There was a time when I got tired of constantly replacing cheap, plastic water bottles that wear out quickly and contribute to environmental pollution. I moved on to make a smarter choice.
I want you to do the same. Did you know that each year, Americans consume more than 17 million barrels of oil to support their use of bottled water? Also, single-use water bottles can be up to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water.
And, there are many more reasons why you should switch to an enviro friendly water bottle without delay. In this article, we will review the top 5 enviro friendly water bottles and share some tips about picking the right one for you!
Detailed Review of 5 Enviro Friendly Water Bottles
Let’s cut to the chase and learn about eco-friendly water bottles. We wrote this review based on the quality, durability, safety, environmental impact, and price of the bottles.
1. Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth Bottle
Special Features
- BPA-free
- Double-wall
- Dishwasher-safe
Our first-ranked eco-friendly water bottle is brought to you by the great Hydro Flask. This $32 water bottle has a simple design with a body and cap connected by a sturdy strap.
The strap is stronger than most of the competitors, but we don’t recommend relying on it while moving, especially if the bottle is full. It’s because the bottle is quite heavy (13.4 ounce) and it can be too much for the strap.
We love the Flex sip lid of the bottle, which makes it leakproof. You only need to turn this lid a quarter turn to open or close it, which helps prevent spills and keeps everything secure inside while you’re on the move.
Also, the wide mouth opening makes it easy for you to fill the bottle with ice cubes or fruits. It also makes the bottle easier to clean. You can easily disassemble the Flex Sip lid and clean it thoroughly. It’s dishwasher-safe as well.
The vacuum-insulated body works very well. With ice, the bottle keeps drinks cold for almost 24 hours. What’s more interesting is that the bottle doesn’t sweat even in hot places.
However, for hot drinks, the Hydro Flask says it keeps them hot for 12 hours, but in our tests, it lasted only about six hours.
We are talking about the 16 oz size, but there are other options, such as 12 oz and 20 oz.
When we got this bottle, we expected it to be very durable. Made from 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, it felt solid in our hands. However, the Hydro Flask is heavier when filled with water, which means it hits the ground with more force if dropped. In our drop tests, the Hydro Flask did get a few dents on the bottom where it landed.
It surprised us with the ability to maintain the water’s purity. Unlike other metal bottles, it doesn’t leave a metallic taste, so your drinks taste fresh. In a 24-hour test, the water kept tasting fresh.
It also performed well in our flavour retention tests; after using a sports drink, there was only a faint scent with no leftover taste.
Pros
- It keeps drinks cold for long hours
- These bottles are leakproof, thanks to the secure lids
- It’s free from harmful chemicals
- It offers moderate durability
- The wide mouth opening makes it easy to clean
- It offers a lifetime warranty
Cons
- It’s so heavy when filled with liquid
- The lid itself is not insulated, which may affect the overall efficiency.
Recommended: Lightweight Aluminum Water Bottle
2. KLEAN KANTEEN Classic Water Bottle
Special Features
- Narrow mouth
- Dishwasher-safe
- Leakproof lead
This is a $38 (every penny is worth it!) water bottle that is eco-friendly and offers some cool features.
We love the fact that it’s a leakproof water bottle with a classic loop cap that’s easy to screw on. The lid is super easy to twist on and off, which isn’t always the case. I gave it a good shake and toss, and the leak-proof bottle did not let a drop come out!
You can conveniently carry the bottle with two fingers, and the bottle is compatible with any other standard-mouthed Klean Kanteen caps. However, the bottle feels heavier (14.9 ounces) than some other options.
This eco-friendly water bottle offers the Klean Kanteen’s “Strong As Steel” lifetime guarantee. However, you probably won’t need it, as the 18/8 food-grade stainless steel is incredibly durable. Despite dropping it multiple times in our test, the bottle has no dents or scuffs on the lid or body.
