Cheers to a Greener Future: 13 Eco-Friendly, And Non-Toxic Water Bottles To Quench Your Thirst

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Bottles

Every minute, one million plastic bottles are purchased around the world. Most of that plastic is produced from virgin materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP) which are the top most polluting plastics in the world. With the current recycling infrastructure, barely 10% of these are likely to be recycled. That isn’t because people are failing to put bottles in the recycling bin, but because the world physically cannot keep up with how much plastic is being used and discarded every day.

The vast majority of the plastic water bottles purchased are going to landfills, where they will take about 450 years to decompose. What’s terrifying is that plastic bottles do irreparable damage to our environment from the time they’re manufactured to the point at which they finally break down. Let’s take a closer look at why that is:

• The manufacturing of plastic bottles involves petrochemicals and other harmful practices. The mining of petrol and gas is already terrible for our planet, but the refinement process required to make plastic resin produces a host of carbon emissions as well. It also uses a lot of water. In fact, it takes about three times the amount of water a bottle will contain just to produce it. UNESCO has already issued warnings of an imminent global water crisis, which is a massive waste of a precious resource.
• Plastic bottles contribute to soil, air, and water pollution. Though plastic bottles usually start as land waste, much of it ends up in rivers and eventually our oceans. As they break down into microplastics, they then contribute even further to water pollution issues. The same is true of our soils. Plastic fragments are being found far too frequently in our soils and are potentially harmful to many organisms. Plastic waste is also often burnt, at which point it releases a host of toxic chemicals that make our air less safe to breathe.
• Wild animals are losing their lives and habitats to plastic waste. With every new instance of plastic pollution, we’re also seeing damage to important ecosystems and the animals that live there. Microplastics are harming the health of everything from earthworms to fish, and because we’re all interconnected, that eventually impacts humans and other organisms too. 

The Effect of All This Plastic on Our Health

Many act as if environmental issues are separate from human ones, but the reality is that we all share this earth. The fish aren’t just getting sick from microplastics, we’re consuming sushi packed with the contaminant. There are also plastic particles in almost all of our water, with bottled water sometimes having more than tap water, so what impact is this having on our health?

Here’s what some of the early research has indicated microplastics might be doing to human health when it’s consumed in contaminated food or water:

• Interfering with the endocrine and immune systems.
• Negatively impacting reproduction and development.
• Causing cancer.

Plastic in our waterways also leaches other chemicals and attracts heavy metals which then accumulate in our bodies over time and may be causing all kinds of other health issues as well. The bottom line is that plastic, and especially the use of plastic water bottles, is something we should all be cutting down on, not just in terms of sustainability, but to better protect our health.

3 Main Criteria To Look for When Picking a Non-Toxic Water Bottle

Here are the two big areas to pay attention to when picking a non-toxic water bottle:

1. What The Water Bottle is Made From:

With all the risks that plastic poses to human and environmental health, we believe that a truly non-toxic water bottle should be plastic-free. A reusable bottle in any form is a step in the right direction, but if you have a choice, we’d recommend these materials over plastic any day:

• Silicone: Like plastic, it’s very lightweight and so usually great for active users.
• Glass: This is the safest water bottle material overall and won’t ever compromise the taste of your water.
• Stainless steel: Not only is stainless steel safer than plastic, it also has fantastic temperature-controlling properties.
• Titanium: Though similar to stainless steel, titanium tends to be lighter and stronger.

These materials are all non-toxic, long-lasting, and recyclable (depending on your area). As you’ll see later in this article, there are also plenty of brands using these materials in exciting ways so that plastic no longer has to be the first choice for your reusable water bottle.

2. Whether Your Water Bottle Is Lead-Free

Recently, lead was detected in a popular brand's reusable water bottle, which raised some important questions about how stainless-steel bottles, in particular, are made. As it turns out, many involve the use of lead solder to seal stainless steel layers together. It’s a cheap way of doing things that shouldn’t cause any harm as the lead is sealed between the stainless steel and thus shouldn’t come into contact with you or your water. However, if the bottle is dropped or dented, this can change.

Considering how toxic lead is, even in small amounts, we’d always recommend sticking to lead-free options when shopping for a non-toxic water bottle. If you’re already making the effort to go plastic-free, this just adds to peace of mind.

3. What Makes a Water Bottle Eco-Friendly?

Just because something is non-toxic doesn’t mean it’s necessarily eco-friendly. Here are a few of the brand checkpoints we look at when determining the most environmentally friendly water bottle:

• What The Bottle Is Made From: Recycled and recyclable materials are always best.
• Shipping: Plastic-free packaging is a must, but we love seeing brands that have managed to make the process carbon-neutral as well.
• Transparency:  We’re not talking about the transparency of the bottle but rather how open a brand is about its manufacturing and sourcing practices. 
• Charitable Giving: Even the most eco-friendly water bottle brands are doing some damage simply by producing a product so it’s great to see those trying to give back to sustainability initiatives.
• Good Quality Products: The most eco-friendly materials in the world mean nothing if the bottle cap breaks within 6 months. A truly environmentally friendly water bottle should be long-lasting.

