Thursday, September 17, 2009

Sigg Bottles suck (Nalgene, too)



When you shop at places like Whole Foods, you often assume what's "green" is also "healthy." That's not the case. I've been railing against Nalgene and Sigg bottles forever, and everyone thinks I'm crazy--what could be wrong with thise cute, reusable bottles? Well, they contain BPAs, which are ENDOCRINE disruptors.

Studies conducted at the University of Cincinnati several years ago found some rather disturbing results in regards to the low-level impacts of BPA. In fact, Dr. Belcher said, while high doses cause little effect, analysis of cellular and molecular markers of estrogen signaling revealed that near-maximal effects of BPA on rat brain neurons not only occurred "at surprisingly low" doses of 0.23 parts per trillion, they also happened in a matter of minutes.

"From other studies it's clear that these low concentrations are in line with human fetal exposures, and at levels one might even see in the water supply," said Dr. Belcher.

From our friends at Science Daily:

(June 12, 2009) — Exposure during pregnancy to the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA, found in many common plastic household items, is known to cause a fertility defect in the mother's offspring in animal studies, and now researchers have found how the defect occurs. The results of the new study will be presented June 13 at The Endocrine Society's 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Sigg is backpedaling on their insistence that Sigg bottles are "safe" but admitted they are NOT BPA free and you can exchange them for some other bottle with a new, green "Eco liner." Here's a letter from SIGG's CEO to consumer:

I have learned much over the past 2 weeks. I learned that many of you purchased SIGG bottles - not just because they were free from leaching and safe - but because you believed that SIGGs contained no BPA. I learned that, although SIGG never marketed the former liner as “BPA Free” we should have done a better job of both clearly communicating about our liner as well as policing others who may have misunderstood the SIGG message.

For over 100 years, SIGG has earned a reputation for quality products and service – and we do not take that for granted. From the day we made our announcement last month, we made a commitment consistent with SIGG values that we would offer anyone who is concerned about BPA an opportunity to swap their old SIGGs for new SIGGs with the new EcoCare liner. Today, I am announcing that this voluntary Exchange Program will be in place until October 31, 2009 to ensure that our customers have ample time to send their former liner bottles back to us should they choose to do so.
What is in this new "eco liner" is anyone's guess. The FertilityBitch's advice to keep your waterbottle BPA free? Just like that old adage, the only way to make sure you don't get pregnant is to not have sex, well, if you don't want BPAs, use an old glass bottle, or go stainless. I like New Wave Enviro stainless steel bottle.

Simple and clean, and you can even get a stainless cap to go with it and really eliminate all the plastics from your life! Plus, these bottles don't dent as easily as the SIGG's (made of--ugh--aluminum).

11 comments:

WannabeMommy said...

Thanks SO much for posting this.. I was not aware that Sigg was doing exchanges. I'm taking mine in for sure!

quiverteam said...

Are you really so sure about stainless steel? have a look at www.quiverblog.com and check out the blogpost on the choice for the RO.50. makes interesting and perhaps uncomfortable reading.

GreenFertility said...

Thanks for the comments. Yes, stainless may have a heavier carbon footprint, but it's non toxic! So fertility types like me recommend it.

Cheers!

quiverteam said...

well what's wrong with bpa free polycarbonate or copolyester?

GreenFertility said...

Everyone thought the polycarbonate plastic in Nalgene didn't leach chemicals, either, now they're finding it does. I like to avoid polyester clothes, for instance, because they give off positive ions when they are heated.

In general, I just like to be safe and go back to the simpler stuff: stainless and glass.

quiverteam said...

fair comment, but whose to say next years scare won't be carcinogenic chromium used in the production of stainless steel leaching into our drinks?

Never any easy answers, all we can do is our best and make our own choices.

Enjoyed the chat and also your blog which has some great articles

GreenFertility said...

You, too. Your Quiver has a beautiful design! Will it work with stainless bottles?

quiverteam said...

yes, it will keep your drink cold for a lot longer, but not as long as a plastic bottle which has much lower thermal transmission. would have to be a relatively slim designed bottle.

we have a limited edition launch design coming out with a special promotion. will give you a sneaky peek directly as we haven't published it on our blog yet.

keep in touch

Anonymous said...

What a scary issue that pregnant women really need to be better informed about! I'm pregnant, and the only reason I'm researching this issue is because my friend had a baby boy last may with a minor birth defect that could very possibly be linked to this issue. We are dance teachers, and survive by our many nalgene bottles!

Check out Klean Kanteen :)

GreenFertility said...

Thanks for your helpful comment, Dance Teacher!

Jenny said...

This is definitely some of the things the young, the pregnant and the elderly must consider! Plastics are proven to have adverse health effects yet awareness to them seemed loose!