SIGG: What's So SIGG-nificant?

<b>SIGG: What's So SIGG-nificant?</b>

Americans are thirsty…especially for water to-go. Over half of us drink bottled water and about a third of us do so on a regular basis, tripling consumption over the last 10 years. While it's good that we want to keep hydrated, the way we’re going about it isn’t eco-friendly, economical or better for our health.

The convenience of disposable bottles translates into more slowly-degrading bottles clogging landfills and emptying your wallet. Unable to resist the taste and quality you associate with bottled water? A study from the Natural Resources Defense Council recently found that about a quarter of bottled water is simply bottled tap water (some from such glamorous locations as a well in an industrial facility’s parking lot).

But you don’t have to give up the healthy habit of drinking more water to be environmentally and economically smart. Instead, opt for a reusable bottle. Just choose wisely. A longtime staple for hikers and college students, Nalgene and Nalgene-like bottles have recently come under scrutiny for the polycarbonate plastic they’re made of (Lexan) which has been known to leach a suspected hormone disrupter. Definitely something you want to avoid in a product you’ll be drinking from daily. Instead try a SIGG bottle, which are made from lined aluminum and tested to ensure zero leaching.

Top 10 Green Tips

1. PAYING THE PRICE

If you’re worried about the initial cost of a Sigg, fear not. You can get a leach-free, eco-conscious Sigg bottle for $15-20 — a similar reusable bottle made of Lexan will run you a comparable $10 and bottled watercan cost hundreds annually.

2. HEAVY METAL?

Since you’ll (hopefully) be bringing your bottle with you wherever you go, weight is a genuine factor. Don’t be misled by the metallic appearance of SIGG bottles; they’re generally 10-20% lighter than Nalgene-type bottles. That should put a little extra spring in your step.

3. MAKING A DENT?

A quality, eco-friendly water bottle should last you for years, so it better hold up well. SIGG water bottles have received Backpacker magazine’s title of “World’s Toughest Water Bottle”. The Siggs were shot with a 100-pound cannon full of golf balls and still usable…convinced?

4. WHAT'S INSIDE COUNTS

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice water quality to drink water responsibly. However, America is lucky to have high potable, high quality water straight from the tap; you can increase the quality with an an inexpensive water filter. Sigg water bottles are tested to ensure they won’t affect that clean taste.

5. GETTING THE KIDS INVOLVED

For developing bodies, hormone-disrupting chemicals (like BPA) are especially risky, so think about swapping out sippy cups for children's Sigg bottles. You can give them their pick of color and style (Sigg has more than a few) to help them get involved early in making green choices.

6. KEEPING THINGS CLEAN

Staying green is easier when it’s also convenient. The biggest inconvenience people see in reusable water bottles is often the cleaning aspect. While Sigg bottles shouldn’t go into the dishwasher, if you’re filling your Sigg with water and/or juice, all that should be required is a little soap and hot water. You can buy a Sigg cleaning brush to make things even easier, and when your Sigg winds up extra dirty, drop in a cleaning tablet.

7. HERE'S TO YOUR HEALTH

Since SIGG bottles aren’t made of Lexan plastic, BPA isn’t a fear, but some have wondered about the dangers of aluminum in Siggs. Although the Sigg bottles are made of aluminum, they’re lined with a material that is regularly and independently tested to ensure that it’s 100% leach free. The paint on the outside of the bottles is food grade and lead-free (unlike some knock-offs).

8. A BETTER LOOKING BOTTLE

On top of being greener and cheaper, Sigg has earned a reputation for making the best looking bottles out there. The metal holds up to wear and tear better than plastic and the variety of Sigg styles will appease even the most stylish minds. We like the Night Whispers, Maharadsha and the Classic Silver.

9. WHEN WATER ISN'T ENOUGH

Instead of just using a SIGG bottle to carry water with you throughout the day, think about using a Sigg for juice, as well. If you can start subbing out store-bought blends for fresh-squeezed from home, you’ll avoid plastic and added expenses. Sigg bottles have been tested with highly acidic juices, carbonated beverages and even alcohol without problem. Just remember to empty your Sigg at the end of the day (certain drinks can ferment and cause pressure to build up).

10. MAKING IT A HABIT

Buying a SIGG water bottle to help the environment isn’t going to do any good if you don’t use it, and, at first, you may find yourself forgetting to. To get in the green routine, make sure you purchase a conveniently-sized Sigg for your needs (will it be going in your purse or staying at the office?). When you’re finished with your Sigg at the end of the day, wash it and refill it (the water quality won’t be affected by sitting overnight).

Related Products

SIGG Thermo Bottles

Product | SIGG Thermo Bottles

Price | $42.20

Why buy | Be the envy of your friends when you pull a Sigg Thermo Bottle from your pack and pour yourself a steaming cup of hot coffee. The outer lid functions as a drinking mug for trailside convenience.

Where can I get one | Click here to see where you can buy this product!