If you’re trying to drink more water or reach your goal, but keep forgetting to do that, you need a bottle of water to remind you to drink. Reusable bottles aren’t reserved only for campers or cyclists. You don’t have to go in nature that often, to have your bottle. If you’re looking for biodegradable reusable water bottles but don’t know how to pick the right material or size, here are some useful tips for you.
Materials
When choosing your water bottle, the first thing to consider is the materials. You can find various materials and what works best depends on you and what you’re looking for.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel, a perennially popular silver material, is highly regarded for its durability and dishwasher safety. Composed of iron and chromium and coated with an inert surface, stainless steel is resistant to rust and doesn’t impart any flavours into your water. Moreover, it stands as one of the more sustainable material options due to its ability to be completely recyclable.
Glass
Glass was a traditional vessel for water, and was in use for drinking purposes since the 15th century B.C. Despite its aesthetic appeal, glass is highly fragile as a water bottle material and lacks efficient temperature retention capabilities. If you’re looking for biodegradable reusable water bottles, glass is one of the best materials. If you’re a careful person and know that you’d keep it safe and protected (mostly for home or work use) choose this bottle. Glass, however, isn’t the top choice for cyclists, campers or hikers.
Plastic
You won’t find a more inexpensive bottle than a plastic one, but budget-friendliness is the only advantage of this material. Made with fossil fuels, plastic isn’t the most sustainable choice, as it’s prone to cracking and breaking. You also may find plastic imparts unpleasant flavours into your water over time.
Silicone
Silicone is known for its flexibility, lightness, and ease of cleaning, which makes it among the most popular choices for such bottles. Additionally, it has the advantage of being highly durable, as it remains intact even when accidentally dropped on a hiking trail. The sustainability of silicone, however, is a subject of differing opinions. While it is not biodegradable or recyclable, it is worth noting that it is composed of an abundant element found in the earth’s crust.
Size and Capacity
Considering your daily water consumption (or hydration goals) is essential in determining the appropriate size and capacity of your reusable bottle. Opting for a larger bottle to consume it gradually throughout the day can serve as a motivating factor in achieving your hydration targets. Additionally, consider your daily routine. If you normally spend the entire day away from home, a bottle with a larger capacity would likely be more suitable. On the other hand, if you only require portable hydration for running errands or short visits to the gym, a smaller-sized bottle would suffice.
Insulation Features
Vacuum
Vacuum insulation is a great way to keep your drink at the perfect temperature. It involves two flasks that are sealed together with no air in between. This clever design protects your drink from the outside air, so it stays nice and cold or hot. Vacuum-insulated bottles can be made from different materials, but stainless steel is a popular choice.
Double-Walled
Another option for insulation is double-walled construction. This means there are two layers of insulation, but they might not be vacuum-sealed. Adding an extra layer between your drink and the outside world helps to maintain its temperature. So whether you go for vacuum insulation or double-walled construction, your drink will stay just the way you like it.
Copper
Copper-lined bottles will keep your water or other drinks insulated by transferring and emitting temperature back into the liquid inside. Certain bottles even have a mix of these insulators and more.
Consider the Lids
- Screw-top lids are great because they stay securely in place and prevent any leaks. However, they can be a bit annoying to unscrew every time you want to take a sip.
- Flip lids are super convenient as they easily pop open with just a press of a button. Some even have a straw or simply open the lid. They’re especially handy for when you need to drink with just one hand.
- Straw lids – Some water bottle lids have retractable straws, while others have fixed straws. Straws make it easy to drink, but they can be a pain to clean. Plus, bottles with straws aren’t as easy to carry around since they can leak if they’re not upright.
- Sports caps – These bottle lids have nozzles that can be popped open. They’re perfect for quick sips and are usually placed on a screw-on cap, making it easy to fill up your bottle.
Cleaning and Maintenance
If you’re only using your water bottle for water, it probably won’t get too messy. However, it’s still important to wash it regularly to prevent bacteria from building up. If you don’t like washing it by hand, look for a dishwasher-safe bottle made of stainless steel, glass, or silicone. Keep in mind that most plastic bottles need to be hand-washed. Some bottle designs are easier to clean than others. Bottles with straws or lids with multiple parts can be a bit tricky to fully clean. Also, there may be cases where the bottle itself can go in the dishwasher, but not the lid. Make sure to read and follow all washing instructions.
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