Safe Water Bottles For Summer Hiking and Climbing
The summer out door season is here. But do not just grab that old Nalgene water bottle and head out doors. Even more important do not drop by the local convenience store and pick up a few of those disposable sports bottle full of what is often called mountain spring water (which cost once per ounce far more then gasoline).
Those bottles are made #1 plastic which is one of the most toxic of the plastic's. The ppm of these chemicals rise quite dramatically as the temperature rises. Most of us have detected how much more our water tastes tainted when the bottle has been exposed to higher temperatures but had no reason to suspect we where exposing our selves to harmful chemicals.
There is evidence that shows trace amounts of BPA (Bisphenol) leak out of the small cracks and bruise marks that form over years of use. BPA has been shown to interfere with the body's natural hormonal messaging system and studies have shown a connection to breast and uterine cancer, an increased risk of miscarriage, decreased testosterone levels and issues in children's developing systems. BTW it should be noted BPA is also found in those sippy cups AND most baby bottles. Then consider the environmental impacts:
There are more than 60 million plastic bottles tossed into waste containers a day which translates to roughly 22 billion a year!
Instead grab a reusable aluminum or stainless steel water bottle. Not only do they impart no unpleasant plastic aftertastes to the much needed water but you will be doing your part to keep more plastic out of land fills and incinerators.
Marc spent 20 years racing bicycles and doing Ironman length triathlons. Now he hikes, bikes geocache's and plays golf with his wife and 2 boys while running several web sites including http://www.olympiccaching.com where not only can you read more about safe bottles but he offers geocaching tips and supplies.
AP - An elderly woman was attacked by a large kangaroo on a farm in Australia and was lucky to be alive after a pet dog leapt to her aid, her son said Saturday.
