FitSugar

Sundance Goes Green With Reusable Water Bottles

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:04:55 PST

Though most of us aren't lucky enough to attend the Sundance Film Festival, we've probably all been to events that hand out hundreds and hundreds of plastic water bottles. Last year, Sundance alone gave out 50,000 single-serve bottles, most of which just end up in landfills.

So for the 2009 festival, which kicks off this Thursday, Sundance is partnering with an organization called FilterForGood, which is devoted to reducing bottled-water waste. Instead of wasteful one-off containers, festivalgoers will get free reusable water bottles provided by Nalgene, which they can then refill at Brita-sponsored water stations.

I've had a reusable water bottle for a while now, but if you haven't gotten one yet, you can visit FilterForGood's site and make a pledge to switch. The site also sells FilterForGood-branded bottles that let you support the cause. Don't worry: They're BPA free!

Biggest Headline of 2008: Nalgene and BPA

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:03:15 PST

For fitness fanatics and nature lovers, owning a Nalgene water bottle was as essential as a sports bra - a must-have to stay hydrated and reduce your plastic footprint. For years it seemed like there was a Nalgene bottle next to every machine at the gym. Then the scare hit.

The chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA) used to make these polycarbonate bottles was found to possibly cause cancer, UTIs, and early puberty in preliminary animal studies. Other research showed that exposure to BPA was also linked to diabetes and heart disease. Women were worried because it was suspected to affect fertility and the development of babies.

Many people stopped using their Nalgenes immediately, replacing them with stainless steel (Klean Kanteen), aluminum (Sigg), or BPA-free water bottles. Folks who felt bad about adding to landfills found new uses for their bottles as lanterns.

So what did Nalgene do? To find out

read more. Even though Nalgene refuted that its products were harmful to humans, the company reacted quickly by designing a BPA-free water bottle. BPA is still found in some plastic baby bottles and the lining of cans, although many government agencies feel the risk is nothing to worry about. Many experts believe that the amount of BPA humans are exposed to is too small to cause any harm, and further evaluation is necessary. I agree with Tufts professor and researcher Dr. Ana Soto, who says, "We cannot wait that long to discover whether this chemical is harming human reproduction and development." If there is even a slight chance BPA could negatively affect humans, why take the risk? Do you agree, or will you continue to use BPA products until scientists declare this chemical a definite risk?

More About Plastic Water Bottles

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:00:00 PDT

I don't know about you, but those warnings about the BPA in plastic water bottles possibly causing cancer and urinary tract problems really didn't sit well with me. So my old Nalgene is now a lantern, and I now use my Sigg or Klean Kanteen bottle instead. I'm really glad I've made the switch since a new study has linked BPA to even more health risks. This is just a preliminary study, but it shows that the BPA used in plastic water bottles, baby bottles, and the lining of some cans could possibly also cause heart disease and diabetes. This chemical has been used in these types of products for years, but recent studies with animals suggest that it can also affect hormones, fertility, and can cause developmental problems in the brain.

In this recent study, researchers examined results of a survey of 1,455 American adults who gave urine samples in 2003-04. Each person reported what health problems they were experiencing, if any. Of all the samples, 90 percent had detectable BPA in their urine. Those with the most BPA also suffered from heart disease and diabetes. Coincidence? It seems further testing needs to be conducted to see if there really is a connection between BPA use and health issues. I'm still not taking any chances though. What about you?

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Have You Stopped Using Your Polycarbonate Water Bottle?

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:30:00 PDT

All this talk about how polycarbonate water bottles are bad for our health has definitely made me a little weary about sipping from my old Nalgene. What about you? I'm wondering . . .

Weekend Well-Being: Make a Nalgene Bottle Lantern

FitSugar — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:00:00 PDT

The news about the Nalgene bottle and other shatter proof polycarbonate plastics being dangerous for human health hit me a little hard. I've had my Nalgene bottle for years and taken it on many hikes, road trips, and picnics. Lucky for me, I found a way to reincorporate my Nalgene back into my outdoor life.

The company Sol Light has come to the rescue, saving my old water bottle from spending an eternity in a landfill by turning it into a lantern. The LightCap 200 - Solar Powered Light ($20) fits onto any standard water bottle with a two inch wide mouth and turns the bottle into a light source. To make this an even greener experience, the LED light is powered by solar power, so no batteries are required. You can get a light cap directly from here.

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Nalgene Making Changes

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:00 PDT

Recently I wrote to just say no to Nalgene hard plastic water bottles, since they contain bisphenol A (BPA), which leaches into your water and can possibly cause all kinds of health problems. Nalgene has heard our cries. They just announced that they will start making their bottles without the controversial BPA. Of course, government scientists are only slightly concerned, and feel that there are no known risks to human health, but Nalgene isn't taking any chances. They decided to make the switch in response to consumer demand.

It will take several months for Nalgene to ditch the BPA from their "Outdoor" line of polycarbonate water bottles. Just so you know, they do make other reusable bottles that don't contain this questionable chemical. Look for their newly unveiled Everyday line. They're made out of Tritan copolyester, which is dishwasher safe and BPA free. Of course, if you have old Nalgene bottles, I'd think of some creative ways to reuse them – piggy bank?

Just Say No to Nalgene?

