bottle into a beer growler.
Kid Kanteen Sippy Cap:
I wish I knew about Klean Kanteen water bottles when my kids were small as I always gave them plastic sippy cups; I cringe now thinking about it.
How I would have loved to buy a 12 ounce Klean Kanteen and used this child-appropriate lid!
I’ve enjoyed using the different Klean Kanteen water bottles I’ve had over the years but I never tried one of their insulated bottles.
Their Vacuum Insulated Classic is fast becoming one of my favorites.
I own them in the 20 ounce size.
It’s also available in 12, 32 and 64 ounce sizes and in lots of colors.
Klean Kanteen with Loop, Sports, and Stainless Steel CapsKlean Kanteen Loop Cap
Pros of Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle
Some products are dishwasher safe:
Their website states the Loop Cap that it comes with it is dishwasher safe though I haven’t put mine in the dishwasher being it is made with plastic (polypropylene – pp#5, which contains no BPA or toxins.)
This means you cannot buy it in one of their awesome colors, but I really like to be able to put my water bottle in the dishwasher.
You can also put the Klean Kanteen stainless steel cap (sold separately) in the dishwasher too.
Vacuum insulation keeps it cold or hot:
Until moving here, I never cared about drinking very cold water.
During the summer months here now, I do.
I can attest that when I filled the water bottle with a lot of ice and then added water to take with me on a hike, I actually ran out of water because the ice didn’t melt!
So keep this in mind… the bottle will keep your water cold!
I used this to take coffee with me as well and it remained hot the entire time.
Made of safe materials:
They perform extensive testing to ensure their bottle are safe from toxins.
Klean Kanteen uses 18/8 food-grade stainless in their stainless steel bottles.
Because these bottles don’t have liners, they are more hygienic and easier to clean.
Only stainless steel touches your drinks so there isn’t an aftertaste.
Easy to carry:
This bottle comes with the Loop Cap which makes it convenient to carry with a finger.
It’s sleek, streamlined design fits in car and bike cup holders.
Leak-proof
I’ve tried their Loop Cap, Steel Loop Cap, and their Bamboo Cap with the Insulated Classic.
None of them leak as they all form a tight seal and easily twist on and off.
I’ve used their Sports Cap with another one of their bottles and it works well too.
Double-walled; won’t “sweat,” freeze, or burn hands
My older Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottles are very cold to touch when I fill them with cold water.
I actually love this in the very hot Arizona summer, but I don’t like it other times of year.
These from Klean Kanteen now don’t feel cold or hot, no matter what the temperature is of my drink.
You drink from the bottle, not the cap:
Your mouth only touches the bottle, not the cap (unless you buy the Sport Cap) so it is much easier to clean and more hygienic in general.
More great things about Klean Kanteen water bottles
Easy to refill:
These bottles are very easy to refill, even when dispensing the water from my refrigerator door.
The mouth is wide enough to include ice (1.75″), and it’s wide enough to clean with a brush.
Lots of caps to choose from:
I absolutely love that I can have a stainless steel cap to house my water.
I strongly dislike plastic and so this stainless steel cap is a dream. It is dishwasher safe too!
Serves many purposes:
There is a size for every need, from your toddlers to the 32 or 64 ounce size for hiking or for your workplace.
And by switching out the caps, you can change your classic water bottle into one for hot beverages.
You can even convert your water bottle to a growler with their Swing Lok cap.
Recyclable:
I intend on keeping my Klean Kanteen water bottles a long time but it is nice to know I can recycle them in the future.
Lifetime warranty:
Their bottles are protected from manufacturing defects for life.
Eco-conscious:
Klean Kanteen created the #BringYourOwn campaign which brings awareness to the waste caused by single-use items like cups, plates, straws, disposable water bottles, etc.
It encourages people to “bring their own” and to refuse these disposable items when out and about.
