If you want to dig in to all the ifs, whys and why fors about how we can make ourselves and our world happier by really thinking about the plastic we buy, use once and toss, I suggest you read up on all the scary stats and simple steps we can take. I loved this article on why and how to choose a reusable bottle responsibly.
For now, let's take what we know and use (and reuse) it wisely. Here are five fab water bottles I think are well worth the investment:
For the bellydancing diva -- This Maharadsha Ruby bottle by Sigg will keep your water cool while you're heating up the dance floor with hip shakes and shoulder shimmies. At $22, Sigg bottles are my favorite for their reliable insulation, adorable designs and and cool interchangeable tops.
For the (sort of) reformed football-loving frat-party attending team-up-with-the-boys weekend warrior -- This Oval Aluminum Sigg bottle's shaped like a flask but is intended for good old H20. It will fit so well in your hand, you'll swear you just snuck it into the stands at the D-2 championships, not playing HORSE at the park or sprinting the stairs with your buddies. Fork over a 20-spot for the flask.
For the cross-trainer who likes versatility but has a thing for vibrant colors -- Everyone I know who has a CamelBak Better Bottle rarely releases it from their hands. They take it everywhere they go, from running inclines on the treadmill to running to the grocery store. They are durable and once you get used to the bite-and-sip cap (no sucking here), you'll soon be as devoted to this multi-sized wonder. Most run about ten bucks.
For the woman who started jump roping at age ten and hasn't stopped since -- The Klean Kanteen stainless steel bottles are for those straightforward, I-found-a-formula-and-I'm-sticking-to-it activas. The sleek design, interchangeable lids and cute carriers make them practical and adaptable. The range of sizes -- 12 to 40 ounces -- mean they grow along with you or your thirst. At $30 and up, they are spendy, but Klean Kanteen lovers swear by them anyway and are very loyal.
For the eco-chic-ly simple chica whose happy hobby is hiking from the recycling center to the thrift shop to the community compost heap -- This baby costs you nothing (just grab one out of your grandma's cupboard) or little (probably a quarter in the neglected dishes aisle of that thrift store) and unless you are a runner or have a baby in the throwy phase or care about people staring while you unscrew the giant metal lid to take a gulp, it is perfect for dipping into troughs or sinks or clean water lakes for your water. Zero dollars, big watermark, minimal footprint and hey, it's not as extreme as carrying a little drink in your cupped hands all day.
Need more eco-goodness?
Now that you have your bottle, bag it up in the cutest reusable totes you've ever seen! I am so over those drab green bags in drab green that they sell at my grocery store. I am so getting these.
[photo credit: Shioguchi / Photographer's Choice RF / Getty Images]
