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Here's to Your Health:  "Plastic" Water Bottles  |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 08 2007 : 12:42:27 AM
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Here we go again. You can take this or leave it...I'm just passing it on...but mine all went into the recycling bin this week.
A friend who is a biomedical engineer at a major Vancouver hospital was telling us a couple weeks ago that all Nalgene water bottles with a "7" inside the recycling triangle on the bottom, will leach the polymer into whatever it's contents are. He said, "it's not IF they will cause cancer, it's WHEN". Cripes, I used mine while I gardened all last summer. There was apparently a lot of controversy this summer when they were passed out at a fundraising run for breast cancer research.
So anyway, on tonite's news, Mountain Co-op (a huge outdoor gear outfitter and supplier) has pulled ALL brands of plastic drink bottles and dishes from their store.
When will this craziness end?
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Dixie_Amazon
True Blue Farmgirl
125 Posts
Dennise
Baton Rouge
LA
USA
125 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2007 : 03:27:20 AM
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Thanks for the heads up. I am going to check all of ours today.
Dennise with 2 n's
Farmgirl Sister #47 **~~** Country girl raised in the city. |
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2007 : 05:41:11 AM
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I spent oooddles of $$$ on #7 bottles because I'd read they were the only ones that wouldn't leach, the closest thing to glass on the market. I purchased mine from Enviroproducts, we have 8 - 5gal bottles we use to refill each week & I have a 2 ltr jug that is practically attached to me 24/7 because water is about all I drink. Does the biomedical engineer have conclusive evidence, like a study & the results or an article you can pass along with the info about the Nalgene? This has me a bit freaked as we've been using the Nalgene for several years now based on the evidence of it's superiority.
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2007 : 09:36:20 AM
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I did the same thing Chandra after being told that Nalgene was the ONLY safe plastic for drinking bottles. I too purchased and store water in 5 gallon Nalgene bottles, as in a storm we can be without power (and thus no well) for 3 days at a time.
Last night's news on about it appeared in this morning's paper. The newspaper seems to be downplaying it somewhat. Hmmm...are they afraid of a lawsuit or is the danger really minimal?? Trust who you will I guess. Here is the link to today's article:
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id=30a4baf1-a520-4b75-90dd-0047754d6bb9&k=74631
Thanks for the name of Kleen Kanteen Tasha. I'll check them out, although with this news I would think it's fairly safe to assume you'll see a lot of alternatives come out in the market really soon.
Di
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Edited by - DaisyFarm on Dec 08 2007 09:41:22 AM |
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jenbove
Moderator
320 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2007 : 3:19:11 PM
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Here's the link:
http://www.kleankanteen.com/
Glass beats all, in my opinion. We use glass sun-tea bottles to fill up on Culligan water from the grocery store (our shallow spring's water is not really suitable to drink). When we go hiking, we take a Klean Kanteen or glass jars/bottles. Might sound impractical, but it feels right to us. Then again, sometimes we buy Evian too. Life goes on...
Jen
Expedition Leader, MaryJanesOutpost
www.maryjanesoutpost.com
Farmgirl Sisterterhood Member # 9
The View From My Boots
www.bovesboots.blogspot.com |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 12:55:05 PM
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Diane, I'd read that the plastic in the bottled water isn't good, so bought painted metal bottles at the healthfood store (to tell our bottles apart from each other's). They're made in China. I'm surely wondering if lead is in the paint. The last I looked, Klean Kanteen was unpainted.
Ann
Sairy Hill Thicket
There is a Redeemer. |
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 3:51:55 PM
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Hi Diane,
I have one glass 5 gal water bottle that's been sitting in the corner next to the water crock because it's difficult to manage when full. I have 8 - 5gal nalgene (what was I thinking?) that I refill at the "Water Mill" which guarantees purity & filtration, but after reading info on the different sites you listed, they're destined for the recycle center. My situation with the lead/cadmium poisoning has me feeling a bit extremist about avoiding anything that might add to the toxic load my body is already under. It's imperative I avoid ingesting/applying fluoride, chlorine, phthlates, ya-da, ya-da...& now the bisphenol-A toxins too.