Klean Kanteen gives back:
Klean Kanteen is a member of 1% for the Planet in which they make a commitment to donating a minimum of 1% of annual sales to non-profits that protect, preserve and restore the environment.
Klean Kanteen with Loop, Sports, and Stainless Caps
Cons of Klean Kanteen stainless steel water bottle
Plastic components:
The Loop Cap it comes with is made from polypropylene, a type of plastic (though it is safe).
Buy the stainless steel cap and this becomes a non-issue.
Need two hands to open it to take a drink from it:
Unless you buy the Sport Cap, you will need two hands to twist and open it.
We have yet to find a stainless steel or insulated stainless steel water bottle that is made in USA.
Safe materials in making water bottles
When we buy stainless steel water bottles I think most of us assume they are safe, but how do you really know?
You can be sure both Thinksport and Klean Kanteen test for the safety of the materials.
Through thorough testing, these companies ensure their products are free from: PVC, PET, polyester, lead, cadmium, bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, and estrogenic activity.
Yikes!
Who knew you could find all this in a water bottle?
Thinksport and Klean Kanteen have made it their mission to make products safe.
We’ve done many water bottle reviews as we are always using reusable water bottles.
Hands-down, I think they make the best insulated water bottles.
We bring them everywhere we go, especially on vacation.
I can drink hot or cold liquids without burning or freezing my hands, and drinks stay hot and cold for as long as I need them to.
I can put both brands’ all stainless steel bottles (ones without color) in the dishwasher without worrying, and I can feel good knowing I am refusing single-use bottles.
Cheers to enjoying the best insulated stainless steel water bottle.
Glass water bottles are becoming more popular as people seek to be healthier.
They are BPA-free, easy to clean, and are often made from recycled glass.
Depending on the brand, they may not be made in China like other water bottles.
The best thing about glass water bottles is you will never have to worry about plastic breaking down over time.
Also great is they are dishwasher safe, saving you time from hand-washing and ensuring they are germ-free.
Yes, there is the chance of it breaking if you drop it.
But you will buy a glass water bottle with a silicone holder — which most of them have — so you will protect the bottle and may get lucky should it drop.
After years of using glass water bottles, I’ve accidentally dropped them 8-9 times.
But only once did one break.
It broke on my concrete driveway.
It really depends where you are, and how it hits when it lands.
The best things about glass water bottles are also that there won’t be a metallic taste when you drink from glass water bottles.
Chemicals won’t leach into your water like they might from plastics or non-food grade metals.
Worth repeating is that you can usually put them in the dishwasher which you can’t do with other types of reusable water bottles.
This is a huge time saver, especially if you get in the habit of bringing your glass water bottle with you every day.
And because you can wash them in the dishwasher, you may find yourself adding tea bags or fruit to your water knowing you can wash it out well.
Best Glass Water Bottles
I am always on the lookout for the best glass water bottles and love trying them out.
We believe the best glass water bottles have a plastic sleeve on it and is one that you will use.
Decide if you prefer the screw on top which is easier to clean and prevents leaks, or if you prefer one with a flip cap, which is easier to open and close and use in general, especially on the go.
It’s great to use a reusable water bottle, whether it is glass, plastic or stainless steel.
Get in the habit of carrying one wherever you go.
Not only will you likely be taking on healthier habits — drinking water — you will reducing the demand for plastic.
When you choose a glass water bottle, you know it’s BPA-free.
Learn from the Mayo Clinic why you want to avoid BPA.
Are BPA Water Bottles Dangerous
Chemically speaking, the world is now a more dangerous place than it ever was before.
It’s not just about the drugs such as heroin or meth that some people choose to put inside their bodies.
It’s also about the pollutants we put into the air, water, and the food we eat.
And it turns out that some studies also prove BPA water bottles dangerous for our health as well.
bpa water bottles danger – Plenty BPA water bottles sold in the market today.
But what’s the truth behind the purported dangers of this type of containers?
