That's Fit

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a dirty word these days. Found in items such as polycarbonate plastics (e.g., certain Nalgene bottles), some plastic baby bottles and the lining of canned goods, BPA is linked to a host of ailments in animal studies. The National Toxicology Program is officially concerned, Canadian retailers are taking BPA-containing products off the shelves, Canada just banned BPA from baby bottles and Nalgene has succumbed to market pressure to remove BPA from their hydration offerings.

I've tossed every polycarbonate plastic bottle our family ever owned into recycling. We recently purchased a couple of BPA-free water bottles and are looking to expand our hydration repertoire with two or three more. If you're seeking BPA-free hydration, consider these:

CamelBak: We now own two BPA-free Camelbak Better Bottles and love their sleek and slim design, 24 oz capacity and easy-off lid. At $9.00 a piece, they were affordable. Check out their flip cap Better Bottle which features that famous bite/sip valve. Eastman Tritan copolyester plastic is the magical material here -- it's BPA-free.

SIGG: With 144 designs and 22 interchangeable lids, these aluminum water bottles have style. The interior lining is non-leaching, resists residue build-up and retains good taste. Cute kid bottles, too. Prices vary. Check out my earlier post on SIGGs.

Enviro New Wave: Stainless steel bottles available in a variety of sizes. Their 12 ouncer is a nice fit for kids. It might be harder to find a retail source, however the website offers a store locator.

Klean Kanteen: Available in 12, 18, 27 and 40 oz sizes, this stainless-steel wonder is non-leaching, toxic-free and not lined with any material. A wide mouth swallows an ice cube and it's dishwasher safe. Prices vary.

Nalgene: A new player in the Tritan/copolyester market, their Everyday bottle line offers a variety of durable, colorful choices. I've always loved the look of a Nalgene and their Everyday line delivers. The OTG Tritan/22 oz costs around $10.00.

Gallery: BPA-free water bottles

Anti-bisphenol A (BPA) consumers are shouting so loud, the manufacturing king of the popular Nalgene water bottle is finally listening. Consumers are snapping their wallets shut to BPA water bottles, and major Canadian retailers, the likes of WalMart Canada and Sears Canada, are pulling the BPA plug. It's looking like the market has forced Nalge Nunc International's hand to pull the chemical.

Nalge Nunc International announced today it will substitute BPA-free water bottles to replace its Nalgene Outdoor line, made with the controversial chemical. Over the next few months, bisphenol A-containing Nalgenes will be pulled from stores. The announcement is hardly out of the blue. The National Toxicology Program just stated concern over BPA's link to changes in behavior and the brain, early puberty and possible precancerous conditions in the prostate and breast in animal studies. Canada is likely poised to declare BPA toxic.

I'm not surprised by Nalgene's official PR dance surrounding the issue. The company's GM stated Nalgene believes their BPA-containing products are safe -- the new move is in response to customers requesting BPA-free alternatives. Environmental groups have been alarmed about BPA for years. Multiple animal studies link BPA to a host of ailments. Yet in the end, money talks.

As Bethany reported yesterday, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) is raising a red flag over the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA) used in polycarbonate plastics. BPA is commonly found in hard plastic water bottles (e.g., Nalgene), plastic baby bottles, canned foods, dental sealants and other products. Unless you're living off the land and drink directly from a well, it's pretty much stuff we all use. BPA is connected with precancerous tumors, urinary problems and early puberty in animals. It's a known endocrine disrupter.

After hearing NTP's report I wondered, "What's happening over at Health Canada?" I previously reported the Canadian government's chemical review program has been testing BPA -- and in a surprising move last December, Canada's Mountain Equipment Co-Op (kinda like our country's REI) swept BPA-containing food and beverage containers off their shelves. That bold move garnered serious public attention. It prompted me to run out and purchase two BPA-free water bottles.

According to this NYT article, the word on the street is Canada is likely poised to declare BPA a toxic chemical. Rick Smith, the director of Environmental Defence, a Canadian group advocating against BPA, succinctly stated, "If the government issues a finding of toxic, no parent in their right mind will be using products made with this chemical." The tidal wave against BPA is growing -- over the last couple days major Canadian retailers such as Sears, Home Depot and Wal-Mart have removed some BPA-containing items from their shelves. I suspect lobbying for the removal of BPA, and staying away from the chemical until it's forced out of products, will be a no-brainer for many Canadians. Is America next?