Huwebes, Setyembre 1, 2011

What Types of Water Bottles Can Be Reused?

What Types of Water Bottles Can Be Reused?thumbnail
Many plastic water bottles are unsafe after prolonged reuse.

  1. Common Reasons for Reuse

    • Unlike water that flows from the taps in our homes, bottled water is expensive. Many people choose to reuse the bottles they purchase water in by refilling them from the tap. Water bottle reuse represents a rare occurrence in consumerism because the original product purchased can be replaced for free inside it's original packaging. Reusing water bottles is not only extremely convenient, but allows consumers to perpetuate the stigma that they are consuming "purer" bottled water even though it's actually from the tap.

    Dangers of Non-Reusable Plastics

    • Plastic bottles are generally safe to reuse a few times, particularly if properly washed with hot, soapy water to remove bacteria. However, bottles constructed out of No. 7 plastic have been deemed unsafe for reuse by scientists due to the presence of Bisphenol A. BPA is a chemical that has been proven to disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, which can lead lead to growth defects. Repeated use of commercial water bottles can cause dings and cracks that can increase the seepage of BPA into the water.

    Bottles Dangerous for Reuse

    • All plastics purchased at retail stores, including those used in water bottles, are identified by the Plastic Bottle Material Code System, which distinguishes a plastics chemical makeup. Experts frown on the reuse of water bottles made from No. 1, No. 3 and No. 6 plastics due to the presence of the carcinogen polyethylene terephtalate or PETE. Number 1 and No. 6 plastics also contain the carcinogen DEHP.

    Safer Bottles for Reuse

    • High- and low-density polyethylene and polyproplene are deemed largely safe for short-term reuse. These include plastic bottle bearing the No. 2, No. 4 and No. 5 resin identification code. The catch is that No. 4 and No. 5 plastics are rarely used in commercial bottling due to their expense and are more likely to be found in more permanent plastic water bottle solutions, such as thermoses and reusable water bottle brands.

    Worry-Free Alternatives to Plastic

    • Commercial manufacturers produce safe, durable and cost-effective alternatives to the reuse of retail plastics. Several manufactures sell reusable bottles in a variety of sizes that are constructed of both safe plastics -- usually indicated by labels indicating "Toxin Free" or "BPA" free -- as well as materials such as aluminum and tempered glass. Different colors and designs allow consumers to choose a safe way to travel with tap water that also is reflective of their personality and kind to the environment.

    Considerations

    • Much of the science related to the off-gassing of plastics is still developing and continues to yield new results rapidly. Consumers who choose to reuse various plastics for both water and other uses should stay abreast of the latest developments and safety notifications to avoid and harmful consequencesor sickness. It's also wise to be on the lookout for plastics that are BPA free, regardless of their intended use.

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Read more: What Types of Water Bottles Can Be Reused? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8518672_types-water-bottles-can-reused.html#ixzz1WkktFo7s

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