This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Single-use plastic bottles are readily available and cheap, so it's easy to see why so many people use them all the time. In fact, the entire world goes through about a million (yes, that's one million) plastic bottles per minute, with only less than 9% of them finding their way into recycling bins after use. It's estimated that about half a trillion plastic bottles are sold around the world. For the environmentally minded, those are seriously scary stats.
The end result of all this inexpensive convenience is a floating island of plastic in the Pacific Ocean that's estimated to be three times the size of France.
Clearly, drinking bottled water is a nasty habit that has to stop. Though you also need to, you know, stay hydrated to live. So why not keep hydrated while doing some good for the planet? In other words, get a reusable water bottle instead. These are better for the environment and cheaper.
Here’s some useful information to drink in before you purchase a reusable water bottle.
Are there different types of reusable water bottles?
There are several styles of reusable water bottle available, and this list includes a range. Here are the basics that are worth knowing about:
Plastic water bottles — These are most common in sports, because they are lightweight and easy to carry during activities. They’re also cheaper, but they’re also bad for the environment in the long run and may give your water a plasticky taste.
Vacuum insulated stainless steel — Insulated bottles keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold, which is especially good for commuting and travelling. Particularly if you want cold water on a hot day, or you can’t get through the commute without a coffee. They're usually not dishwasher friendly, however.
Glass bottles — There are several benefits to glass bottles. They won’t affect the taste of your water and they’re fine to put in the dishwasher. But they’re fragile and heavy, and not suitable for being thrown about in your bag.
Non-insulated metal — For something that’s cheaper, lightweight, but ultimately tougher, try a singled-walled stainless steel or aluminium bottle. They won’t retain the temperature of your drink, but they’re robust and easy to clean.
What is vacuum insulation?
As you’ve read above, some bottles have double-walled vacuum insulation. But what does that mean? It’s when a bottle has two stainless steel walls separated by a vacuum. This acts as a barrier to the external temperature, keeping your liquid either hot or cold.
What does BPA free mean?
This is something you’ll see a lot when researching bottles. BPA stands for Bisphenol A, an industrial chemical used to make some plastics. Research shows that BPA can contaminate food and drink, though research also says that low levels of BPA are safe. Still, to ensure your food and drink containers are non-toxic, choose items that do not use Bisphenol A. All bottles on this list are BPA free.
Is bottled water better than tap water?
Not necessarily. Many bottling companies use the mains water supply, then triple filter it, bottle it, and then sell it. It's like paying for clean, fresh drinking water twice. Municipal water can also be safer to drink than bottled water because government agencies regulate the water more often than some private bottling companies do. If you’re worried about the quality of tap water, simply invest in a filter to get rid of any harmful elements, such as metals and bacteria.
What is the best reusable water bottle?
That’s a question that only you can answer, because it will depend on your lifestyle and needs. But there are a few points worth bearing in mind.
Do you need something lightweight for sports or physical activities, such as hiking or camping? Or something so robust that can handle being tossed about in a bag? Do you need a bottle that will save space in your already crammed luggage? How long do you want your water to stay cool? And do you need a bottle that’s dishwasher safe? With all these questions in mind, we’ve lined up a selection of excellent choices.
These are the best reusable water bottles in 2024.
