Reusing Plastic Bottles
Reusing Plastic Bottles
While plastic water and soft drink bottles are sold with the intention of single use, then recycling, they can be safely reused if cleaned and handled properly. The keys are to ensure that the bottle is not damaged, has been thoroughly cleaned before each use, and is filled with clean tap water.
The reuse of bottles has recently been discussed as having possible health risks. There are two main concerns. There is a potential for the presence and growth of bacteria in these bottles, but with proper cleaning and handling, this risk can be minimised. Another health concern sometimes mentioned around the reuse of plastic bottles is that the plastic may breakdown and release `chemicals' into the water. Current research into this topic indicates that these concerns are unfounded.
It is important to note that water or soft drink bottles shouldn't be shared during use - they should be used by one individual only to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illnesses such as meningococcal disease.
Why are there concerns about reusing plastic bottles?
Refilling water bottles can result in contamination of the water with bacteria, for example from the hands or mouth of the person filling or using it. With time and in warm conditions, bacteria can multiply to harmful levels, but safe handling and proper cleaning can help prevent this from happening.
Recent reports have specifically suggested that a common plasticiser, DEHA, can leach from plastic soft drink bottles into the liquids they hold, particularly with reuse. However, the majority of plastic water and soft drink bottles are made with a substance called PET, and do not contain DEHA.
While current research indicates chemicals are not released into water by reuse, many of these bottles are manufactured to be recycled, not reused. Some plastic bottles can warp when exposed to heat in the cleaning process. It is therefore important to ensure that after the bottle has been washed in hot water and left to air dry that it is intact and has not been damaged.
What should I do if I am reusing a plastic bottle?
* Before filling bottles, wash and dry your hands thoroughly so that you don't contaminated it with bacteria.
* Examine the bottle to ensure that it is not damaged.
* After use, clean bottles and nozzles with hot, soapy water and make sure the inside of the bottle air dries completely before use.
* Use good quality water from a safe source.
* Bottles should be used by one individual only. Don't share bottles- saliva can transfer germs that can lead to illnesses such as meningococcal disease. Make sure they are labelled with the person's name for easy identification.
Our Suggestion:
Looking for an alternative to plastic water bottles? Try the Aluminum Bottles manufactured by Sigg.
Here is some useful info I took from the manufacturers of Sigg Water Bottles: "The liner is a food grade, water-based, resin that is sprayed and baked on to bottle. The formula has not been released, since it is proprietary, but we have been working with them and they have agreed to release it soon.
The liner has undergone extensive tests in Switzerland and Germany. The liner absolutely does not leach Bisphenol-A or other potential toxins. We have conducted our own tests in the US with a California lab, and they confirmed the European findings. So, the best I can do at this time is to assure you that the liner is completely safe, does not leach plastic products, contains no petroleum products, and exceeds all associated FDA requirements for food liners. The additional information will be released soon from Switzerland." -- Ron Peters of SIGG USA
# "bottles made by the manufacturer Sigg, market leader in both Switzerland and Germany, showed no traces of aluminum...the manufacturer Sigg shows that it is possible to avoid residue from synthetic coating. Rolf Kothrade, responsible for aluminium bottles at Sigg, explains that his company changed the entire production process two years ago and now uses a water-based interior coating." -- OKO-TEST July 1997 (Independent German Consumer Test Magazine) To see complete article Click here
# All SIGG bottle caps are made from polypropylene - one of the food safe plastics. This type of plastic will not migrate any insalubrious substances into the bottle's contents.
You can view/shop for them here EarthyBirthyMama.com
I take mine to my Bikram Yoga Class, and it even keeps the water cool. Two thumbs up!
While plastic water and soft drink bottles are sold with the intention of single use, then recycling, they can be safely reused if cleaned and handled properly. The keys are to ensure that the bottle is not damaged, has been thoroughly cleaned before each use, and is filled with clean tap water.
The reuse of bottles has recently been discussed as having possible health risks. There are two main concerns. There is a potential for the presence and growth of bacteria in these bottles, but with proper cleaning and handling, this risk can be minimised. Another health concern sometimes mentioned around the reuse of plastic bottles is that the plastic may breakdown and release `chemicals' into the water. Current research into this topic indicates that these concerns are unfounded.
It is important to note that water or soft drink bottles shouldn't be shared during use - they should be used by one individual only to prevent the spread of germs that can lead to illnesses such as meningococcal disease.
Why are there concerns about reusing plastic bottles?
Refilling water bottles can result in contamination of the water with bacteria, for example from the hands or mouth of the person filling or using it. With time and in warm conditions, bacteria can multiply to harmful levels, but safe handling and proper cleaning can help prevent this from happening.
Recent reports have specifically suggested that a common plasticiser, DEHA, can leach from plastic soft drink bottles into the liquids they hold, particularly with reuse. However, the majority of plastic water and soft drink bottles are made with a substance called PET, and do not contain DEHA.
While current research indicates chemicals are not released into water by reuse, many of these bottles are manufactured to be recycled, not reused. Some plastic bottles can warp when exposed to heat in the cleaning process. It is therefore important to ensure that after the bottle has been washed in hot water and left to air dry that it is intact and has not been damaged.
What should I do if I am reusing a plastic bottle?
* Before filling bottles, wash and dry your hands thoroughly so that you don't contaminated it with bacteria.
* Examine the bottle to ensure that it is not damaged.
* After use, clean bottles and nozzles with hot, soapy water and make sure the inside of the bottle air dries completely before use.
* Use good quality water from a safe source.
* Bottles should be used by one individual only. Don't share bottles- saliva can transfer germs that can lead to illnesses such as meningococcal disease. Make sure they are labelled with the person's name for easy identification.
Our Suggestion:
Looking for an alternative to plastic water bottles? Try the Aluminum Bottles manufactured by Sigg.
Here is some useful info I took from the manufacturers of Sigg Water Bottles: "The liner is a food grade, water-based, resin that is sprayed and baked on to bottle. The formula has not been released, since it is proprietary, but we have been working with them and they have agreed to release it soon.
The liner has undergone extensive tests in Switzerland and Germany. The liner absolutely does not leach Bisphenol-A or other potential toxins. We have conducted our own tests in the US with a California lab, and they confirmed the European findings. So, the best I can do at this time is to assure you that the liner is completely safe, does not leach plastic products, contains no petroleum products, and exceeds all associated FDA requirements for food liners. The additional information will be released soon from Switzerland." -- Ron Peters of SIGG USA
# "bottles made by the manufacturer Sigg, market leader in both Switzerland and Germany, showed no traces of aluminum...the manufacturer Sigg shows that it is possible to avoid residue from synthetic coating. Rolf Kothrade, responsible for aluminium bottles at Sigg, explains that his company changed the entire production process two years ago and now uses a water-based interior coating." -- OKO-TEST July 1997 (Independent German Consumer Test Magazine) To see complete article Click here
# All SIGG bottle caps are made from polypropylene - one of the food safe plastics. This type of plastic will not migrate any insalubrious substances into the bottle's contents.
You can view/shop for them here EarthyBirthyMama.com
I take mine to my Bikram Yoga Class, and it even keeps the water cool. Two thumbs up!
posted by Helô Kinder at
3:08 PM
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