Best Eco-Friendly Water Bottles: Top Picks & Tips

We’ve all grabbed a bottle of water during a road trip, while out of the office, or after a long hike, and it’s easy to see why. Bottled water is more popular than ever, with Americans alone consuming 15.7 billion gallons (59 billion liters) each year.

We love the convenience of grabbing a single-use bottle and tossing it when we’re done. But this habit is not only bad for the environment but also for our wallets.

Here’s why ditching single-use water bottles is a good idea:

• Bottled water is 3,500 times worse for the environment than tap water.
• Companies like Nestlé make a lot of money off water they barely pay for.
• Water bottling uses a huge amount of energy for production and transportation.

Instead, consider switching to a reusable, eco-friendly water bottle. Look for bottles that are recyclable and made from sustainable materials, and check for third-party certifications like B Corp or 1% for the Planet.

Here are some great sustainable water bottle brands to check out:

• Klean Kanteen: A Certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Klean Kanteen has been making BPA-free, reusable stainless steel water bottles since 2004. You can find them at Klean Kanteen, EarthHero.com, or Amazon.com.
• Ecovessel: Also a member of 1% for the Planet, Ecovessel donates 5% of their sales to non-profits and offers non-toxic, stainless steel bottles in various styles. Shop at Ecovessel or Amazon.com.
• Hydro Flask: With a track record of donating $2.5 million to support parks, Hydro Flask makes sustainable stainless steel bottles and is available at Hydro Flask, EarthHero.com, or Amazon.com.

Switching to these options not only helps the environment but can also save you money in the long run.

Most sustainable materials for water bottles

When choosing a sustainable, eco-friendly water bottle, consider these materials:

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel bottles are durable and convenient. They can handle hot liquids, are often dishwasher safe, and won’t shatter if dropped (though they might dent). They’re lightweight and come in various fun shapes, sizes, and colors for everyone in your family. Plus, they’re 100% recyclable!

Glass
Glass is a great choice because it’s chemically stable and won’t leach harmful chemicals into your drink. It’s perfect for use at home or the office. However, glass bottles can be heavy and breakable, so they’re not the best for on-the-go use. But with a foam carrier, you can prevent breakage and make it easier to carry.

Aluminum
Aluminum bottles are lightweight and durable, and they won’t shatter. However, they may not always be dishwasher safe. While they are recyclable, aluminum production has a significant carbon footprint. To match the eco-friendliness of a PET plastic bottle, you’d need to reuse an aluminum bottle about 50 times.

Plastic
If you prefer plastic, choose recyclable options and avoid plastic #3 (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), plastic #6 (polystyrene or PS), and plastic #7 (polycarbonate) as these can leach chemicals. Plastic #5 (polypropylene or PP) is a good choice, and plastic #2 (high-density polyethylene or HDPE) and plastic #4 (low-density polyethylene or LDPE) are also okay. PET (plastic #1) is commonly used for single-use bottles.

Environmental impacts of plastic water bottles

Sure, grabbing a cold bottle of water from the store is quick and easy, but it comes with hidden costs. When you look at the numbers, you’ll see just how wasteful plastic water bottles can be!

• Financial Waste: Single-use water bottles cost up to 10,000 times more than tap water! By switching to tap water and using a reusable bottle, you could save hundreds of dollars each year. Curious about how much you’re wasting? Check out this Bottled Water Cost Calculator to see for yourself.
• Oil Waste: Most bottled water comes in PET bottles, which are made from plastic produced using fossil fuels. This keeps us reliant on foreign oil. Americans use over 17 million barrels of oil each year just for bottled water.
• Energy Waste: Transporting water through municipal systems is energy-efficient, even over long distances. But transporting bottled water using trucks, trains, and boats burns extra fossil fuels and contributes to climate change.
• Solid Waste: Americans throw away 35 billion single-use plastic water bottles each year, and 78% of them aren’t recycled. PET bottles can take up to 450 years to decompose in landfills.
• Water Waste and Toxic Emissions: While it’s fine to fill a bottle with water, using a huge amount of water to make the bottle is wasteful. PET plastic, though less toxic than other plastics, is still not eco-friendly. Producing PET creates 100 times more toxic emissions, like nickel, ethylbenzene, ethylene oxide, and benzene, compared to making glass.

Also Read: 8 Shocking Plastic Pollution Statistics

Additional factors to consider

When picking a sustainable water bottle, there’s more to consider than just the material. Here are a few extra things to look out for to make sure you’re getting a safe and eco-friendly option for you and your family:

• BPA-Free: BPA (Bisphenol-A) can sometimes leak into the water from plastic and aluminum bottles. This chemical can disrupt hormones and cause health issues like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. So, always choose a bottle that’s labeled as BPA-free.
• Antimony-Free: Some PET bottles contain antimony, a contaminant that can cause health problems. Antimony can leach into the water, especially if the bottle gets warm. Look for bottles that are free from this harmful substance.
• Bottle Volume: Think about how much water you need. Do you need a bottle that’ll last all day or just for a short walk? Choose a bottle size that fits your needs. To be eco-friendly, avoid buying multiple bottles and instead opt for one versatile size.
• Mouth Style: This is a matter of personal preference. For spill-free sipping, consider a bottle with a push-pull or bite valve. If you prefer simplicity, go for a twist-off cap with either a narrow or wide mouth.
• Insulator: Want to keep your water cool? Look for a reusable insulation sleeve that helps regulate the temperature of your drink. Just make sure it’s BPA-free and non-toxic.
• Tap vs. Bottled Water: Some bottled water is essentially just tap water, so it might not be any safer than your own tap water. If you’re concerned about water quality, consider having your tap water tested and use a good filtration system. Don’t assume bottled water is always the healthier choice.