BPA stands for bisphenol A, and it’s an industrial chemical that’s been in use since the 1960’s for manufacturing certain plastics and resins.
Until very recently, it’s a common component of polycarbonate plastics that are used for making various products, such as water bottles and other containers used to store food and beverages.
It is also used in epoxy resins, and these resins are used to coat the inside of metal products.
These products include bottle tops, food cans, and even water supply lines.
BPA may even be found in dental sealant and composites.
The problem with BPA is that the chemical can seep into the food or beverage from the containers that are made with BPA.
And BPA has been implicated for causing several serious medical conditions.
BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, and it can scramble hormone signals.
Studies have long proved BPA water bottles dangerous, and that also included other canned food containers.
One study conducted in the Miguel Hernandez University in Spain found that BPA causes the release of almost double the insulin that the body actually needs to break down food.
Having high insulin levels can make the body less sensitive to insulin over time, and for some people that can cause weight gain and Type 2 diabetes.
It can be dangerous for the unborn and for young children.
It can act like a hormone in the body which can disrupt normal hormone levels in fetuses, infants, and young children.
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study and found that BPA exposure for unborn baby girls may cause behavioral problems when they become children.
The National Toxicology Program at the FDA reviewed the available evidence and afterwards expressed concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain and behavior of infants and young children.
The BPA may cause more serious effects on children because their bodies are still developing and they aren’t as efficient as adults at eliminating the BPA from their system.
Other studies show that there may be a link between BPA exposure and an increased risk of cancer.
Of particular concern are types of cancer that include breast, prostate, and uterine cancer.
Two independent studies also show that adults who have the highest rates of BPA in their bodies also have a higher incidence of heart problems.
BPA can also cause sexual dysfunction.
A research article published in 2009 reported that men who were exposed to high levels of BPA at work were 4 times as like to experience erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire, compared to men who didn’t work with BPA.
These workers who were exposed to BPA were also 7 times more likely to have ejaculation problems.
It also affects women’s fertility.
BPA has been linked to miscarriages, and women undergoing in vitro fertilization and who had higher BPA levels had more difficulty in becoming pregnant.
They had lower estrogen levels, they had fewer fertilized eggs, and their eggs were of lower quality.
BPA contamination is rampant.
The Centers for Disease Control and prevention took urine samples from a statistical group that was representative of the US population, and found that traces of BPA were present in 90% of the urine samples.
BPA Water Contamination
Scientists have also proved BPA water bottles dangerous not just in the food and beverage containers we use.
The problem is that these plastic containers we use that have BPA are being dumped in the seas.
Even the ships that cross these seas have their hulls coated with anti rust chemicals that contain BPA.
BPA is a man-made chemical, and it does not occur naturally in the environment.
So if BPA traces have been found in the seas, then they must have come from man-made sources.
It’s already been found that as early as 2010 BPA environmental contamination is widespread.
Japanese scientists and researchers took water and sand samples from more than 200 sites all over the world, mostly on the coasts of Southeast Asia and North America.
What they found is that every batch of water or sand they tested was found to contain BPA.
It was found in the shorelines of 20 countries.
They found widespread decomposition of polycarbonate, which is a hard type of plastic made from BPA.
The researchers were actually surprised at the time when they discovered that polycarbonate plastic biodegrades in the environment.
Of course, the American Chemistry Council (the lobbying group that represents BPA manufacturers), immediately expressed their skepticism.
But other scientists expressed alarm at the news.
Dr. Frederick von Saal, a biologist at the University of Missouri and a highly regarded expert on hormones, expressed concern that people can go to the beach and absorb the BPA through the skin from the water and from the sand.
The implications of the findings are still being studied to this day, because plastic continues to flow into the oceans.
There’s a huge patch of garbage floating in the Pacific Ocean that’s as large as the state of Texas, and that’s a lot of BPA seeping into the water.
Are BPA Water Bottles Dead?
