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Looking for a good way to keep yourself hydrated while on the go?

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Having a reusable water bottle can be convenient, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Pick a reusable water bottle that best suits your needs!

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What's The Size — Small, Medium Or Large?

Image of baby elephant guzzling from a bottle.

Consider the size of the bottle you need. Think about:

  • Amount of water — how much do you usually drink?

  • Duration — for how long will you be on the move?

  • Conditions — what's the temperature or weather like in your area?

  • Weight — how heavy will the bottle be when filled?

For trekking in hot weather, you'll want a bottle that's large enough for effective hydration but not too heavy to carry.

Quiz

When are you most likely to need a large water bottle?

What's It Made Of?

Image of person holding a glass bottle containing water with mountainous background.Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

Weigh the pros and cons of different materials before making your decision.

Table showing pros and cons of each material.

Quiz

Renata's office has an amazing water filter, and she wants a bottle that will keep her water tasting fresh while she's at her desk. What material should she choose?

Did you know?

Reusable water bottles may be advertised as free of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA). BPA was commonly used in plastics until studies linked it to hormonal disruptions in humans. Be sure to look out for BPA-free bottles if you're concerned about its effects!

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

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Consider the main purpose of the bottle:

  • For outdoor activities, plastic, metal, or silicone bottles may work well, being light and easy to carry around.

  • Glass bottles could be more suitable for short commutes or to place on your desk.

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While silicone has several advantages, we don't know much about its long-term safety and health effects. Do your research on the bottle's specifications for comparison.

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In terms of sustainability, there's no clear answer on which material is the best. Prioritize re-use over single-use if you want a more sustainable bottle.

How Much Does It Cost?

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Reusable water bottles can vary in price, so consider how much you can and are willing to pay for one. Some may be more expensive because:

  • of the brand name and design

  • they're made of high-quality materials

  • they're produced in a sustainable (but more costly) way

  • they come with accessories like a fabric or silicone protective sleeve

  • they have special features such as collapsible or insulated bottles

Think about how much value you place on these factors. For example, you might pay more for a sustainably produced bottle if that's important to you and if you can afford it.

A man giving a thumbs up, saying 'Totally worth it.'

Did you know?

You might want your bottle to express your sense of style and personality, but that doesn't always have to come at the expense of functionality. Do your research to find a bottle that meets your needs for both style and function!

Take Action

The right reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated and healthy. It can also be cheaper and more environmentally sustainable than bottled water or canned drinks.

Madonna drinking from a mug, saying 'Look it up.'

Decide on your needs and priorities for your reusable water bottle, and do some research to help you to compare options and pick a bottle that's best for you.

License:

This Byte has been authored by

WL

Wai Yee Leong

Partnerships & Programs, Education & Non-Profits

English

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