A study from the University of Cincinatti suggests that PC containers leach BPA faster when exposed to hot liquid; another, from the Harvard School of Public Health, shows that drinking from PC bottles increases urinary output of BPA by two-thirds; yet another, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, indicates BPA lingers in the body eight times longer than was originally thought. Plus, the jury is still out on whether plastic containers that are scratched from repeated use leach chemicals into the beverages they contain. Interestingly, Canada has listed BPA as a toxic chemical; children, with their developing hormone systems, may be more susceptible – visit www.chej.org/BPA_Website.htm. Some manufacturers, notably Nalgene, who make bottles for campers and outdoor use, have voluntarily eliminated BPA.

What about recycling? The Total Environment Centre says only around 30 per cent of plastics are recycled. In any case, recycling plastic bottles (or other plastic) isn’t a total solution, given that the recycling process itself requires some energy and may generate environmental emissions. As well as recycling, it makes more sense to stop the waste before it starts.

So, what can a thirsty person do? Drink tap water or, if you prefer, filter it — nanofiltration and reverse osmosis systems remove most bacteria, heavy metals and chemical contaminants. Compare styles at www.waterfiltercomparisons.com.au. Never leave home without your stainless steel bottle, like the uber-cool SIGG (www.biome.com.au) and Earthlust designs (www.buttnatural.com.au). They both offer lots of different sizes, shapes, colours, and cap styles. And make other no-plastic tactics – like using stainless steel, glass or ceramic cookware and storage containers – a habit.

YOUR SAY: Do you have any thoughts or facts to share on this subject? Tell us below!