BPA Free Water Bottles
BPA Free Water Bottles
The lobbying group American Chemistry Council was unable to stem the tide of alarm these news reports have caused, and as a result people were made aware of the dangers of BPA.
Several states in the US imposed bans on the use of BPA for water bottles.
Other countries have put up similar legislation, including the countries of the European Union, Canada, China, and the United Arab Emirates.
Still, there are other actions you can do, especially if you are a parent.
While totally eliminating BPA may be impossible due to its ubiquitous presence, there are steps you can take which may minimize your exposure, and your child’s exposure as well.
Buy food products that are fresh or frozen, instead of buying them in cans.
BPA may still be used in many containers of canned food, because it helps in preserving the food.
Check for labels that state they are BPA-free.
Nowadays, this is not more common.
Many brands of tableware, sippy cups, and bottles have prominent labels stating that they are BPA-free.
If you have to buy infant formula, again you need to check for a BPA-free label.
If there is none and you really want a particular brand that comes in a can, perhaps you should choose the powdered formula over the liquid option.
Liquid products are more likely to absorb BPA from the container lining than powdered products.
Your best bet for food products is to use or buy containers that are not made of plastic at all.
Containers that are made from stainless steel, glass, enamel, or porcelain do not have any BPA.
Never use plastics with a recycling coding of 3 and 7 for food storage or preparation.
Plastics with the code 7 are OK only if they also say “PLA” or have a leaf symbol on them.
Codes 2, 4, and 5 are safe, but you should only use the code 1 plastics once.
Some kinds of aluminum bottles are lined with an epoxy resin that leached even more BPA into the water they contained.
They may actually be more dangerous than the products they were supposed to replace.
The exceptions were the aluminum bottles lined with EcoCare copolyester (Sigg), plastic bottles made of Tritan copolyester (Nalgene), and uncoated stainless steel bottles (Sigg and Steel Works).
If you’re concerned about the tap water in your home, you may also want to think about a water filter.
Just make sure that the filter you use is rated to screen out BPA.
Is the problem solved?
When BPA-free products began appearing in the market, many believed so.
However, a new study found that the substitute for BPA (called BPS or bisphenol-S) may be just as dangerous as the BPA it replaced.
The study found that BPS may also affect prenatal brain development.
Of course, true to form the lobbying group American Chemistry Council objected to the findings, but nowadays no one really takes them seriously anymore since they work for the manufacturers.
Still, the findings are preliminary, but it only goes to show that the chemicals in modern society can be very difficult to eliminate in the face of corporate convenience.
So for the meantime, the best way to minimize BPA (and BPS) contamination is to avoid buying prepackaged foods as much as possible.
Scientists have already proven BPA water bottles dangerous your health, so a stainless steel cup for drinking is your best bet.
Have you heard about the chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA) which is used in the manufacture of plastic and resins?
There was a controversy regarding the presence of the said chemical in various products like water bottles, feeding bottles, and soda cans as it was reported by different organizations that BPA can cause various health problems like diabetes, obesity, and asthma.
This health scare has led to the use of BPA-free plastic products like water and feeding bottles.
Which leads us to the question—are BPA water bottles dead?
BPA has been harnessed in commercial applications since 1957.
It is used for making clear and hard plastic and epoxy resins.
It is also utilized for lining water pipes and for coating the insides of beverage and food cans.
On the surface, BPA sounds like a very valuable resource.
But in 2008, the potential hazards of the chemical on human health were revealed and made headlines.
Many health issues were raised regarding the use of BPA in various consumer products.
One study conducted by Dr. De-Kun Li indicated that exposure to the chemical may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
The study was reported in the Human Reproduction Journal and indicated that sexual desire and ejaculation problems may also be affected by BPA exposure.
Scientists at the University of Cincinnati also found in a study that BPA may cause heart diseases in women.
While another US study suggested that BPA exposure may increase the risk of diabetes and heart diseases in adults.
BPA exposure may also cause loss of connections between brain cells, resulting to memory and learning problems and depression.