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:00:00 PDT

The future may no longer be in plastics.

Another study linked the chemical bisphenol A, used to make hard, shatter proof plastics, to precancerous tumors, urinary tract problems and early puberty. The study was performed on rats that were fed or injected with small amounts of the chemical, and although the results are preliminary the group of scientists involved in the study said that possible effects on humans "cannot be dismissed." The National Toxicology Program, who headed the study, is comprised of scientists from many formidable national agencies: the Center for Disease Control, US Food and Drug Administrations, and the US Institutes of Health. Agencies not likely to be ignored considering that this study echoes findings made late last summer by the National Institute of Health.

Bisphenol A is ubiquitous and found in Nalgene bottles, that say polycarbonate (#7 on the bottom) as well as clear plastic baby bottles. It is also used as a liner for cans. Since this questionable chemical can leach into water or food that comes in contact with the hard plastic, many Canadian retailers have pulled products, like Nalgene bottles from their shelves. Once popular only with backpackers, Nalgene bottles have found a niche as reusable water bottle for thirsty folks working on decreasing their carbon and plastic footprint. There are other options like SIGG bottles, made from aluminum; they're lightweight, durable, and cute.

So say "No" to Nalgene and other polycarbonate plastics. I've made the switch and given up my lovely orange Nalgene bottle that I have used for years. What about you? Share the details in the comments section below.

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Gaining Weight? Blame It on Your Co-Workers

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:30:00 PDT

We spend a lot of time at work, and if you're anything like me, when other people are snacking, it's hard to resist the urge not to snack too. It seems like it's always someone's birthday, or someone's mother made homemade cookies, or someone ordered afternoon pizza.

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and fight the urge to over-eat...

Eat a delicious and wholesome breakfast before you get to work. That way if someone is going for a Dunkin Donuts run, you won't be tempted to get something unhealthy.
You don't have to skip going out to lunch all the time. Denying yourself is no good. Instead designate 1 day out of the week for eating out. Try to find a place that serves nutritious soups, sandwiches, or salads. If you know a portion is huge, share it with a friend, or save the other half for tomorrow's lunch.
Pack your own lunch the other days. That way you know you'll like it and you'll know it's good for you. Plus it'll save you time if you're too busy to pick up lunch.
Try to take at least 20 minutes away from work to eat. Get outside, eat at a park, or go to your break room. We tend to eat too fast and overeat when we are mindlessly shoveling food in our mouth. So concentrate on just eating, so you can really enjoy your food slowly. It's a great time to catch up with a co-worker and give your mind a break too.

Want to hear the other tips? Then

Make sure your lunch has a lot of protein, whole grains, and veggies. These types of food will give you more sustained energy than say a high carb meal like an order of spaghetti or a bagel. A high carb meal will make you feel sleepy, and you'll hit a slump around mid-afternoon. Then you'll crave a sugary snack or a soda to pep you back up. Great lunch ideas could be: grilled chicken on a salad, black bean soup with a piece of whole grain bread, or vegetable quinoa.
Pack healthy snacks in your desk or work fridge for emergencies such as LARABAR, nuts, fruit, yogurt, fruit leather and carrots and hummus. That way when others are scarfing down Susi's homemade brownies, you can enjoy your own healthy snack and not feel left out of snacktime.
I'm not saying you should deny yourself any and all treats that come through your office door. If it's someone's birthday, enjoy a little piece of cake, but resist the urge to have 2nds and 3rds.
Stress at work can cause you to reach for a snack. So try to stop stress before it happens. Slow down and take some deep breaths, get organized, go for a walk, make a to-do list, or do some relaxing yoga poses.
Keep a bottle of water (preferably a reusable one from Nalgene or SIGG) on your desk and take sips often. It'll satiate your need to put something in your mouth, plus staying hydrated will keep you alert and healthy (it'll prevent an uncomfortable UTI).

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Ready-Made Emergency Kits

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:30:12 PDT

Yesterday, I gave you a primer on making an emergency preparedness kit. Whether you live in hurricane alley, earthquake country, or anywhere in between, there are essential items you should have around in case of a disaster.

Fortunately, a number of companies and non-profits have started offering ready-made (and sometimes quite stylish) emergency kits to help you along. Some of these have everything you need to get by, while others are meant merely as "starter kits," so it's still a good idea to make sure you have everything on the Red Cross's checklist. To see some of the best ready-made kits I've found, just click on the photos below.

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Get in Gear: Sleeve-Bot

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 11:45:00 PDT

When the weather is so wonderfully warm, like it is this time of year, I love to drink lots of cold water to stay hydrated and prevent myself from overheating.

When I know I'm going to be out for a while, walking, hiking, or on a boat, I always bring my reusable water bottle along. I love to drop ice cube sticks in the water to keep it extra cool, but in this heat, it tends to cool down really quickly.

I found something to solve my problem. The Sleeve-Bot is a neoprene bottle cozy that fits standard wide-mouth water bottles, including ones made by Nalgene and SIGG.

The insulating properties of neoprene keep the contents of your bottle cold (or warm). Plus it absorbs all that annoying condensation that always drips on the outside of your bottle. It's easy to clean, lightweight, inexpensive (you can order it for $7.95), and such a great idea - definitely a must for warm weather.