Bottled Water

[writersblock]

Recently I have read alot of diffeent theories that bottled water isn't as safe as we may think. The theroy is that the chemicals in most plastic containers may be harmful. I haven't seen any studies on this, so I continue to drink bottled water for convience.
Do you drink bottled water?

[theshaman]

I usually go to Sams Club and get a case of Nestle water for $3.88. I drink at least 8 of these 1/2 liter bottles...Yes mainly for the convenience. I mean its not like tap water could be that much better for us... I grew up drinking water from a our well...

[TiM]

Faucet mount Brita or Pur water filter FOR THE WIN!!!

I look at it this way. I drink 1.5-2 gallons of water every day. At about a buck a bottle, I'd be spending about $10 each day to drink bottled, not to mention the HUGE amount of PETE bottles that I'd be using. Even if I did recycle each and every one of them, that's still a LOT of plastic coming out of the market and being used by just one consumer. The waste generated alone is enough to prevent me from drinking bottled!!

So I bought a fauct-mount Pur filter and a large 2-gallon dispenser that sits in the bottom of my fridge. I drink from the dispenser and fill it up again when it is full. No bottles, no extra purchases, no waste. AND, I'm pretty much getting a higher quality water than what you may be buying in bottles anyway.

Caveat: I'm a container addict. When I see a bottle of water that is unique in shape/color/design, I buy one. Right now, my favorite is "Fred" - literally, it's called Fred. The bottle is flat and flask shaped, perfect to fit in my cargo pants pockets.

[herd]

Not only is bottle water expensive, its bad for the environment. Yes, even if you recycle the bottles. Think about all the energy and fossil fuels it takes to make the bottles, ship the bottles, fill the bottles, ship the full bottles, ship the empty bottles to recycling, and remake them. And that doesnt even take into consideration the bottles that dont end up in recycling and sit in landfills until the end of time.

Buy a nice HDPE reusable bottle and fill it up as often as you need it with filtered tap water. Much cheaper and better for the enviro.

[TiM]

Buy a nice HDPE reusable bottle and fill it up as often as you need it with filtered tap water. Much cheaper and better for the enviro.[/b]

BINGO!!!

There's a lot of crap going around about reusing different types of plastic bottles - everything from dangerous chemicals leaching out to actual estrogen-related chemicals getting into our drinks. To be quite honest with you, every 5 years or so, the story flipflops. One time they're fine, the next they're not. I've reused bottles for VERY long periods of time with NO ill-effects at all. As long as you wash them out to avoid bacteria, you're fine. The biggest "hit" for this story are Nalgene bottles, which are #7 plastic. They're meant to be reused over and over, and all of the sudden you're not supposed to do that. So,what, pay like $10 for a water bottle to rill and use twice??? I think not!!!

[Scheizekopf]

I use half bottled waters and drink the rest out of a brita pitcher filter.

[thesinner]

Bisphenol A is an antioxidant used in HDPE soda bottles, to prevent degradation of the polymer chains (this is crucial in soda bottles). In time, and in a totally unsaturated solution (i.e. purified water), the bisphenol A can leach out of the polymer and into your water.

It's a common misnomer that any and all antioxidants are good for you. While some are, some are not.

In the case of bisphenol A, it binds to and activates estrogen receptors in the body for weeks at a time. This affects the body's hormonal system in a negative way, causing reduced energy levels and certain sexual side effects.

[herd]

Bisphenol A is an antioxidant used in HDPE soda bottles, to prevent degradation of the polymer chains (this is crucial in soda bottles). In time, and in a totally unsaturated solution (i.e. purified water), the bisphenol A can leach out of the polymer and into your water.
[/b]

Pretty sure thats only for polycarbonate bottles. HDPE is polethylene and doesnt use BPA during polymerization. They can be identified by their greater flexibility, by their translucent, "milky" appearance, and by the number 2 triangular plastic recycling symbol on the bottom, rather than the number 7 on a polycarbonate bottle.

[thesinner]

You're right. Got my polymers mixed up.

[mandiees]

Botttled water is just BAD for the environment, and apparently you as well. Our water solution at home consists of an under-sink mounted water purification system that has filters that need to be replaced every three months or so. I also got this setup at Sam's Club for about $200 - we got our money's worth within the first year. I just use a Nalgene for when I go out - although I have heard that those are bad for you too!! Everything in moderation I suppose...

[herd]

I just use a Nalgene for when I go out - although I have heard that those are bad for you too!! Everything in moderation I suppose...
[/b]

I use an HDPE Nalgene every day. Love it.

http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/technical/bpaInfo.html

All new Nalgenes are made without BPA.

[jim623]

Bisphenol A is an antioxidant used in HDPE soda bottles, to prevent degradation of the polymer chains (this is crucial in soda bottles). In time, and in a totally unsaturated solution (i.e. purified water), the bisphenol A can leach out of the polymer and into your water.

It's a common misnomer that any and all antioxidants are good for you. While some are, some are not.

In the case of bisphenol A, it binds to and activates estrogen receptors in the body for weeks at a time. This affects the body's hormonal system in a negative way, causing reduced energy levels and certain sexual side effects.
[/b]

Dude, are you a chemistry major? Where do you come up with all this information?

I have a filter built into the fridge, I can't see buying water when it's more expensive than gas.

[TiM]

Sinner has a wee bit of chemistry background. And I've got background in the recycling industry. We're widely versed individuals!! :P

Anywho...HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) isn't used for "soda" bottles(they are PETE, Polyethylene Teraphthalate) - it is most commonly used for jugs for milk, iced tea, and laundry detergent. It can be used in things like Nalgene bottles, but the vast majority of them are #7 plastic - otherwise known as "Other".

I once used a gatorade bottle 2X/day refilling and freezing and thawing and drinking for about 6 months straight before it got a hole in it. I doubt I have any estrogen problems.

[writersblock]

Not only is bottle water expensive, its bad for the environment. Yes, even if you recycle the bottles. Think about all the energy and fossil fuels it takes to make the bottles, ship the bottles, fill the bottles, ship the full bottles, ship the empty bottles to recycling, and remake them. And that doesnt even take into consideration the bottles that dont end up in recycling and sit in landfills until the end of time.

Buy a nice HDPE reusable bottle and fill it up as often as you need it with filtered tap water. Much cheaper and better for the enviro.
[/b]

So true! I usually will refill the bottles and use them a couple of times. We have well water and it tastes great!
Using a reusable bottle is best for the environment.