It’s a big and bold water bottle, so it won’t fit in most cup holders or bottle cages. However, it holds a large amount of liquid with its 32-ounce capacity (no need to refill frequently). Although its size can be a bit bulky, the small diameter mouth opening makes it feel like drinking from a standard-sized bottle.
We tested this bottle’s double-wall vacuum insulation several times, and here’s an example of its effectiveness.
Klean Kanteen claims it can keep an iced drink cold for 90 hours. To test this, I filled the bottle with ice water and left it in the scorching sun for over three days, taking sips every few hours.
At the end of this experiment, I opened the cap to find a surprise! There was plenty of ice still inside. The claim of 90 hours is accurate, and witnessing it firsthand was truly impressive.
I decided to see how well the Insulated Classic kept my coffee hot by filling it to the brim and leaving it in my car while camping in the chilly San Juan mountains. After 24 hours, I was thrilled to find my coffee still warm and tasty!
It’s pretty easy to clean, and you will get three different colour options to choose from
Pros
- High-quality stainless steel offers great durability
- The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold and hot for long
- The Chug Cap allows for easy, spill-free drinking
- Designed to prevent leaks
- Sweatproof
- BPA-free
- Stylish and versatile
Cons
- Heavy
- Can be too pricy for some users
Recommended: Best Slim Stainless Steel Water Bottle
3. Ocean Bottle – Recycled Stainless Steel Go Water Bottle
Special Features
- Straw
- Double-wall
- Dishwasher-safe
One of the coolest branded eco friendly water bottles is this Ocean bottle. A warning for you is that this $54 water bottle is the priciest on the list of enviro friendly water bottles. But know that you’ll notice its worth!
This bottle is perfect for keeping both hot and cold beverages. You can use it as your daily water bottle or to carry coffee to the office. Even better, you can fill it with a cold cocktail or mocktail to bring to a picnic.
It’s made from 90% recycled stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, which makes it completely safe to drink from and good for environment as well.
Unlike most reusable bottles, the Ocean Bottle features a dual-opening lid. The smaller top lid is perfect for drinking directly, while the larger lid provides a wide opening for easily pouring liquids in and out.
The flip lid allows you quick access to your drink. It’s a more useful feature for busy individuals who need to hydrate quickly without unscrewing a cap.
There’s a built-in silicone straw that provides a comfortable and flexible drinking experience. I love it as it allows me to sip my beverage smoothly without having to tilt the bottle. This feature is perfect for drivers, gym-goers, or anyone who prefers a hassle-free way to drink.
Another reason for this bottle to be one of the best enviro friendly water bottles is its split-control spout. It enhances the bottle’s functionality by allowing precise control over the flow of liquid. This feature helps prevent spills at any time.
The Ocean Bottle performed great in our insulation test. My frozen mocktail stayed slushy for about 30 minutes before I poured some out. Even after leaving it in the bottle for several more hours, the drink remained frozen, and the bottle felt very cold.
On the other hand, it also maintains hot beverages like coffee or tea at a hot temperature for hours. One of the major selling points of the bottle is that it’s super easy to clean by hand. And, it’s dishwasher-safe too.
Although a bit heavy (13.4 ounces), we found this 17 oz bottle easy to carry. However, this size is not recommended if you don’t like refilling your water bottle frequently in a day.
Since it’s a small and compact water bottle, it fits most cupholders and backpack pockets.
This stainless steel water bottle got a good rating in our durability test. We dropped it several times, but no major dents were seen.
The body is painted stainless steel, and the lids are plastic. The bottom of the bottle is made from recycled plastic, which helps protect the paint from chipping on rough surfaces.
Special Note: Purchasing an Ocean Bottle helps fund the collection of plastic waste, supporting initiatives that remove ocean-bound plastics.
Pros
- It’s made from sustainable materials
- It offers excellent insulation
- The bottle is built to withstand daily use and rough handling
- Affordable price point
- The dual-opening makes it more versatile
- It has an impactful environmental contribution
Cons
- Some users report minor paint chipping over time
Recommended: Best Insulated Plastic Water Bottle
4. MIRA Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Special Features
- Sweat-resistant
- Double-wall vacuum insulation
- Leakproof
Another name for a reliable, environment-friendly, durable water bottle is the great Mira stainless steel water bottle. It’s a 32 oz water bottle that comes at a middle-range price ($28).