And even women may not be spared from reproductive problems caused by BPA as exposure to the said chemical was found to affect the quality of woman’s eggs, according to Californian researchers.
BPA exposure was also found by University of Cincinnati scientists to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment.
Meanwhile, a Yale School of Medicine research suggested that BPA exposure can increase the risks of cancer among females.
Fueling the fire, so to speak, was a report from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2010 that affirmed that BPA can cause possible hazards to children, infants, and fetuses.
The agency even supported moves to stop production of BPA water bottles and infant feeding cups, and recommended the development of alternatives to BPA.
With the many findings about the ill effects of BPA on human health, it was not surprising that many people were rattled.
The health scare was enough for many people to turn to BPA-free products like water bottles.
Parents were particularly worried that the feeding bottles used by their babies had BPA, so they bought BPA-free bottles and sippy cups instead.
Other stores voluntarily pulled out BPA products from their shelves in response to the public outcry.
Even the top retailers like Babies R Us, Toys R Us, and Walmart decided to stop selling baby feeding bottles with BPA.
Countries like Canada banned the use of BPA in baby bottles.
This move spurred calls in the U.S. Senate to prohibit the use of the said chemical in consumer products.
In the U.S., states like Chicago and Minnesota banned BPA in water bottles and sippy cups.
Connecticut also passed a law that banned BPA in reusable water bottles for children’s, as well as infant formula containers.
Even before that pronouncement from the FDA, six bottle makers all agreed to stop using BPA.
These were Avent, Gerber, Disney First Years, Playtex, Evenflo, and Dr. Brown.
The US FDA took a different stand on the issue three years later when it reported in March 2013 that BPA is safe at very low levels.
It added that the use of BPA in food packaging and containers is safe, and that the assessment was based on a review of scientists of hundreds of studies.
The US FDA reaffirmed that statement in July 2014, saying that BPA is harmless at current levels in occurring foods.
The finding was based on a four-year review of more than 300 studies conducted by FDA experts specializing in various fields like toxicology, endocrinology, analytical chemistry, and epidemiology.
One of the studies conducted by FDA scientists showed that BPA does not have any health effects particularly when in low doses.
The experiment had rats fed with low doses of the chemical did not have any changes in their body weights, hormone levels, and reproductive development.
However, the studies did mention that rats that were exposed to the two highest doses of BPA had lower body weight and abnormal female reproductive development.
The FDA was not the only one who made that assessment.
Regulatory agencies in various countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and even in the European Union conducted extensive reviews on the subject.
Their findings were basically the same.
That the current levels of exposure to BPA through water bottles and food packaging do not pose a significant health risk to the public.
The contention is that the level of BPA in water bottles is too low to make any impact on human health.
Another argument is that BPA is quickly eliminated from the body.
It is immediately metabolized, and does not accumulate in the blood or tissues.
So it is highly unlikely that humans would be exposed to high levels of BPA and suffer from the various health problems that were said to be caused by BPA exposure.
So don’t be surprised to see BPA-free water bottles slowly losing their appeal to the general public.
With the FDA ruling out any harmful effects of BPA exposure on human health, it would only be a matter of time before non-BPA free water bottles inundate the market again.
Obviously, the answer to the question ‘are BPA water bottles dead’ is a resounding no.
In addition, many single knob tub faucets enable you to pull the knob out for more water or push it in for less.
You have the ability to use a lot less water while showering if you can do this.
Cut Back on Bathing
Consider showering every other day, especially if you’re not working up a sweat each day.
Or, step in and rinse off for just a minute.
Shower yourself at super speed.
You will get the same effect — it won’t be relaxing of course — but you will at least be clean.
When you need to take longer showers, use a shower timer.
Most shower timers run for 5 minutes but you can always flip them over and increase your time when necessary.
It’s an easy way to save water, even for kids.
Also , you can see how long you are showering and work to reduce your time.