How to Care for Your Water Bottle

If you’re someone who only rinses their water bottle now and again, we see you. We are you. There’s no shame here, but it is time to change.

We’ve spoken a lot on this site about how caring for your things can impact their longevity, and water bottles are no different. Where they are unique, however, is that not washing or caring for a water bottle correctly can also lead to some nasty bacterial build-up. 

You wouldn’t use the same spoon every day for weeks without washing it properly, so why are you putting your mouth on that bottle that has never been scrubbed? According to this video the BBC created, water bottles should be washed daily with soap and warm water (depending on the material). It’s also not enough to just wash where your mouth touches the bottle, as mold and bacteria can collect inside it and even make you sick.

For bottles with straws, we’d recommend getting a straw cleaner so that you can get in there properly. We’ve also made sure to note bottles in the list below that are dishwasher-friendly for extra ease.

13 of The Best Non-toxic and Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

BPA-free, lead-free, and made from non-toxic materials – that was our focus when researching the very best eco-friendly water bottles that aren’t made from plastic. We’ve also noted which of these 13 options are best for families, workout classes, etc. so that you can find the perfect sustainable water bottle for your needs.

Almost all of these options are also available with or without straws. Happy sipping!

1. Frank Green

The cool shapes and colors of Frank Green water bottles have made them an online favorite, but they’re also highly practical. Lined with ceramic, they’ve made sure that your beverages never get a weird taste and instead of being double-lined, they have three layers so that your drinks are always temperature controlled.

Materials: Stainless steel, ceramic, and BPA-free.

Sizes: 20oz – 34oz

Pricing: $34-$44

Sustainability Factors:

• Mindful, recycled, and recyclable packaging.
• Ethically sourced, non-toxic materials.

2. Hydro Flask

Devotees of this brand will tell you that there’s no better water bottle on the market. Light enough to carry all day, great temperature retention to keep your water cool even if you’re outdoors, a leakproof cap, and durable enough to last through years of use? We can understand the hype. We also love that their bottles are dishwasher safe and are available with a range of drinking options (straws etc.).

Materials: Lead-free insulated stainless-steel bottle with a BPA-free lid.

Sizes: 12oz –  128oz

Pricing: $20 – $125

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic materials.
• Trade-in and bottle recycling program 
• Parks for All grant project that helps reduce plastic use in national parks and helps restore them.
• Eliminated single-use plastic packaging for 90% of products.
• 80% of packaging material is recycled and all is recyclable.

3. Mira

This is another brilliant option for anyone wanting an insulated water bottle for on-the-go. Mira’s bottles are leakproof, durable, and come in various family-friendly sizes.

Materials: Stainless steel with a BPA-free cap.

Sizes: 17oz – 40oz

Pricing: $19-$30

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic materials.

4. Ocean Bottle

The sale of every Ocean Bottle funds the collection of about 1000 plastic bottles worth of ocean-bound plastic waste. They also stick to the majority of recycled materials for their sustainable water bottles, and their products are entirely modular, which means you can outfit them with different lids, etc. We love that they are leakproof, dishwasher safe, and insulated to keep your hot and cold drinks good at all times. These bottles are great for everyday and active use.

Materials: 90% recycled stainless steel. BPA and lead-free.

Sizes: 12oz – 34oz

Pricing: $38 – $52

Sustainability Factors:

• Certified B-Corp
• Green Product Winner

5. Que

This innovative company makes great insulated bottles but it’s their collapsible, silicone water bottles that have us truly excited. These light, plastic-free, dishwasher-safe water bottles are super compact, leakproof, and shockproof. They’re perfect for just about anyone but travelers and hikers especially will be obsessed.

Materials: Food-grade silicone with lead-free stainless-steel lids.

Sizes: 12oz – 20oz

Pricing: $20 – $35

Sustainability Factors:

• Various non-profit partners e.g. Rainforest Trust and Grand Canyon Trust
• Non-toxic materials.

6. Larq

The Larq Pure Vis water bottle is one of the most innovative sustainable water bottle options we’ve seen yet. It has a built-in filter (that never needs to be replaced) to keep your water clear of bio-contaminants like E.coli and lead. It comes in an insulated or non-insulated version, but as this reviewer notes, is lightweight and great to use either way.

Materials: Stainless steel.

Sizes: 17oz – 25oz

Pricing: $99-$118

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic materials.
• Charitable donations.

7. Pura

Pura’s lead and plastic-free water bottles are the perfect addition to any family trip, especially as summer rolls around. They’re leakproof and spill-proof and we love that all their lids are interchangeable no matter what sizes you buy. The insulation on these sustainable water bottles also works brilliantly to keep liquids warm for 6 hours or iced for a full 24 hours.

Materials: Stainless Steel and BPA-free medical-grade silicone.

Sizes: 12oz – 20oz

Pricing: $17-$34

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic materials.
• Certified Made Safe

8. Bkr

Bkr was founded by two skin and hydration-obsessed women in 2011 with the creation of a truly singular product: The "Sloane Kiss Kit" is a glass water bottle with a vegan lip balm built into the cap. They also have a version without the lip balm that still retains that extra cap space for vitamins, mints, etc. Dishwasher-safe and designed to fit stationary bikes, ellipticals, etc, it’s the perfect workout buddy so that you never have to buy water at the gym again.

