L ook around your desk – if you’re still reusing that mineral water bottle which you got at 7-Eleven three months ago, it’s about time you chucked it into the dustbin, because that’s where it belongs.
Margrit von Braun, a professor from the University of Idaho, says that single-use soft drink and water bottles are made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which, while considered safe for its intended use, was found to break down over time. “The longer you used it, the more stuff ended up in the water,” she cautioned. One of the toxins that frequently appeared in water samples from the reused bottles was DEHA, a carcinogen regulated in drinking water because it has been found to cause weight loss, liver problems, or possible reproductive difficulties. (Source)
Although there are also claims circulating on the internet refuting these claims, saying that single-use bottles can be reused, we think it’s better to be safe and sorry. Furthermore, they’re hard to clean or sterilize because of the narrow opening of the bottle (imagine a complete bacterial ecosystem thriving inside your bottle – ugh!)
Instead of saving up a few Ringgit on what could potentially harm your health, why don’t you splurge a little on yourself and invest in an eco-friendly water bottle instead?
Ecuo Can
These nifty can-shaped tumblers are made from – get this – cornstarch! The biodegradable material, Plastic Lactic Acid (PLA), is derived from cornstarch, and is 100% decomposable in 180 days in landfills. Leak-proof, heat-resistant and microwave and dishwasher-safe, these colourful cans have received rave reviews in China, Hong Kong and Germany. We’ve got our eyes on the super-cool designs below, created in collaboration with designers B.Wing (Hong Kong) and Christopher Vine (Australia).
Crossover Edition B.Wing and Christopher Vine (RM88 for 420ml, RM68 for 280ml), available at Lifestyle Series, Plaza Mont’ Kiara.
Bros
Affordable and cute, Bros bottles spurned a whole lot of copycats when they launched in Malaysia in 2004. Their latest range, Pure, is ergonomically-designed so that the curved body of the bottle fits comfortably in your palm. The flip-top cap is great for on-the-go drinking, so you can sip while driving without worrying if you’re going to slosh water all over yourself. It comes in five snazzy colours with equally happy-sounding names like Cherry Prime and Banana Peel.
Bros Pure (RM18.90 for 450ml), available at most departmental stores and hypermarkets nationwide.
Tupperware
Some of us might be familiar with Tupperware because our moms are die-hard collectors. In line with promoting the habit of ‘tapau’-ing (or bringing lunchboxes from home) to work, Tupperware has launched a line of eco-bottles. These crystal-finish, brightly-coloured bottles come in a set of four so everyone gets one. The only problem is choosing your favourite colour. Do note, though, that the mouth of the bottle is rather big so do drink with caution.
Tupperware Eco Bottle (RM64.80 for 4 x 500ml), available at Tupperware Brands dealers nationwide.
Spresh
Although the design looks rather, erm, questionable, we applaud the innovative idea behind this bottle. All you need to do is squeeze the bottle, and voila – water flows out like a fountain! It might take a bit of getting used to (especially if people give you dirty looks for ‘spresh’-ing yourself in public), but we reckon those into sports would love the convenience of satisfying themselves with the one-hand operation. Just sayin’.
Spresh Bottles (RM70 for 600ml) are available at Tiny Tapir.
Bobble
Imagine a bottle that filters water as you drink. Bobble does that with a replaceable carbon filter, which removes chlorine and organic contaminants from your water. Each filter is equivalent to 300 bottles of water, so why create more waste by buying filtered water from convenience stores? The filters come in a mind-boggling array of colours, so you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice.
Bobble (USD8.99 for 385ml to USD12.99 for 1L – prices may vary in Malaysia) is available at selection Parkson and Isetan stores nationwide. See here for a complete list.
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