Re-Wear Clothes
Wash your clothes when they are dirty instead of tossing them in the laundry bag after wearing them for a couple of hours.
This is especially true of towels after bathing.
Pack Eco-Friendly Soaps
Bring low-impact soap, laundry detergent, and dish soap to make sure the water you do use isn’t polluted.
Buy this for your home and lessen the impact you make on the environment on an ongoing basis.
Turn Off the Tap While Brushing
Most of us shut off the water at home when we are brushing our teeth, but good habits sometimes fall by the wayside when we are traveling. image credit: darkpatator
Reuse Cooking Water
When you’re cooking in a hostel, there’s no reason you need a pot of water for your potatoes and another one for your pasta.
Instead, cook the potatoes first and reuse the water for the pasta.
Read the Signs
When you’re hiking, don’t wash your clothes or bathe in fresh water streams unless it’s permitted.
You can go a step further by installing a filter on your fridge, providing you with fresh, clean water.
You can find most refrigerator filters online or at practically any hardware/appliance shop.
Green Travel Bottled Water
Although water bottles may seem like an unimportant part of traveling green, with the sheer amount of waste produced by bottled water each, even one bottle can make a difference.
So what are the “shades” of green travel with a water bottle?
Green or Pea Green: Buy Bottled Water
Green travelers may not own or want to carry their own reusable bottle on their trip, but they don’t want to buy and waste a new bottle each time.
Thus, a green traveler might buy a bottle of water at the airport, and reuse that same bottle for most or all of their trip, refilling it many times.
Greener or Kelly Green: Bring Bottled Water
A greener traveler is also reluctant to bring her own reusable bottle – she thinks “maybe I’ll lose it, maybe TSA will confiscate it, maybe it won’t look professional.”
So, the greener traveler brings an empty, non-reusable bottle from home.
Then at the end of the trip she can recycle it.
Note that you shouldn’t refill bottled water bottles more than a few times, as it’s not good for your health. photo credit: aarontait
Greenest or Forest Green: Bring a Reusable Bottle
The greenest travelers bring their own reusable bottle.
If you already own it, any reusable bottle is better for the environment than buying bottled water.
Besides being environmentally friendly, bringing your own bottle of water can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a trip.
If you are concerned about what type of reusable bottle is best for your personal health, next week we will write a comparison post of reusable water bottles.
Teach Children How to Save Water.
An additional tip is to teach children from an early age to save water.
They can easily be taught to turn the water off while brushing their teeth, monitor their time in the shower, and make other easy changes.
They will learn how important it is to save water.
When good habits form early, they can last a lifetime.
Faucet Face contributes to clean drinking water charity
There are some companies who support providing clean water in developing nations.
Faucet Face is a company which offers a program called 1 for 100.
They donate 2.5% of all sales of their glass water bottle sales to a charity, Third Millennium Awakening (TMA), which provides clean drinking water to areas in need.
Faucet Face also donates a complete water filter to a family in India for each sale of five of their glass bottles.
These filters eliminate 90-95% of impurities from water.
The filters are easy to maintain and do not cost anything to use.
Faucet Face – Glass Water Bottles
These glass water bottles from Faucet Face are a great way to promote drinking tap water and to discourage the purchase and consumption of disposable water bottles.
Their creative bottles are made from thick, sturdy glass with BPA-free caps.
They are perfect to take on the go in place of a regular water bottle.
They are also great to leave in the refrigerator for fresh tasting, cold water while at home.
These bottles are 8″ tall and hold 14.4 ounces.
Conserving water is important
Researchers estimate that 40% of America’s rivers and 46% of America’s lakes are too polluted for fishing, swimming, or aquatic life.
It is hard to believe but sadly true that nearly 1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean, safe drinking water.
In the US, companies used the energy equivalent of 86 million barrels of oil to produce and transport plastic water bottles in 2007 alone. Make a difference.
Take steps to change your habits and actively work to save water.