I am waiting for a reply from Mountain Valley Spring Water about the sale of their glass bottles. Will let y'all know what I find out. I know they are difficult to manage when full, but DH & I can lift them for a few more years. The ideal bottle for me would be a 2.5 gallon glass bottle with the handle designed into it (they make the same bottle in nalgene). I'd sure like to approach the glass bottle manufacturers about designing this bottle if it's not already available. Some things just can't be improved upon...glass bottles seems to be one of them. Thanks so much for all the links and bringing this topic to our attention.
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 4:53:56 PM
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here I go..rushing to chuck my water bottles..jeesh!! At home I drink water all day from a GLASS tumbler...but when I want to carry water with me I guess I will have to find a glass bottle..or look for the stainless steel..jeesh!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 5:41:58 PM
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Jennifer Bove gave us this link in the post above, for the stainless bottles.
http://www.kleankanteen.com/
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
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shawna
True Blue Farmgirl
241 Posts
missouri (north)
241 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 7:53:50 PM
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as long as we are being poisioned by money hungry rich people this will go on forever. they want us to give up or just stay uninformed. the fact is that years ago, everyone didn't know what harm all this was going to cause. now we do! we are killing ourselves for less work. years ago they didn't have a choice, now we do, but not really. once we get use to the change glass won't bother us so much. children will have to learn to be more careful and we will have to learn to plan better. soon when we drink out of plastic, we will not enjoy the taste, for we will know a better water! some will think we are crazy at first, but we will know. and i feel like we will have a better since of caring for things. plastic toys, cups, dishes,;;;;nothing is special, just junky plastic that our kids will throw out when we are gone, but GLASS. that will be kept and used by someone!
xoxxo MERRY CHRISTMAS xoxxo |
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 8:24:31 PM
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You're right Shawna, our world has developed a "throw-away" mentality.
The possessions that were hard-earned in my grandparents day, those pieces I was blessed to have passed to me, are cherished for their quality and because they are irreplaceable; quality instead of quantity.
Maybe we can each strive to set a better example in some way, even if it's just using glass instead of plastic or to teach about caring for the environment by recycling & re-using instead of just throwing it away.
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
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shawna
True Blue Farmgirl
241 Posts
missouri (north)
241 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2007 : 9:52:09 PM
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there is much to learn from the past!
xoxxo MERRY CHRISTMAS xoxxo |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 12:01:56 AM
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Truer words were never spoken Shawna.
I recall, maybe a novelty item (?), mason type glass jars with handles. Anyone remember them or still see them around? If memory serves me right (and it often doesn't!), canning jar lids fit them.
Or maybe like I said to Chandra in an email...we could recycle an old wine bottle. Now wouldn't that give the neighbor's something to talk about while we worked in our gardens!
Ok, ok, I'm over tired...off to bed.
Nite all,
Di |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 03:41:26 AM
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All our travel coffee mugs are stainless.
And I purchased a Kleen Kanteen 2 years ago for this same reason.
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 03:50:17 AM
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As for the cancer link. It goes for all plastics heated at high levels IF the person is at risk for breast cancer and especially if the plastics melt into food. Think melted plastic wrap that dips into the bowl and touches the food when its taken out of the microwave, or that melted ring around the insides of microwave bowls when fatty foods are heated too high. I think we aren't supposed to reuse plastic water bottles either. And never drink out of these if they have been sitting in a hot vehicle.
An estrogen is leached out. This extra estrogen is what causes cancers in some people.
I'm sure glad the Ball glass company and Pyrex aren't doing anything controversial at the monent!