We ran the durability test in the first place, and it passed with a high score. It’s made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel that’s highly durable and withstands daily abuse with strength. It’s a perfect water bottle for sports, gym, hiking, camping, and daily use.
This is a wide-mouth water bottle with a spout lid that offers easy sipping and a carry handle for portability. The handle is handy but not bulky. The spout lid includes a twist cap that hinges back and stays in place while you drink.
It’s manufactured by keeping health in mind. This eco-friendly water bottle is made with non-toxic materials so it’s completely free from BPA or other toxic substances. You will enjoy the purest water in every sip.
Worth mentioning that the cap is also made of stainless steel, so there’s no trace of unhealthy material in the bottle.
The insulation power of the bottle impressed us. Some nights of the test, I found ice still in the bottle at 6 pm, and the next morning, at 8 am, it was still there. The MiraGuard Technology keeps the drinks ice cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.
It weighs only 11.2 ounces, which makes it one of the most lightweight stainless steel, environ friendly water bottles.
For being a wide-mouth water bottle, it’s easy to clean the bottle and add ice cubes inside. It doesn’t leave any lingering taste or flavours of the previous beverages as well. However, the bottle isn’t dishwasher safe, so be ready to wash it with your hands every time.
Pros
- The bottle is sturdy and long-lasting
- It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12 hours
- It gives no metallic taste or flavour retention
- Available in multiple colours and designs
- Completely BPA-free
- Sweatproof and leakproof
- The wide mouth is useful in many ways
Cons
- It may not fit smaller cup holders
- Not dishwasher-safe
5. Embrava Sports Water Bottle
Special Features
- Flip top
- BPA-free
- Leak and dustproof
If you’ve been looking for branded eco friendly water bottles that are made of plastic material, here you go. This bottle is a cheap option (it costs $21), and it’s free of any harmful chemicals like BPA.
First of all, let’s talk about the material and quality of the water bottle. It’s made of Tritan plastic, which is one of the highest-quality plastics out there. It’s durable and doesn’t get any scratches or dents like stainless steel bottles when it’s dropped.
Regarding its eco-friendliness, you may think, “How does a plastic water bottle take care of the environment?”
Well, the Embrava Sports Water Bottle is reusable, which reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles. This helps decrease plastic waste, which is beneficial for the environment. Since it’s BPA-free, it’s safe for both the environment and human health compared to other plastic bottles.
Also, Tritan plastic is recyclable, which can help reduce its environmental footprint if disposed of properly. However, recycling availability can vary by location.
The locking mechanism of the flip top works like a charm in preventing leaks. You can lock the lid and throw the bottle in your bag; there will not be a drop of water in the bag. Also, it unlocks with one click.
The narrow mouth of the bottle always saves you from spills when you’re in a rush. So, can’t you add ice cubes to the water? Of course, you can. There’s a large opening; you just need to screw the lid and add anything through the wide mouth of the bottle.
There’s a built-in lanyard strap that makes carrying the bottle easy. This is the most lightweight bottle on the list, it weighs only 6.3 ounces (thanks to the plastic material).
However, the bottle requires handwashing only as it’s not dishwasher-safe. But the cleaning job will not be difficult, all you need is a bottle brush to make it clean like a new one.
Overall, it’s a great water bottle with almost zero negative reviews.
Pros
- It’s made of shatterproof Tritan plastic
- The plastic material is BPA-free
- The easy-to-use flip-top lid allows for quick access to your drink,
- It’s lightweight and easy to carry
- The large capacity holds plenty of water
- The design allows one-handed operation
- It has a sleek and stylish appearance
Cons
- Not insulated
- Tritan plastic can sometimes retain stains or odours from certain beverages.
