One Green Bottle

January 5th 2010

Article about the risks to men in later life from exposure to Bisphenol A used in plastics.

Typically Christmas presents in my family revolve around either; money, socks, books, DVDs, chocolates and music. The presents I like are the quirky ones you never expect to receive. This year the unorthodox present I received from my aunt and uncle, Kate and Ketan. They gifted me a 500ml Mudpuppy stainless steal water bottle made by One Green Bottle. At first you may think that this is an extremely odd choice for a Christmas present but after reading the accompanying leaflet there are many benefits for using this product.

Photo 1: Water Bottles, credit javcon117.

There are health benefits for both planet Earth and Humans a like by using reusable non-plastic water bottles. For planet Earth its rather straight forward. Less plastic bottles are placed in landfill sites. For humans it means not consuming water tainted by Bisphenol-A.

What is Bisphenol-A and why should I be bothered? I am glad you asked.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical commonly used by industry in the manufacture of plastics. Originally developed as a synthetic version of the female hormone estrogen, it is now found in everything from baby bottles to plastic water bottles to lining on the inside of cans. In fact, BPA exposure is now so widespread that it was found in over 93% of urine samples in a 2004 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study.

Quote 1: Bisphenol A, credit Judson Parker.

So here is the bad news. BPA exposure has links to erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems in men. The worse news is, currently it is impossible to completely avoid BPA. There is however advice to avoid contact:

Start by ditching the plastic bottles and get yourself a BPA Free stainless steel bottle.
You for BPA free plastics in the future.
Use glass and steel containers for food and beverages.
Do not microwave food in plastic containers.

Hopefully by doing so your health will benefit and so will our planet by reducing plastic waste.

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This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.