Staying hydrated is one of the most challenging aspects of health to maintain. Although it may seem simpler than having a strict work-out regimen or going on one of those new diets, hydration is an easily overlooked necessity.
Unless you’re running from place to place, hiking, or trudging through 100-degree weather, most people don’t feel like they really need to drink water. Let’s face it: if you’re not thirsty, drinking water won’t be at the forefront of your mind.
But nowadays the attitude towards drinking water has shifted. It’s not that our attention has turned to stay hydrated in particular, but rather, we’re more generally conscious of our health and of the impact that our actions have on society and the environment.
This crossroad between individual and societal health isn’t anything new. But with people looking everywhere for areas that can be improved to steer our course towards a cleaner, greener, and happier future, one of the most impactful ways we can induce change is through our attitudes.
This doesn’t necessarily mean being ‘happier’ or ‘more positive,’ but rather, it means adjusting our attitudes from old paradigms to new ones.
One of the most prevalent indicators of this shift is our use of reusable water bottles.
Why is this so significant?
This demonstrates that as a society, our values have shifted to favor long-term security and endurance rather than convenience.
For a long time, one of the strongest mindsets driving innovation was led by a combination of seeking life-improvement and achieving high customer ease and accommodation. However, now that people are more aware of how our everyday actions have long-term effects, convenience has taken a back seat to sustainable efforts.
You don’t see people purchasing 24-packs of single-use, plastic water bottles as often anymore. While they might still be relevant, it’s no longer a regular part of individual life. If you see anyone walking through a store or at work or in their car, they are most likely using a reusable bottle.
Reusable water bottles have not only become more popular, but they’re also seen as more practical. People aren’t just using reusable bottles because they’re environmentally friendly, although that might be a significant part of it. It’s simply preferred.
But now that they’ve become all the rage, the market for reusable water bottles has skyrocketed.
So, how do you know which bottle to buy?
As with most things, it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking to invest in a reusable water bottle but don’t know where or how to start, here are some tips on how to narrow down which bottle might best fit your needs.
1. Think about your lifestyle
While this might be a broad idea, it’s vital if a water bottle is something you plan on having with you most, if not all, of the time.
A water bottle isn’t as trivial as it may seem. It’s an investment, and it’s going to be one of those things that you carry around – like your cell phone or a pair of glasses. Even though you might think it’s still not quite that important, think about it like this: you want a water bottle that will work with your schedule and be reliable enough such that if you need water, you have it.
For example, if you like the outdoors, you’ll probably need something large, insulated, durable, and lightweight. While this might narrow down the selection a bit, here’s a list of amazing water bottles for hiking.
2. Consider the material of your reusable bottle.
The material will influence a lot of your water bottle’s best traits. Most water bottles fall into three material-based categories: glass, plastic, and metal.
While there are pros and cons to all three, the Washington Post lays it all out – safety, health, costs, and even advice.
Although all three materials can make for some high-quality bottles, metal poses the least safety hazards. Depending on the exact kind of metal used the make them, these reusable bottles can be light, sturdy, and safe to store water. Glass can be very dangerous if broken, and some plastics can leave harmful chemicals in your water.
While the possibility of metal contaminating your water is slightly possible, using a metal reusable bottle is as safe as cooking in metal pots and pans.
According to Kool8, stainless steel water bottles are sustainable, lasting, toxin-free, and can even prevent mold and bacteria growth.
3. Versatility
As mentioned in the first point, you need a water bottle that can keep up with your life. But instead of just thinking about what kinds of aspects might facilitate your everyday life, here are some tips about specific kinds of functionality.
If you’re this deep into research on your next reusable water bottle, you’re going to want to get the most out of it. This means not having to buy a water bottle for hiking, for going to the store, for running, or for nights out on the town.
You should be considering things like the size and shape of your bottle. If it’s something you’re going to be carrying by hand, maybe consider a bottle with a handle or one that you can easily grip.
On the other hand, if you’re taking this bottle out on long hiking trips and will be carrying it in your backpack, investing in a bottle that can hold a lot more might be the most useful aspect.
Another consideration is insulation. If you like cold water or live in a warm climate, getting a bottle that can keep your drink cold is a must-have!
Lastly, there’s cleaning – one of the most inconvenient aspects of owning a reusable bottle. Is that a scratch or mold or rust? This is a question I’ve heard at a handful of times.
If your reusable bottle is due for a cleaning or you’re trying to get out the bits of your last drink, here are a couple tips and tricks for keeping your bottles in top shape, no matter what kind of bottle you decide to get.
4. Style
Another important part of investing in a reusable bottle is how it looks. Reusable water bottles are offered in a large variety of shapes and colors. But finding one that speaks to you can be the difference between the bottle that you forget at home and the bottle that’s by your side, every day of the week.
Purchasing a bottle that’s aesthetically pleasing can help you remember to bring it with you, helping you stay hydrated, and saving you from having to buy a single-use bottle out of a vending machine.
Nowadays, reusable water bottles are also customizable. Whether you’re designing it online or covering it in vinyl stickers, making the bottle yours is important.
Purchasing a reusable water bottle is just one of the many ways to achieve a healthier, more socially-conscious lifestyle. Pairing reusable water bottle habits with other easy switches like reusable straws and grocery bags can help build a eco-friendly, money-saving routine, that keeps you at your best.
Whether you’re looking for a way to better your effects on the environment or reinvigorate your hydration habits, investing in a reusable water bottle might be a great option. But with the many options now available, buying a reusable water bottle can be a complicated process.
Deciding on the best reusable bottle for you is important, even though the idea of buying something as ‘menial’ as a water bottle might not sound like a very involved process. These bottles can be expensive, and so making sure you get the most for your money will ensure that you don’t waste time or money.
But if you’re looking to purchase, these tips might help you wade through the sea of options and facilitate the switch to more sustainable habits.