Hot Water Bottle Stopper? Quick Answer

Hot water bottles can be dangerous and cause burns if not cared for or used properly. Please read our guide below on how to fill, use and care for your hot water bottle.

HOW TO FILL YOUR HOT WATER BOTTLE SAFELY

1. Do not use boiling water when filling your hot water bottle. Once the water has boiled, let it sit for a few minutes before filling your bottle. Filling a bottle with boiling water can cause splashes that can cause burns.

2. When filling your bottle, hold the bottle neck in an upright position and fill slowly to avoid water splashing back.

3. Fill your bottle no more than two-thirds full at a time.

4. ALWAYS deflate the bottle by gently lowering it onto a flat surface until water appears at the opening.

5. Tighten the plug sufficiently to ensure there is no leakage. Finger tight should be sufficient.

6 Hot water bottles should always be filled by a responsible adult.

HOW TO USE YOUR HOT WATER BOTTLE SAFELY

1. DO NOT sit, lie or put undue pressure on your hot water bottle.

2. To avoid burns, use a cover on your bottle and do not leave it in contact with any area of ​​the body for more than 20 minutes.

3. Only use a hot water bottle to warm up your bed. Take it out before you get in. This will help prevent accidental burns.

4. The use of hot water bottles by babies is not recommended and children should be supervised.

5. Elderly people and people with sensitive skin or reduced sensation should use hot water bottles with caution.

6. Hot water bottles can be dangerous and cause burns if not filled, cared for or used properly.​

7. Please follow the instructions.

8. All of our bottles are made from natural rubber, so be careful if you have a latex allergy.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HOT WATER BOTTLE

1. DO NOT fill your bottle from a faucet or other home water system as this may prematurely degrade the product.

2. When using or storing your bottle, avoid contact of the bottle with hot surfaces and contact with oil and grease.

3. When you are not using your bottle, empty it completely and store with the stopper removed in a cool, dry and dark place – NOT in the drying cabinet as the temperature fluctuations from boilers or water tanks will affect the bottle or near a radiator , under the sink where chemicals can affect the quality of the bottle or where it is exposed to sunlight.

4. Don’t put anything on top of your bottle when storing it.

5. Check your bottle thoroughly, including the stopper, the first time you use it. Then check it regularly for wear, damage and leaks. Do not use if concerned.

QUALITY

1. All our bottles are manufactured to British Safety Standard 1970:2012 and are guaranteed against manufacturing defects.

2. It is advisable to replace your rubber bottle every 2 years to ensure you are always using a bottle that is in good condition and safe. Rubber naturally deteriorates over time and this natural process can be affected by the way it is stored and used.

Please also see our picture guides below.

Please also read our safe hot water bottle buyer’s guide. If you have any questions or would like more information about the content written here, please contact us at [email protected]

Although using a hot water bottle may sound trivial, here are 5 easy to remember tips to help you get the most out of your hot water bottle and keep you safe!

Tip #1

Never sit, lie or put excessive pressure on a hot water bottle as this may cause it to burst. For bed warmth, it is advisable to place the hot water bottle under the duvet 5-10 minutes before entering the bed so that it is already warm for bedtime. Remove the hot water bottle before bed and never try to sleep on a hot water bottle.

Tip #2

To avoid burns and similar injuries, always use a hot water bottle with a lid, or alternatively wrap your bottle in a towel. Avoid contact with any part of the body for more than 20 minutes.

Tip #3

Never use boiling water with a hot water bottle as this can damage the stitching and increase the risk of injury if something goes wrong. You can use boiling water that has been cooled to a safer temperature. Also, do not use hot tap water if you can avoid it, as it may contain contaminants that can damage the bottle. Instead, you should use boiling water that has cooled to a safe temperature.

Tip #4

When not in use, make sure your hot water bottle is empty and the cap is removed. It should be stored away from direct sources of heat or sunlight. A cupboard, drawer, or wardrobe is ideal, but avoid ventilation cabinets, heater cabinets, or heat sources such as radiators. Persistent temperature fluctuations can affect the bottle.

Tip #5

Replace rubber hot water bottles every 2 years to ensure you always use a bottle that is safe and in good condition. Rubber degrades over time as part of a natural process.