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 05:57:44 AM
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Diane, I have several pictures in books and magazines of what look to be really dorky looking racks, what amounts to a "dowel" tree...they were actually used to dry long-necked bottles a generation or two ago, exactly like what you're suggesting. People refilled them with wine, vinegar, water, olive oil...you name it. Let's be trend setters and bring 'em back! What's old is "new" again. Come-on farmgirls, let's look through those books and magazines and find useful/frugal contraptions that we can "re-invent" for this day & age. Diane's the first, she gets credit for suggesting the idea of re-using glass bottles! Way to go Diane! I'll say I found a way to dry them with the "dowel" tree thingy, who else has a great idea?
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
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MasterGardener
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
Chandra
Louisiana
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 06:05:39 AM
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Farmgirls, guess what just popped up in my email...a reply from Mountain Valley Water!
Here's what Donna says: We do have the glass bottles and they are $17.00 each bottle. There is a $7.00 deposit per-bottle. However, we are located in Asheville, NC. (I had asked about delivery to my area) There is a 800# to call for a location near you. It is 800-643-1501.
springwater@mountainvalleywaterasheville.com
.• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))
((¸¸.•´ ..• -:¦:- -:¦:- Chandra
-:¦:- ((¸¸.•´Farmgirl Sister #64
She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 |
Edited by - MasterGardener on Dec 10 2007 06:07:13 AM |
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jenbove
Moderator
320 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 09:33:11 AM
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We have no "new" kitchenware based on poverty AND principle. We stock up with jelly/peanut butter jars, pickle jars, salsa & goat milk jars from the Farmers Market. We drink out of them & use them for storage instead of Tupperware stuff. In addition to sun-tea jars for water storage, we have a few organic apple juice & wine jugs.
Our kids only drink out of plastic cups on occasion - no sippy cups. When we're at home, they drink from little glass jelly jars (even 16-mo-old Sam), and we've only had about 3 break in 7 years - not bad!
Jen
Expedition Leader, MaryJanesOutpost
www.maryjanesoutpost.com
Farmgirl Sisterterhood Member # 9
The View From My Boots
www.bovesboots.blogspot.com |
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 10:14:13 AM
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Hi,
I was wondering if all plastic was bad to use or just the number 7# ??? Is this only concerning water bottles and microwave containers or all plastic used for storage and everthing ??!! I am totally freaking out on this. I just recently went green on cleaning products totally with a company called shakley. 2 years ago I bought allot of tupperware microwave containers that are suppose to be made out of polycarbonate plastic. They told me they were safe compared to regular microwave containers at the store. Any answers on this will be great !!! I have only been here a few times and don't have allot of time to read whats going on. But this one sure caught my eye. I really do enjoy this site. Its nice to see so many great people on the same page.
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
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shawna
True Blue Farmgirl
241 Posts
missouri (north)
241 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 10:17:19 AM
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wine jugs?? sounds like a good reason to go the store!ha ha, we use a lot of glass with the kids, even before learning about plastics. the kids use the little platers that came with my dish set. they learn to be more careful with stuff and no throwing their plate on the floor when done eating, now the food is diff! people are shocked, they say she has a glass plate;;;with a lot of concern, hey it's ok! i love finding old glass dishes at the old stores, wish pyrex made pretty stuff like they use to. seems like life was prettier back then.
xoxxo MERRY CHRISTMAS xoxxo |
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jenbove
Moderator
320 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 12:35:33 PM
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I hear you, Shawna!
Linda, here's a helpful list:
#1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) Used to make soft drink, water, sports drink, ketchup, and salad dressing bottles, and peanut butter, pickle, jelly and jam jars.
GOOD: Not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones.
#2 High density polyethylene (HDPE) Milk, water, and juice bottles, yogurt and margarine tubs, cereal box liners, and grocery, trash, and retail bags.
GOOD: Not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones.
#3 Polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC) Most cling-wrapped meats, cheeses, and other foods sold in delicatessens and groceries are wrapped in PVC.
BAD: To soften into its flexible form, manufacturers add “plasticizers” during production. Traces of these chemicals can leach out of PVC when in contact with foods. According to the National Institutes of Health, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), commonly found in PVC, is a suspected human carcinogen.
#4 Low density polyethylene (LDPE) Some bread and frozen food bags and squeezable bottles.
