Most people buy bottled water now and then, and it’s also needed for medical emergencies and to help during disasters. But most of the time, it’s fine in England to drink tap water (even unfiltered, blind taste tests put Thames water above expensive bottled brands). It’s important to keep hydrated, so drinking water (boiled or not) is good.
Do not drink hot drinks from wide mouths, to avoid scalds. Don’t drink from bathroom taps as they often come from different pipes – this could cause harm in susceptible people and pets, and should never be used for mixing up baby formula). In old houses, you may be pouring out water from tanks with dead rats in them (boiling does not purify it).
Vets do not recommend distilled water for pets due to effects on urinary/cardiac health, but filtered tap water is fine. Do not let pets drink from bottles with BPA (toxic plastic).
Ocean Bottle is made from double-walled insulated stainless steel to keep drinks hot or cold, and an anti-leak dual opening lid. Easy to fill and clean, it’s dishwasher-safe. Ideal for water, smoothies, iced tea or coffee or hot drinks, every bottle bought funds collection of 1000 plastic bottles in coastal communities worldwide. Hand-wash and store upside down, with the top off.
You likely only need a reusable water bottle if you travel a lot (elsewhere, just pour water into a tumbler or mug at home). Glass bottles don’t affect taste, but need to be recycled, to avoid broken glass waste. Or use stainless steel bottles that last years, and don’t leach chemicals.
The problem with plastic bottles is that when they fall on the ground and go down drains, they break into millions of microplastics that are ingested by marine creatures (nearly all plastic in our oceans are not visible to the eye). So not buying them (and recycling any you find) helps reduce the world’s plastic mountain.
Wheatly Wheat Straw Bottle comes in aqua, mint or straw with a screw-on lid and wide mouth. Fits most cup holder, and it’s made from natural organic wheat fibres. Safe for hot or cold liquids, it’s also freezer-safe and mould-resistant.
Bambaw Stainless Steel Water Bottle features a bamboo lid and is easy to drink from, and easy to clean. In 3 sizes, you can easily add ice or fruit, but this one is not suitable for hot drinks. The insulated bottle is suitable for any drinks. It keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24 hours.
