This Christmas, I decided to purchase sustainable gifts for my family and friends.  In addition to purchasing Community Energy’s gift of wind, I bought thirteen stainless steel water bottles as holiday gifts, including one for myself.  I had been considering the need to find an alternative to plastic water bottles for some time.  I would use a plastic water bottle for a few weeks, and then recycle it.  I was uncomfortable about possible BPA (Bisphenol A) exposure and did not like adding to the recycling pile, so I decided to make a purchase.  I settled on the stainless steel Klean KanteenTM.

There were choices in size and color to satisfy everyone on my list.  My eight-year old daughter received a small, 12 ounce bottle in pink.  It fits into her lunch box and does not leak.  My son and nephew received the same in blue.  The adults got 18 ounce bottles in colors including black, brown, orange and green.  I think they look very attractive and feel good in your hand. Their wide mouth makes them easy to clean and allows for ice cubes to fit through.  Though it might sound otherwise, I am not a paid endorser, and CEI has no relationship with Klean Kanteen; I simply did my homework as a consumer, and am happy to share my shopping decision with you.

It was funny to watch so many people unwrapping water bottles on Christmas morning, and I am now known in family circles as “Water Bottle Girl”.  I will accept the new nickname in hopes of keeping some plastic out of the refuse stream and empowering people to make a sustainable choice when drinking on the go.