It could be time to pull the plug on your beloved jug.
Everyone knows that it’s important to hydrate — water delivers nutrients to cells, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints and helps remove waste. You can’t live without it.
Carrying a reusable water bottle ensures consistent hydration throughout the day. The problem is, concerns have been raised about the environmental and health impacts of these containers.
A startling new study found that some glass bottles release significantly more microplastics than plastic bottles, particularly when the glass bottles have painted logos or metal caps.
“That’s a surprising headline for anyone who chose glass assuming it’s the cleanest option,” Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a double board-certified internal and obesity medicine physician based in L.A., told The Post.
So, how does your H2O holder stack up? Gidwani highlights the best options within five types of water bottles to help cut down your intake of harmful chemicals and microplastics. Let’s dive in!
Plastic bottles
Plastic bottles have earned a bad rap, as studies have found that they can leach chemicals and microplastics into the water they contain.
Research indicates that microplastics — tiny particles that flake off from plastic as it degrades — can harm reproductive, digestive and respiratory health.
Most single-use plastic water bottles are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
These bottles can leach the toxic heavy metal antimony, particularly when exposed to high temperatures or put through the wringer.
Gidwani recommends looking for plastic bottles made without the chemical compound bisphenol A (BPA), like Smartwater, and avoiding reuse and heat exposure. BPA can disrupt hormone levels in the body.
“It’s not perfect, but better than reusing old PET bottles or leaving them in the sun,” Gidwani told The Post.
Gidwani also doesn’t recommend reusable plastic bottles, which seem like a more eco-friendly choice than single-use containers but can quickly degrade.
Glass bottles
“If they’re using glass, they should choose plain, unpainted bottles with plastic (not metal) caps and avoid etched logos or decorative coatings,” Gidwani said.
Store the glass bottle upright to help reduce contact between the liquid and the cap.
A study released last month by France’s food safety agency found that decorative paint on the caps, especially the inner lining, can slough off due to friction and abrasion and contaminate the liquid.
Aluminum cans and bottles
“There are also issues with aluminum bottles and cans, as they are almost always lined with BPA-based resins, which can degrade over time or with acid,” Gidwani said.
She said that these containers should not be reused, stored in heat or filled with acidic drinks like lemon water or sparkling beverages.
And beware what’s on the label. Gidwani noted that some aluminum products marketed as “BPA-free” may still contain or leach BPA.
Box water
“Cardboard cartons like Boxed Water or Just Water [are] typically lined with BPA-free plastic and foil,” Gidwani shared.
“While marketed as eco-friendly, they’re not free of microplastic exposure and shouldn’t be reused or exposed to heat.”
Stainless steel bottles
“Stainless steel is the best option if done correctly,” Gidwani declared.
Stainless steel is generally considered non-toxic and resistant to bacterial growth, but many popular stainless steel tumblers have BPA-free plastic lids or straws that can leach microplastics when exposed to hot water, acidic liquids or high temperatures in the dishwasher.
Gidwani recommends stainless steel throughout, including the lid and straw. It’s even better if you can go strawless.
One easy way to reduce microplastics exposure is to use a reverse osmosis filter on your water before filling your bottle.
For acidic liquids like lemon water or drinks with apple cider vinegar, the safest options are unlined stainless steel and plain borosilicate glass. If a lid or straw is needed, silicone is generally the best bet.
If you’re going to be out in the sun for a long time, Gidwani suggests a double-walled insulated stainless steel bottle pre-chilled with ice water.
“Try to keep it out of direct sunlight, as extreme heat can affect coatings or create pressure if sealed tightly,” she said. “Store it in a bag or wrap it in a cold towel and avoid placing it on hot surfaces.”
If the water feels warm after sitting out, toss it and refill from a clean, filtered source.
How to care for your water bottle
All the effort to select the proper water bottle is wasted if it isn’t properly maintained. Gidwani shares how to get clean sips for happy lips.
- Water bottles should be washed daily. Yes, daily.
- Disassemble the bottle and clean each part separately, especially the lid and straw, which can trap bacteria, biofilm and mold. Even if you’re only drinking water, bacteria from your hands, surfaces or saliva can contribute to microbial growth.
- Aim to wash everything by hand with soap and water that’s less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is effective for cleaning but not damaging. Most bottles have plastic seals, lids or coatings that can degrade over time when exposed to high dishwasher heat.
- If you must use reusable plastic bottles, replace them every three to six months or sooner if you notice signs of degradation, which indicates possible leaching.
- Glass and stainless steel bottles can last much longer with good care. Inspect plastic lids and straws and replace these regularly, especially if worn or damaged. Studies have shown that the release of microplastics increases with the age and wear of products.
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