How much more evidence do we need before we ban the use of BPA?

Researchers at Yale University have linked BPA to the loss of connections between brain cells.  This can lead to memory/learning impairments and depression.  This study was a little different in that they didn’t use rodents, they used primates and exposed them a “safe” level - as deemed by the EPA - for 28 days.  After counting the nerve cell connections in the brain, they found that “BPA inhibits creation of synaptic connections in… areas of the brain involved with regulation of mood and formation of memory.  Copy this address to your browser window to read the full article:http://opa.yale.edu/news/article.aspx?id=5978&s=t

Make a note to your cranky self!  Switch to a metal reusable bottle and stop exposing yourself to unnecessary chemicals that DO have a negative effect on your brain.

Guyot, Klean Kanteen, Sigg, New Wave Enviro:  All good for you and the environment.

According to an article in JAMA, by measuring the amount of BPA in peoples’ urine, researchers have linked BPA to increased heart disease and diabetes. http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/300/11/1303

It’s no surprise that the first thing to go should be your polycarbonate bottle.  But where else is BPA lurking?  Lots of unsuspecting places.  Here’s a start:  Any clear plastic that’s not labled as BPA free including baby bottles, water bottles, pitchers, glasses, eyeglasses…the list can go on and on.  Just as troubling is that it’s found in the liner of many cans - vegetables and soda for example.

Why would anyone opt to add unnecessary chemicals into your food or water. Metal water bottles are non-leaching, durable, and recyclable. Why would you choose anything else?

The people at www.foodandwaterwatch.org have created the following tip sheet about why we should all use tap water instead of bottled.  Check out their extremely informative website and take their pledge to Take Back The Tap!   Follow this link to take the pledge:  http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/fwwatch/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=569

Common Questions and Answers About Tap Water

Water is one of few common resources on which all of us depend for life, so it’s important for us to be responsible stewards. Read on to learn about some of the potential dangers hiding in your tap, what you can do about them, and how you can be drinking in a cleaner, healthier community.

Q: Why should I drink tap water instead of bottled water?

A: Over the course of a year, tap water costs hundreds or thousands less than bottled water and is just as clean and healthy as bottled water.

Q: How do I find out whether my tap water is safe?

A: Contact your local utility to request a copy of the Annual Water Quality Report, also referred to as the Consumer Confidence Report. This report is required by law to provide information about contaminant violations in the water system. EPA posts many of these results on its website.

Local health departments often provide testing services or have lists of accredited laboratories that do the testing.

Q: What can I do if my water is contaminated?

A: Select a filter that removes the particular contaminants that are present.

Q: Can a filter remove chlorine and fluoride?

A: When it comes to chlorine, the answer is “yes.” Most water filters remove or reduce this chemical disinfectant.
On the other hand, fluoride is more of a challenge. Typically, only reverse osmosis filters and distillation units reduce or remove it.

Q: My water tastes funny. What can I do about it?

A: Odd tasting water does not necessarily mean that it is unhealthy or contaminated. The taste could be due to chlorination or to the mineral content in the water, depending on the region of the state or country. A home filtration system is the best solution to this problem.

Q: What kind of reusable bottle should I use to carry tap water?

A: Many people have concerns about plastic food containers and beverage bottles because some chemicals in the plastic can leach into the contents. For this reason, Food & Water Watch recommends either stainless steel or lined aluminum bottles.

Q: Should I reuse disposable plastic bottles?

A: The disposable PET #1 plastic bottles in which beverages are sold cannot be properly cleaned and, over time, may leach plastic components into the water. Therefore, they should not be reused.

Q: What is a contaminant?

A: Water is very rarely pure H2O. It tends to grab particles from things it passes and brings them along for the ride. Whether flowing in a mountain stream or pouring out of your faucet, water usually contains more than just oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. Some of these piggybackers are harmless, but many are not.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the safety of tap water, currently regulates 87 different contaminants. The agency recognizes but does not regulate an additional 51 contaminants.

It seems that people are starting to understand the environmental and financial impact of bottled water.  Bottled water sales are flattening out as consumers realize they can save serious money and drink tap water that’s better regulated.

Watch CBS Videos Online‘ >Is Bottled Better?

CBS News report about bottled water versus tap.  The conclusion is no surprise.

Are you concerned about the effect of disposable plastic on our environment?  Does the amount of oil that we’re wasting to produce them bother you?  Are you trying to save money?  Is it a fashion statement?

Tell us why you’re using a reusable bottle and get 10% off of your order this week.  (Offer ends September 22, 2008)

Our shipments today included reusable bottles to Hawaii and Alaska.  It really made me stop and think about what this means to us at H2Ox2.com.  Several things came to mind as to why I see people buying reusable bottles.

First and foremost, the issue of getting rid of all of the unnecessary plastic disposables and the drain on our natural resources is a growing.  Every person that carries a reusable bottle is sending a message - people notice my bottles and ask me questions every day about why I carry them.  (Sometimes they get more of an answer than they bargain for…but I’m working on that!)

It’s also very fashionable to be on the cutting edge of a trend - especially when you have such a great reason to show your concern for our earth - and yourself!

It’s ECONOMICAL!  If you stop spending $5.00 a week on disposable water bottles, you could buy yourself a nice new reusable metal bottle within a month.  (And help the environment!)

So, THANK YOU to everyone who has helped get H2Ox2.com off the ground by making the choice to purchase one of our bottles that we’re so proud to sell.   We’d love for you to share your reasons for carrying a reusable water bottle - and your experience of shopping with H2Ox2.com.

Share your reasons on our blog this week and we’ll give you 10%  off the item of your choice!  (Offer ends 9/15/08)

I received this email from a customer yesterday.  I especially like the comment about how using these bottles are making them more aware of plastic waste.  Please feel free to add any  of your own comments!

Hi Julia,

Hope your summer went well.  I have to tell you that I loved my water bottle this summer.  We used it everywhere we went.  Water tastes so good in it -especially cold.

Do you remember I bought a number of monogramed Klean Kanteens this summer?  It was a great gift for my nieces and nephews and now they are talking more about recycling and being aware of plastic wastes (not to mention all the unsafe reasons not to drink from plastic).

It now makes me sick to see plastic water bottles (I see them at the gym everywhere and I just want to give them your website information!).. I also wrote a review on your site - hope it helps generates sales for you.

My family is moving to Seattle later this fall (talk about a very eco-friendly society!) and I’ll be sure to keep your website handy for anyone who might need it there!

Thanks,
T

According to the WSJ, a report by the Department of Health and Human Service’s National Toxicology Program,  says there is “some concern ” that BPA is linked to health and developmental problems.  It doesn’t say it should be banned but that more research is necessary. http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/09/03/federal-health-experts-remain-concerned-about-bpa-safety/

The findings don’t say the chemical isn’t leaching.  Why would anyone use a product that potentially puts ANYTHING into their body - safe or not?  What’s the point of drinking more water for your health if it’s being tainted by chemicals.   This is just more evidence that metal is the way to go.  Leach-free, recyclable, dishwasher safe…it’s kind of a no-brainer, don’t you think?

One out of six people on our planet lack clean drinking water.  That’s 1.1 billion people who, as a result, are more susceptible to disease and sickness.  Children are, naturally, the most affected.

www.charitywater.org is trying to do something about it.  They’re raising money through selling disposable - yes, disposable - water bottles for $20.00 and passing the money to organizations that build wells for those affected.  Please check out their website and consider getting involved.  It’s the only disposable plastic we’d recommend!