Recommended: Best Water Bottles For Pregnancy
How to Choose The Best Environ Friendly Water Bottle
These tips will help you find the right enviro friendly water bottles that meet all of your hydration needs.
Material Selection
Material selection should be your first job when choosing an environment-friendly water bottle.
Single-use water bottles are not only a financial waste, but they are also the reason for energy waste, oil waste, solid waste, water waste, and toxic emissions. So, you should choose a water bottle that’s made up of stainless steel, glass, aluminum, or high-quality plastic.
- Stainless steel is always on the top because it’s the most durable and 100% recyclable material. It doesn’t retain the taste or odour of the previous drinks; it keeps your drinks cold for hours, and so many things this hero can take care of.
- Glass is also 100% recyclable and completely free from any toxic substances. It gives you the purest water in every sip. However, glass breaks so easily that people do not want to invest in this usually.
- Aluminum is lightweight and recyclable. However, aluminum’s production process involves a huge amount of carbon emissions, which is why this material is not a top priority. Still, aluminum is reusable and repurposable, so you can make it eco-friendly by not throwing out a used bottle.
- If you prefer plastic water bottles no matter what, avoid plastics labelled with the numbers #7 (polycarbonate), #6 (PS), and #3 (PVC), as these can release harmful chemicals. The best options are Tritan, HDPE, and LDPE plastics.
Manufacturing Practices
Consider the environmental impact of the bottle’s production process.
It’s better to go for brands that prioritise sustainable manufacturing practices, such as using recycled materials, reducing carbon emissions, or employing ethical labour practices. These practices contribute to a greener planet.
Also, look for certifications like Fair Trade, Carbon Neutral, or B Corp to ensure the brand is committed to sustainability.
Design and Usability of The Bottle
Well-designed water bottles are easy to use, clean, and maintain. Below are some of the features you should consider when choosing a branded eco friendly water bottle.
- Leakproof Design: Choose a bottle with a secure seal to prevent any leaks, especially if you plan to carry it in your bag.
- Easy-Access Lids: The lids of your bottle should be easy to operate with one hand. This is perfect for drinking while on the move like when you’re multitasking, cycling, or driving.
- Comfortable Grip: Buy a bottle that’s in ergonomic shape or has a textured grip as it makes the bottle more comfortable to hold.
Insulation
Insulated water bottles help maintain the temperature of the liquids inside. They are a go-to choice for activities like camping and trekking because they keep drinks hot or cold for a long time.
Insulated water bottles have two layers of material that meet at the top, leaving a small space in between. During production, the air in this space is mostly removed, which creates a near-vacuum. This vacuum helps to prevent heat from moving between the inside and outside of the bottle, so the outside stays cool even when the bottle is filled with hot liquids.
FAQs
What is The Least Toxic Water Bottle Material?
The least toxic water bottle material is glass. It doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates. Glass is non-reactive, so it doesn’t leach chemicals into your water, even when exposed to heat. It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t retain odours or flavours. Although glass is fragile, it’s the safest option for drinking water.
Why Should You Choose An Environmentally Friendly Water Bottle?
If you choose an environmentally friendly water bottle, it will help reduce plastic waste and protect the planet. These bottles are made from safe, non-toxic materials like stainless steel or glass, ensuring your water is free from harmful chemicals. They are durable, reusable, and often recyclable, which makes them a sustainable choice.
How Long Do Enviro Friendly Water Bottles Last?
Environmentally friendly water bottles can last for years if you can properly care for them. Stainless steel and glass bottles are especially durable, often lasting up to 10 years or more. BPA-free plastic bottles may have a shorter lifespan, usually around 2-3 years.
Last Words
That’s all about our long discussion regarding the best enviro friendly water bottles.
Choosing an environmentally friendly water bottle is a smart and sustainable choice. These bottles, made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic, help reduce waste and protect the environment. They are durable, reusable, and safe for your health, often lasting for years with proper care.
So, what else is the reason you need to purchase one?