So far in my Sun Safety Series, I have focused on products that are used to prevent damage from UV rays. In this post, I focus on another related topic: hydration. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, keeping yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of (non-alcoholic) fluids is one of the best preventive steps you can take to avoid heat-related illness. Similarly, consumption of alcoholic and high-sugar drinks cause fluid loss. The Institutes of Medicine published a report with guidelines of how much water people should consume. Keep in mind that beverages (like tea and juices) and moisture in foods add to total water intake.(2) In addition to heat, other factors such as elevation, exercise, medical condition, and pregnancy/breast-feeding also affect how much water you should be drinking.(3) In general, women should be drinking approximately 9 cups of water and men 12.5 cups. Water intake for children vary by age.(2) May 1-7, 2011 is Drinking Water Week.
I know of at least four choices for reusable beverages containers for people on-the-go: ceramic, glass, metal, and plastic. One property of glass that makes it superior to the others is that glass will not absorb or leach any thing into the liquid it holds. Naturally derived, glass is chemical, BPA, and phthalate free.(4) Therefore, users do not have to worry about toxicity or any added taste to their beverage. Additionally, glass is 100% recyclable.(5) In my research, I found the following companies that sell reusable glass bottles. Aesthetically, they each have unique features that appeal to a wide variety of personalities and taste. Most of the information presented below were obtained either from the company's website or from a representative. September 2011 is Recycle Glass Month.
| Company | Bamboo | Be Truly You™ | Lifefactory™ | Love Bottle | Rivé™ | Tekeya® | tap water™ |
| Sample |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Volume (oz) | 17 | 20 28 | 9 16 22 | 17 32 | 12 16 | 16 18 22 | 9 17 32 |
| Mouth width | Wide | Wide | Wide | Narrow | Wide | Wide | Narrow |
| Sleeve | Bamboo | None* | Silicone | None* | Silicone | Silicone | None |
| Beverage temperature | Cold
Hot
| Cold | Cold | Cold | Cold | Cold
Hot
| Cold |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes except bamboo | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Made in | China | Canada
China
US
| France
Poland
US
| China | China | Japan | Italy |
| Glass material | 51% recycled glass | 20% recycled glass | Raw materials | 25% recycled glass | Raw materials | AcraGlass® | <50% recycled
glass
|
| Price range | $25 | $16-25 | $12.99-21.99 | $12-20 | $20-25 | $19.99-24.99 | $10-12CAD |
*Sold separately
For more information about the companies and the products they offer, please go to the respective websites.
(1) CDCFor more information about the companies and the products they offer, please go to the respective websites.
(2) Institutes of Medicine
(3) Mayo Clinic
(4) Corning Museum of Glass
(5) CalRecycle
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are solely mine. I received permission from the companies to post their images on my blog.