We’ve put together a short video to demonstrate our tips:

Posted on 11/02/2020

As the cold weather inevitably sets in, the leaves change color and fall from the trees, and the evenings grow darker and foggier, we get many questions from people about filling, using, and caring for their hot water bottle. That’s why we thought, as the hot water bottle season kicks off, we’d take the opportunity to answer a few questions we get asked all the time.

The most popular questions about FILLING your hot water bottle

1. Why can’t I fill my hot water bottle with boiling water?

The REASON you shouldn’t fill your hot water bottle with boiling water: Filling your hot water bottle with water that has just boiled is very dangerous as the water will continue to heat (fizz) even after the kettle has ‘clicked’. out. Attempting to fill your hot water bottle while the water is still boiling can cause severe burns as the water will “splash back” as you try to fill your hot water bottle.

THWBS TIP: After your water has boiled, let your kettle sit for at least 5 minutes before filling your hot water bottle.

2. Why can’t I fill my hot water bottle from a domestic tap?

The REASON why you should NOT fill your hot water bottle with water from a household faucet: Water in different regions of the country [and the rest of the world] has different properties that cause buildup in your hot water bottle and its “premature degradation”. Basically, the Scale you see in your kettle and the scale you build up around your taps in your hot water bottle will cause it to become brittle which can result in a leaking bottle or worse, a burst bottle. before you use it, your hot water bottle removes the harsh properties [that deposit as limescale in your kettle] and helps keep your hot water bottle in good condition.

3. The bottle says 2 litres, why does the filling guide only say 2/3 full?

The REASON you should only fill your hot water bottle 2/3 full: It is very important not to overfill your hot water bottle with either water or air. If you fill your hot water bottle completely, the water cannot move freely and put pressure on the hot water bottle. If pressure is then applied during use – like a balloon, it could “burst!” cause serious injury. Therefore, British Standard instructions recommend only filling 2/3. If you don’t expel the air from your hot water bottle, it could also ‘burst’ during use.

The most popular questions about USING your hot water bottle

1. ON THE PRODUCT PACKAGING, “For your safety, it is recommended not to fill this hot water bottle with water over 40℃.” That’s not hot enough for me.

The reason for this safety notice: Hot water bottles can be dangerous, especially if you don’t follow safe use instructions. We added the above recommended precaution because people with sensitive skin, especially the elderly and young children should not use hot water bottle with extremely hot water. A hot water bottle, even if used with a cover, can cause burns if the water is too hot.

Although our hot water bottles are designed to hold hot water, we cannot advise on the optimal temperature of a hot water bottle for one person. What we can tell you is that using a hot water bottle should feel “nice” and not annoying. It can be hot, but NOT BURNING.

3. Do I really need a cover for my hot water bottle?

YUP! Using a cover can help prevent burns, it also insulates your rubber bottle and helps it stay warm longer. After all, a blanket is far more comforting and relaxing to snuggle with than an uncovered rubber bottle!

The most popular questions about CARE of your hot water bottle.

3) Why can’t I keep my hot water bottle in the drying cabinet?

The reason for this care instruction: The British Standard instructions state: that a hot-water bottle “should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place. [and] Avoid sun exposure. An airing cupboard is a dry and dark place. However, the warm temperatures of a boiler or water tank are detrimental to the bottle and could therefore make it unsafe to use over time.

If you have additional questions about your hot water bottle, please contact [email protected]

Cracked water bottles are a huge pain and can leave you with lots of unexpected messes to clean up. The best you can do is just buy a new one, but if you find yourself in a bind there are a couple of options. If you are looking for a longer term solution, apply some silicone sealant to the problem area. If you’re looking for a quick fix, use waterproof tape instead. Avoid using super glue as it’s not food safe and probably won’t work as well.

Menstrual pain is common and a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Most women get it at some point in their lives. It usually manifests itself as painful muscle spasms in the abdomen that can spread to the back and thighs. The pain sometimes comes in intense spasms, while at other times it can be dull but more constant. It can also vary with each period. Some periods may cause little or no discomfort, while others may be more painful. Sometimes you can get pelvic pain even if you don’t have your period.