OK: Not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones, but not as widely recycled as #1 or #2.
#5 Polypropylene (PP) Some ketchup bottles and yogurt and margarine tubs.
OK: Hazardous during production, but not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones. Not as widely recycled as #1 and #2.
#6 Polystyrene (PS) Foam insulation and also for hard applications (e.g. cups, some toys)
BAD: Benzene (material used in production) is a known human carcinogen. Butadiene and styrene (the basic building block of the plastic) are suspected carcinogens. Energy intensive and poor recycling.
#7 Other (usually polycarbonate) Baby bottles, microwave ovenware, eating utensils, plastic coating for metal cans
BAD: Made with biphenyl-A, a chemical invented in the 1930s in search for synthetic estrogens. A hormone disruptor. Simulates the action of estrogen when tested in human breast cancer studies. Can leach into food as product ages.
Source http://www.care2.com/greenliving/which-plastics-are-safe.html
Jen
Expedition Leader, MaryJanesOutpost
www.maryjanesoutpost.com
Farmgirl Sisterterhood Member # 9
The View From My Boots
www.bovesboots.blogspot.com |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2007 : 5:18:33 PM
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I used to always buy bottled water, then the preacher was saying how half of it is just tap water and hardly treated etc. Then he said the companies make so much money off of bottled water that water should be a right, I guess it's a new movement. Now I just drink whats around, not sure how this is, and I knew about the plastic years ago from reading organic style. I have stainless steel. I also heard that nalgene when washed in hot water like dishwasher it can leach or something bad.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2007 : 8:29:22 PM
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Thanks Jennifer.
that was a super help. I am also going to check out the website. I guess tupperware doesn't realize their polycarbonate products are bad. I purchased them because I thought they were safer than those gladware.....at least thats what they told me. I spent a small fortune on them. I don't feel right giving them to someone else now that I know there toxic. I guess I will just have to swallow hard and put them in the recycle bin. I wonder if it would be better to throw them away ??? When something is harmful like that its hard to know which way to go.I will start replacing them with glass pyrex. I will try to buy one a week until I have enough to cover everyones lunches.
Its amazing how many things you really have to pay attention to these days. People make stuff to make money and don't consider the fall out down the line on people,pets, and the environment. Its really ashame........I will go through all my other stuff and see what kind of plastics they are. I noticed some of them don't even have a code on the bottom to tell you what they are.
Well its late and need to get to bed. Nite all.
Each day is precious...take a few of those minutes for yourself. |
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jenbove
Moderator
320 Posts
Jennifer
Calico Rock
AR
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2007 : 07:22:05 AM
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It is SO hard to figure it all out. Check the number on the bottom of your Tupperware, Linda - I'm not sure how bad/good that stuff is. If it's one of the bad numbers (or doesn't show a number at all), you might consider using it to store non-food items. The way I see it, no matter what we do, all of this plastic is going to find its way into the ground eventually--hopefully the earth will be able to sort it out over the long, long run.
Money sure can lure people down the wrong road. Makes me glad to be functionally poor!
Jen
Expedition Leader, MaryJanesOutpost
www.maryjanesoutpost.com
Farmgirl Sisterterhood Member # 9
The View From My Boots
www.bovesboots.blogspot.com |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Dec 22 2007 : 03:54:28 AM
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I would guess that for all non -heated foods, plastic for basic non-heated storage would be ok?? Like cereal storage or for dry goods. Even still, you just can't beat glass and stinaless
I have also read that a chemical called BHA and BHT are used as a slick interior coating for some boxed food items. These are bad for animals I know- and is why I don't buy mainstream dog or cat foods. It's in the food and listed as such. Look at the cheaper name brands. It also is ani drying agent and is why the pet companies put it in semi moist treats too.
And it's in instant mashed potatoes and other similar items used as an anti caking agent.
Read those labels both for our foods and the things we use for storage for sure!!
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Here's to Your Health: "Plastic" Water Bottles |
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"Plastic" Water Bottles