Materials: BPA and phthalate-free silicone and glass.

Sizes: 8oz – 32oz

Pricing: $30 – $60

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic materials.
• Non-toxic and recycled materials.

9. Klean Kanteen

Klean Kanteen doesn’t make just any kind of stainless steel, eco-friendly water bottle. Their water bottles are made from 90% recycled stainless steel. They’re also leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, super durable, and according to New York Magazine, perfect for families.

Materials: 90% recycled stainless steel. BPA and lead-free.

Sizes: 12oz – 64oz

Pricing: $18 – $65

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic and recycled materials.
• Certified B Corp.
• Member of 1% for the Planet
• Climate Neutral certified.

10. Byta

If you’re looking for a chic, everyday water bottle, then you can’t go wrong with Byta. We love that they use a wooden cap instead of a plastic one and that the double-wall stainless steel bottle will keep your drinks perfectly temperature-controlled. It also has a nifty silicone carry ring so that you can carry it on walks or your commute more easily.

Materials: Stainless steel with a wooden cap and silicone carry ring.

Sizes: 20oz – 30oz

Pricing: $31 – $36

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic materials

11. S’wheat

According to the Telegraph, “It doesn’t get more sustainable than the S’wheat bottle”. They make the world’s first plant-based reusable water bottle, but the good doesn’t stop there. They’re also lightweight, high-quality, and super easy to clean. Whether you’re working out or at the office, this is a highly functional option.

Materials: Made from (gluten-free) wheat straw and bamboo cellulose.

Sizes: 20oz

Pricing: $37

Sustainability Factors:

• Plants a tree for every purchase
• Charitable donations.
• Non-toxic, plant-based materials.

12. Bink

Glass is the safest water bottle material, but it can be hard to find durable options. No more, thanks to Bink. Their bottles are made with Borosilicate glass, which means they’re extra shock-resistant and supported by a silicone sleeve. They’re also dishwasher safe, easy to carry all day, and compatible with both hot and cold drinks.

Materials: Glass, food-grade silicone rubber, and BPA-Free polypropylene

Sizes: 17oz – 27oz

Pricing: $25 – $38

Sustainability Factors:

• Will replace the glass bottle if it breaks in the first year of use.
• Non-toxic and recyclable materials.

13. Purist

We’d argue that no one is making a sleeker sustainable water bottle than Purist. Forbes Magazine notes the insulating qualities and total lack of strange odors or tastes when using this product as some of the main reasons to get it. It’s also lightweight and suitable for both active use and just being on your desk.

Materials: Lead-free stainless steel.

Sizes: 10oz – 32oz

Pricing: $38-$56

Sustainability Factors:

• Non-toxic materials.

Staying Hydrated Never Looked So Good

Aesthetics shouldn’t matter but there’s no denying that a stylish, eco-friendly water bottle is far more fun to drink from than a plastic one. The fact that ditching plastic also means you get to reduce your exposure to possibly harmful chemicals and keep our ecosystems safer in the process only adds to the benefits. We will say, though, that any reusable water bottle helps keep single-use plastic out of landfills, so whatever you choose to sip from, let it be out of something that you can use over and over. Cheers to that and a greener future for all!

FAQs About Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Water Bottles

What is the least toxic water bottle material?

 The least toxic water bottle material is glass. We also love that glass doesn’t affect the taste of your water in any way.

What is the healthiest water bottle to use?

 The healthiest water bottle to use is anything that is plastic and lead-free. That way you can rest assured you’re not being exposed to potentially harmful chemicals every time you take a sip.

What's the healthiest bottled water to buy? 

The healthiest bottled water to buy is almost impossible to determine but Just Water is certainly one of the best as it comes in paper-based packaging rather than plastic and is completely alkaline. 

Is Yeti non-toxic? 

Yeti is non-toxic. Their water bottles are BPA-free, lead-free, and regularly tested. We hope more brands will stick by these standards.

Does Hydro Flask contain lead? 

Hydro Flask water bottles do not contain lead. The brand as a whole has been lead-free since 2013!

Which material is safe for a water bottle? 

Any material that isn’t plastic and is lead-free is safe for a water bottle but our favorite materials for water bottles are glass, silicone, stainless steel, and titanium.

What is the least contaminated bottled water? 

Technically the least contaminated bottled water is distilled water as it is the purest form of water you can get.

What is the most hygienic material for a water bottle? 

The most hygienic material for a water bottle is stainless steel or glass. They’re easy to clean and harbor the least amount of bacteria compared to other materials.

What's the safest plastic for a water bottle? 

The safest plastic for a water bottle is BPA-free plastic. This means that when exposed to heat or light, the plastic isn’t leaching harmful chemicals into your water.

Why shouldn't we drink water in plastic bottles? 

We shouldn’t drink water in plastic bottles because not only is plastic production terrible for our planet, but plastic also poses health risks to humans.