Causes of Period Pain Period pain occurs when the muscular wall of the uterus tightens (contracts). Mild contractions happen all the time in your uterus, but they’re usually so weak that most women don’t feel them. During your period, the uterine wall begins to contract more to help the uterine lining to loosen during your period. When the uterine wall contracts, it compresses the blood vessels lining your uterus. This temporarily cuts off the blood supply—and the oxygen supply—to your uterus. Without oxygen, the tissues in your uterus release chemicals that trigger pain. As your body releases these pain-causing chemicals, it also produces other chemicals called prostaglandins. These stimulate the muscles of the uterus to contract more, further increasing the level of pain. It is not known why some women experience more period pain than others. Some women may have a buildup of prostaglandins, which means they have stronger contractions. Menstrual Pain Caused by a Medical Condition Less commonly, menstrual pain can be caused by an underlying medical condition. Period pain associated with an underlying medical condition tends to affect older women. Women aged 30 to 45 are most commonly affected. Conditions that can cause period pain include: endometriosis – where cells that normally line the uterus grow in other places, such as in the fallopian tubes and ovaries; These cells can cause severe pain when shed

Fibroids – benign tumors that can grow in or around the uterus and can make your periods heavy and painful

pelvic inflammatory disease – where your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries become infected with bacteria, leading to severe inflammation

Adenomyosis – where the tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow inside the muscular uterine wall, making your period particularly painful. Period pain caused by birth control. It can also sometimes cause period pains, especially in the first few months after onset. You may notice a change in your normal pain pattern if your period pain is related to a medical condition or a contraceptive IUD. For example, the pain may be more severe or last much longer than normal. You may also have: irregular periods

bleeding between periods

a thick or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Pain during sex See a GP if you have any of these symptoms along with period pain.

How Long Period Pain Lasts Period pain usually starts when your period starts, although some women experience pain several days before their period starts. The pain usually lasts 48 to 72 hours but can last longer. It’s usually at its worst when your bleeding is at its heaviest. Young girls often have period pains when they get their period. Read more about start periods. Menstrual pain that has no underlying cause tends to improve as a woman ages. Many women also notice improvement after having children.

Treating period pain In most cases, period pain is so mild that it can be treated at home. Painkillers You can take ibuprofen and aspirin to relieve your pain. However, do not take ibuprofen or aspirin if you have asthma or stomach, kidney, or liver problems. Aspirin should not be taken by anyone under the age of 16. You could also try acetaminophen, but studies have shown that it doesn’t reduce pain as well as ibuprofen or aspirin. If regular pain relievers don’t help, your GP may prescribe a stronger pain reliever, such as naproxen or codeine. Other self-help measures to try You could also try the following: Quitting smoking – smoking is said to increase the risk of period pain

Exercise – You may not feel like moving during a painful period, but activity can reduce pain; try gentle swimming, walking, or biking

Heat – placing a heat pad or hot water bottle (wrapped in a tea towel) on your stomach can help relieve pain

warm bath or shower – A warm bath or shower can relieve pain and help you relax

Massage – a light, circular massage around your lower abdomen can also help relieve pain

Relaxation Techniques – Relaxing activities like yoga or Pilates can help distract you from feelings of pain and discomfort

transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) – a small battery-powered device that delivers a mild electrical current to your abdomen to relieve pain

When to see a GP See a GP if you have severe period pains or changes in your normal menstrual pattern – for example, if your periods become heavier than usual or irregular. Pelvic exam Your GP may want to feel your abdomen to check if it feels normal. If your symptoms are unusual, the GP may do an internal exam, sometimes called a pelvic exam. This can be helpful in diagnosing or ruling out other causes of your period pain. Contraceptives You may be prescribed birth control pills. It can relieve period pains because it thins the lining of the womb and reduces the amount of prostaglandins your body releases. A thinner lining of the uterus means the muscles of the uterus don’t have to contract as much when it detaches. Your periods will also be lighter. If birth control pills are not suitable for you, contraceptive implants or birth control injections are good alternatives. The Mirena Intrauterine System (IUS) can also sometimes help with painful menstrual bleeding. Referral to a specialist If your period pain is not under control after 3 months of treatment with painkillers or an appropriate hormonal contraceptive, your GP may refer you to a specialist who will usually be a gynaecologist. The specialist will perform further tests to confirm or rule out an underlying condition. Tests you may have include: a urine or blood test

Pelvic ultrasound – which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of your body; It is painless and reveals any abnormalities in your reproductive organs

laparoscopy – under general anesthesia, a small incision is made in your abdomen through which a fibro-optic telescope is inserted; It can be used to examine your internal organs and take a sample of tissue (a biopsy).

