Green Meter: light green

In lieu of purchasing bottled water, take you own water along with you in your new, trendy containers! Here are a few suggestions for plastic, coated aluminum and stainless steel containers that are safe and eco-friendly.

First and foremost, recycle your pastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET/PETE) (#1 plastic) bottles rather than dishwashing or rinsing them out. PET/PETE plastic is designed to be a one-time-use, low quality, disposable plastic. There has been a fair-share of debate on the topic of chemicals leaching into the liquid inside of the bottle, especially after experiencing temperature changes and after sitting for extended periods of time. For my family, I opt to take what I've deemed the safe route and don't reuse the disposable plastic bottles; however, reusing the bottles is a much better alternative than purchacing a new bottle of water!

If you are ready to make the swich, check out some of the following bottles:

Ecousable: Ecousable are stainless steel, simply-designed containers. They are reasonably priced and can meet any budget. They are avaialble online and at REI stores locally.

Klean Kanteen: Plain and simple Klean Kanteen stainless steel bottles really get the job done! They are offered in a variety of sizes, including a size for children. Their new line of Kolors adds a little flair to function.

Nalgene: Nalgene's new line of Everyday bottles are BPA-free; older, hard plastic Nalgene bottles (those that are stamped with #7 plastic and "clink" when you drop them) should be recycled. The new Nalgene bottles (called Nalgene Everyday) are a safe alternative and very affordable.

Reduce Everyday's WaterWeek: I think this product is just COOL! WaterWeek is a set of 5 trendy, BPA-free, eco-friendly pastic bottles that fit in a small tray in the refridgerator. You can fill them as often as you need to and return to the fridge. I love this product because it offers the opportinuty to always have a bottle of cold water ready and waiting.

Safe Sippy Cup: Another alternative for children, especially for young children who have not mastered a straw bottle. Safe Sippy Cups are stainless steel sip cups for toddlers and preschoolers.

SIGG: These are fun and fancy aluminum-coated bottles from Switzerland. They have been around for a long time. These are quality bottles available at a myriad of internet shops and locally at Whole Foods, REI, and Great Outdoor Provision. There is a SIGG for every personality!

Thermos Brands (including Foogo and Funtainer for children): Foogo Straw Bottle by Thermos is our favorite line of children's stainless steel cups. The Thermos line is insulated, so your drinks stay cold even in a hot car for up to 5 hours. The draw back of these cups and bottles is that they are heavier than the brands listed above and some of the cheaper lines (like Funtainer) are not dishwasher safe.

Happy shopping!