greenerMIAMI

Video: greenerMIAMI Goes to Best Buy

Best Buy recently invited us over to their Dadeland store to talk about Energy Star appliances and electronics with their in store experts. Enjoy the video:

Green Holiday Gift Guides

Ho ho holiday shopping, but want to shop green? There are lots of resources available. Check out these great gift guides:

Ecorazzi Green Celebrity Gift List

Environmental Defense: Green Gifts for the Holidays

Grist: Live and Let Give

Lime: Giving Gone Green

Treehugger's Green Gift Guide

Florida Clean Water Action Auction

The Nature Conservancy Gift Guide

Product Hunt: Water Bottle (part III)

See previous hunt posts: Part I, Part II

The hunt is over! After researching one last time for more types of reusable water bottles, GreenerMiami decided on this Sigg. We purchased the "closeout color" of Slate Green for a $6 discount. Incidentally, the color looks very much like a metallic dark gray. Total cost, inflated by almost $5 shipping was about $17.

A lot for a water bottle, maybe. But not really. Didn't bring water with you? Buy a bottle for $1. Happens a lot, right? Plus, you are creating trash. Not to mention the distribution for each bottle to get to you. It really works out in the end.

So, my review of this Sigg bottle. Overall, very happy with it. Lightweight, doesn't leak at all. Water tastes clean, though with a slight 'metal' taste. I have mistreated it sufficiently, sometimes leaving it closed for days without cleaning, and it never develops that disgusting sour smell that plastic water bottles tend to do. Additionally I purchased a clip (Sports Authority, $1) to place through the hole in the lid that allows me to connect the bottle to a backpack, purse, or bag. The bottle comes with clear instructions on how to clean, store, and use. I am a pure water drinker, so I have not tried with flavored or carbonated drinks, but they are included in the guarantee. It is my assessment that the Sigg 0.6 Liter Traveller was a great find for Product Hunt: Water Bottle!

The Sigg website lists that the bottles are sold locally in Genius Jones on Lincoln Road, although I couldn't confirm it.

Product Hunt: Water Bottle (part II)

Continued from yesterday, the hunt for the perfect reusable water bottle continues.

A reader recommended the SIGG bottles, and this one seems to fit the bill. The SIGG 0.6 liter Traveller Classic is said to have gone under extensive testing to prove that it does not contain toxins. It is guaranteed leak-proof, which is something that yesterday's bottle didn't provide. Even the paints are eco-friendly. Price: $17.95 (closeout colors available for less).

The website additionally provides some information about reusing plastic (disposable) water bottles, as I am currently doing. I had no idea it was considered dangerous (by some). It's hard to tell what's right on this one, as I did find some sources that state this is an urban legend:

Reusing Single Use Plastic Bottles
Reusing bottles designed for single use is not advised since the plastic they’re made of can start leaching chemicals if the bottle is reused. Bottom line -- bottles sold for single us should not be reused since they are not designed for reuse. There has even been talk of beverage companies putting warning labels on plastic bottles regarding reuse.

Fact
As plastic degrades through aging, and wear and tear of washing, leaching of potentially harmful chemicals increases.

Fact
According to the Container Recycling Institute, American’s used 4 billion pounds of plastic in the form of bottles in 2002, up from 1.1 billion pounds in 1990. The main culprit for the increase is “use once & toss” water and beverage bottles.

Additionally, I'd like to point out a discussion that started with yesterday's post. Bottled water vs. Tap is a topic that has been around for years. And to tell you the truth, I can't remember a single time that bottled has won over tap.

The cost of bottled water: I found this graphic to be very interesting, and wish that I could find one for the US.

Consumers will save themselves a lot of money, as well as help out the environment, just by drinking tap. I drink tap, but usually through a filter. (I haven't researched the eco-side of water filters yet.)

So, is the hunt over? I'll look around a little bit more before declaring this SIGG bottle the winner!

Product Hunt: In Search of the Perfect Water Bottle

I'm in search of the perfect reusable water bottle. Today I start my Product Hunt: Water Bottle.

The Problem: I'm a thirsty person. My grandmother thinks I'm dangerously thirsty, actually. I have to always have a bottle of water with me while I am out.

Current Solution: Purchased a large box of bottled water from Costco about 6 months ago. Still have a few bottles left. Grab one on my way out the door. Returning home, wash the bottle, fill with water, place in refrigerator. This only works a couple of times, and then the bottles start to smell sour. Gross.

Ideal Product Description: Lightweight. Easy to clean. Durable. Wouldn't leak if tossed into purse or bag. Eco-friendly. Not made with toxic materials. Will not hold flavor (if used for a juice, for example).

Today's Find: Klean Kanteen 27oz Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle. It meets most of my requirements. Lightweight, non-toxic, clean-tasting, wide mouth (easier to clean). Price: $13.95 plus $4.95 estimated shipping. The problem is that I don't like sports tops/lids. I would prefer a screw top like my water bottles. One reviewer complained of the drip.

I'll have to keep on searching!