Hysteroscopy – allows you to examine the inside of the uterus with a fiber optic telescope; it is passed through your vagina and into the uterus to be checked for abnormalities. Treating an underlying condition If your period pain is caused by an underlying condition, your treatment will depend on which condition you have. For example, if you have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), you may need antibiotics to treat the infection, while fibroids may need to be surgically removed.

Period pain and fertility Period pain, which is part of your normal menstrual cycle, does not affect your fertility. However, if the cause is a medical condition, it can affect your fertility. For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and a buildup of tissue in your fallopian tubes, making it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg.

Video: Menstrual Cycle This animation explains in detail how the menstrual cycle works.

Article overview

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To fill a hot water bottle, first bring a pot of water to a boil. Once it boils, turn off the heat and let the water cool to a safe temperature for 15-20 minutes. In the meantime, examine your hot water bottle for cracks or tears to make sure it’s safe to use. When the water is ready, unscrew the cap of your bottle and empty out the remaining water inside. Pour the water carefully into the bottle until it is three quarters full. Then squeeze out excess air and screw the cap tight. Avoid filling your hot water bottle with boiling water as this could damage the inside of the bottle and increase your risk of burns. If your bottle didn’t come with a cap, wrap a towel around it before using to avoid burns. You can use your hot water bottle to relieve pain by letting it rest on your body for 20 minutes at a time. Just be careful not to put pressure on the bottle or it might burst. You can also use your hot water bottle to warm up your bed by placing it under your covers for 5-10 minutes before bed. Make sure you take the bottle out of your bed when you climb in, as sleeping with a hot water bottle can increase the risk of burns. Read on for advice on using your hot water bottle!

As parts of the country and the world heat up in record heat this month – with July 2019 on track to become the hottest month on recorded history – some experts believe there could be more than one reason, your bottle of water to keep cool when temperatures soar in the summer.

Some researchers working on plastics advise against drinking water from plastic bottles that have been in hot places for a long time – such as

The industry disagrees, with the International Bottled Water Association claiming that plastic water containers are regulated and safe in a wide range of conditions, even when left in hot cars.

But Cheryl Watson, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Texas Medical Department at Galveston, advised people not to store bottled water in places with significant heat, such as B. in a garage or a car parked outside.

“When heated, the molecules wiggle faster, causing them to escape from one phase to the other. So the plastic leaches its chemical constituents into the water much faster and more when heat is applied to it,” Watson told TODAY.

“It’s like putting mint leaves in your tea. The heat extracts the mint-tasting molecules, and this happens faster with hot tea than with cold tea.”

If you’ve ever left a plastic water bottle in a hot car or other very warm environment for a while, you might notice that the water tastes a little funny, Watson noted: “That’s everyone’s basic sensor — you can even taste it,” you said.

A 2014 study analyzed 16 brands of bottled water sold in China that were stored at 158 ​​degrees Fahrenheit for four weeks and found elevated levels of antimony — listed as a toxic substance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and bisphenol A (BPA) . a chemical in certain plastics that can mimic estrogen and has been under scrutiny for years

But of the 16 brands, only one exceeded the EPA standard for antimony and BPA, according to a University of Florida press release.

“I don’t want to mislead people by saying bottled water is not safe. Bottled water is fine. You can drink it – just don’t leave it in a hot temperature for a long time. I think that’s the important message,” Lena Ma, study co-author and professor of trace metal biogeochemistry at the University of Florida, told Yahoo Health.

Another study, conducted in 2007 by researchers at Arizona State University, found that summer temperatures in cars, garages, and enclosed storage areas “might promote antimony leaching from water in PET bottles.”

Referring to Ma’s research, the International Bottled Water Association said the study “misstates facts.”

The group found that BPA was not a chemical component of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the packaging material used to make disposable water bottles, and that the antimony levels found in the samples were minimal.

“Bottled water products packaged in PET plastic containers do not contain ingredients that can form hazardous substances under normal conditions of use,” said Jill Culora, a spokeswoman for the International Bottled Water Association, in a statement.

“Claims that plastic bottled water containers stored in warm environments — say, a hot vehicle — ‘leach out’ unnamed chemicals that cause breast cancer or other diseases are not scientifically substantiated and are unfounded.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates the safety of bottled water, including packaging, the group noted. As with any food product, bottled water should be stored in a cool, dry place away from household solvents, fuel and other chemicals, and out of direct sunlight, he added.

