Did

you know?

Water

Tap water is more strictly regulated then bottle water.

Tap water is regulated by the EPA, a stricter regulatory authority than the FDA, the
regulatory agency responsible for bottled water.

Bottled water is more expensive than tap water.
Tap water costs $1.22 per gallon, whereas bottled water costs $7.50 per gallon (300
times the cost of tap).

Tap water is better for the environment.
The amount of bottled water bought every week in the U.S. could circle the globe
five times.
80% of these bottles will end up in a landfill or incinerator.
The energy used to produce those bottles is enough energy to fuel one million
American cars for one year.

What can you do?

For water on-the-go, choose a reusable bottle.

Reusable Water Bottle Buyers Guide:

BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy
resins. These materials are often used in containers that store food and
beverages, such as water bottles.
BPA can leak from the container into your food and beverages. Exposure to heat
increases the amount of BPA that leaches from the container.
BPA disrupts the endocrine system and poses the greatest threat to children and
infants who are still developing. There are other possible health concerns
related to its effects in the prostate gland and mammary gland.

How to avoid BPA
Buy a glass or stainless steel water bottle
o Choose a bottle without an epoxy liner, which may contain BPA
o Avoid bottles with a golden-orange coating inside
If you choose to purchase a plastic water bottle, look for BPA-free
Do not expose plastic to heat
o Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for hot foods or beverages
o Do not put plastic in the microwave



Fun Fact:
Fiji Water ran an ad campaign about its superior quality of water when compared to the
city of Cleveland municipal water. Cleveland tested its water against Fiji Water and
found that Fiji Water contained levels of arsenic that were not present in the citys water
supply.

Plastics 101

Gaining an understanding of the recycling codes found on the bottom of plastic

products may help you choose plastics that are safer for you and the environment.

Recycling Code
Common Use
Safety
Bottled water,
Safe for one-time use
cooking oil, peanut
Do not reuse

butter, soda

Milk and water jugs,
juice bottles,
Safe
detergent, shampoo, Limit how often you refill

motor oil, toys
Bibs, mattress covers,
AVOID
commercial-grade
*Often contain phthalate,
plastic wrap, some
an endocrine-disruptor
types of food and
associated with harmful

detergent containers
health effects
Grocery store bags,
plastic wrap for
Safe
household use,

garbage bags
Ice cream and yogurt
containers, drinking
straws, syrup bottles,
Safe
salad bar containers

and diapers
AVOID

Styrofoam coffee
*Can leach styrene, a

cups, meat trays,
neurotoxin associated

opaque plastic
with harmful health

cutlery
effects
Possibly contain BPA:
Water bottles, sports
bottles, clear plastic
cutlery, lining of

metal food cans
Investigate #7 plastics and
Includes Polycarbonate

avoid polycarbonate
(BPA), Bioplastic and Acrylic
Other #7 Plastics:
Compostable green
plastics, bio-based
plastics, alternatives
to polycarbonate

*Remember Do not heat any of these plastics*