BPA, which is used to make polycarbonate beverage bottles, food containers, metal can liners, and also to coat some sales receipts, has long raised concerns about its impact on human health.

But it’s unlikely to be harmful to humans in typical doses, the FDA said in 2018.

Still, Watson, the University of Texas Medical Branch researcher, advised people to always stick to glass or stainless steel water containers — regardless of the temperature. These materials are very inert and don’t leach into the water, she said.

Their studies have found that products labeled “BPA-free” may instead contain BPS, a chemical very closely structurally related to BPA that appears to work similarly to BPA and cause the same hormone signaling disruptions, Watson noted .

“It’s a shell game,” she said. “When we tell the public that BPA is dangerous, they substitute other chemicals that are different, but only slightly different.”

She sticks to her trusty stainless steel bottle, which she fills with filtered tap water at home.

Follow A. Pawlowski on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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After lots of rain with occasional sunshine, the hot weather is now hitting hard. As much as we don’t complain, we have to say that it’s very difficult for us to keep a cool head. Come especially at night.

People have come up with all sorts of techniques – visit our guide on how to sleep better for additional tips and tricks. A popular method is the frozen hot water bottle hack. Helping us beat the heat is a brilliant idea, but could freezing-induced expansion pose a safety hazard in winter?

(Image credit: Future PLC/Sophie Allport)

Jasmine Silk (opens in new tab), a retailer of silk linens and accessories, says putting your hot water bottle in the freezer, especially when it’s filled with boiling water, can be extremely dangerous. Freezing “can damage the rubber material, which could lead to potential leaks the next time you use it,” says the retailer.

“However, it is perfectly safe to fill your hot-water bottle with cold water. It’s a great way to cool down in a heat wave,” adds Jasmine Silk. “Just make sure you don’t fill the bottle more than halfway (same goes for hot water) so it doesn’t burst.”

Much like you put a can of beer in the freezer for twenty minutes to cool it down, we think you can safely put it in the freezer for a short time. Turning a hot water bottle into a frozen rock is definitely more of a problem…

(Image credit: Future)

Rebecca Chalinor, product specialist at retailer Terrys, recommends proceeding with caution. “While freezing your hot water bottle in hot weather can be an effective way to help you sleep better, once you’ve done it, it’s wise to avoid using the same water bottle during the winter.”

She says the last thing you want is to use your hot water bottle again in the winter months and have boiling water. So Rebecca suggests having one for hot weather and a separate one for cold weather, just in case. If you’re too hot to sleep at night, find out how to cool down a bedroom with our guide.

(Image credit: Getty)

Cover your cool water bottle with a towel and use other hacks during the heat wave. We can vouch for eating lots of watermelon, carrying around your best fan, and sitting with your feet in the cool water.

Would you try the frozen hot water bottle hack?

Fashionable hot water bottles

Perfect for warming up after a swim or snuggling up on a chilly evening – discover our range of Fashy hot water bottles and covers.

Fashy hot water bottles are the safest hot water bottles available. Made from thermoplastic material, they are odorless and rubber free, making them suitable for people with a latex allergy. Safety features include a seamless neck to prevent spills and a large opening for safer filling. The large opening is standard for the entire Fashy range, including the smaller bottles.

Fashy hot water bottles are great at retaining their heat and don’t tend to spoil like the more traditional rubber hot water bottles that you can buy

Other great product features are easy to clean, recyclable, phthalate free and conform to British Standard BS1970:2012

For your peace of mind, all Fashy hot water bottles come with a 2 year guarantee

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Reusable water bottles make it easy to stay hydrated, reduce the use of single-use plastic, and offer a way to make a fashion or lifestyle statement with constantly updated colors, shapes, and patterns. So it’s no wonder they’re such big business: a May 2019 report by MarketWatch valued the industry at $239 million and forecast the sector to be worth $374 million by 2025. Returnable bottles could become even more popular if more companies and airports follow the lead of Facebook and San Francisco International in banning single-use bottles.

Although companies like S’well, HydroFlask, and Contigo release new designs every year (some of which are even limited edition releases), most bottles are made from one of three materials: plastic, metal, or glass. We asked some experts about their opinion on the safety and sustainability of the materials.

Glass

“Glass would be best [safety-wise] if it didn’t break,” said John Swartzberg, clinical professor at the University of California at the Berkeley School of Public Health and editor-in-chief of the school’s wellness newsletter. Because glass is made from natural materials, there is no risk of inorganic chemicals leaching into liquids when heated or cooled. It also doesn’t retain flavor — some people complain that water in plastic or metal bottles tastes like chemicals or tin. However, glass tends to be heavier than metal or plastic.

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If you’re worried about breakage, it’s possible to find heat-resistant and shatterproof options. However, according to Eric DesRoberts, senior manager of the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program, shatterproof or heat-resistant glass is typically more difficult to recycle because it uses a different production process than other types of glass. You should separate these items from your other recyclables and check with your local recycling facility to see what they accept, he said.

plastic

Most reusable plastic water bottles are made from plastic polymers like polypropylene and copolyester, making them lightweight and durable. (Reusing single-use water bottles, which are often made from #1 or PET plastic, is not recommended because repeated use can break down the material, allowing bacteria to build up in cracks and washing in hot water can cause chemical leaching.)

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Many reusable plastic bottles are advertised as free of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which was commonly used in plastic until studies linked it to hormonal imbalances in humans. (The Food and Drug Administration has said that BPA is safe in small amounts.) “Most plastic bottles today don’t use BPA. There is no health reason to consume it,” Swartzberg said. “The problem is that they replaced BPA with other things, so we don’t know about these other things that they replaced it with.”

Until more research is done on these alternatives, R. Thomas Zoeller, an endocrinologist and professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst who has extensively studied the chemical effects of BPA, recommends glass or metal bottles over plastic bottles. Although the effects of bisphenol S, a compound often used in place of BPA, hasn’t really been studied in humans, some animal studies suggest it might be disruptive.

If you’re using a plastic water bottle, even if it’s labeled BPA-free, Zoeller recommends hand washing it because the combination of heat and detergent, acting as an abrasive, can damage the plastic.

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“It’s a combination of abrasive and temperature, and those two things will improve leaching,” Zoeller said. “All plastics that are to be reused must be hand washed. As a general rule, I wouldn’t put plastic in the microwave or dishwasher, period.”

A spokeswoman for the Plastics Industry Association said the industry follows FDA regulations on plastic safety. She suggested that consumers who are concerned about washing plastics read the labels and symbols on the products to make sure they are using them safely.

As for recycling, before you buy a plastic bottle, you can look for the classification number of the plastic on the bottom. This will tell you what plastic the bottle is made of.

“In the US, PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) are the most commonly recycled plastics,” DesRoberts said in an email. “However, not all recycling programs work the same way, so it’s important to know what your local recycling center will accept.”

metal

Most metal water bottles are made of stainless steel or aluminum. “Metal avoids all the concerns we have, rightly or wrongly, about plastic,” Swartzberg said. There can be slight transfer of aluminum into the liquid, but there’s probably no greater risk than using stainless steel or aluminum cookware, which are considered safe, Swartzberg said.

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“In general, I’m more comfortable with glass than plastic, but I think stainless steel has a lot to offer when it comes to keeping things out of the water,” Zoeller said. He said it’s best to make sure any metal bottle you buy isn’t lined with plastic, epoxy or resin, which some manufacturers do to mask a tin-like taste, amid concerns these materials could contain harmful chemicals .

It is possible to recycle stainless steel bottles, but you may not be able to recycle them curbside because their composition makes them difficult to compact in regular recycling facilities.

bottom line

From a sustainability point of view, no material is preferable to another, experts say. “It’s really reuse versus single use that matters,” said Sara Wingstrand, a former materials scientist who works as a project manager for the UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation and describes herself as materials-agnostic in this case. She said your water bottle choice should be based on lifestyle considerations, such as: B. how much weight you can carry and what aesthetic choices you make.

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“It’s best to choose a material that you know you’ll keep the longest and use the most,” Nicholas Mallos, director of the Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program, said in an email.

For safety reasons, Zoeller would not use plastic. “From a scientific perspective, it’s hard to say something is safe because not everything can be studied, but I think it makes sense to say it’s safer to use glass or metal,” Zoeller said.

But there’s probably no reason to lose sleep over your water bottle causing you harm. “All of these products, with the exception of BPA, carry minimal risk,” Swartzberg said. The key here is making sure you’re using the bottle to consume water. “My bottom line is, I think it’s great to see consumers drinking water instead of drinking soft drinks,” he said.

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