Choosing the right eco-friendly water bottle is more than a personal decision—it’s a commitment to your health and the planet.
With plastic production at an all-time high, single-use plastic bottles fuel pollution, climate change, and even impact marine life and human health.
In this guide, we’ll explore bottled water’s staggering environmental and financial costs.
We also break down the two main criteria of sustainable water bottles: Eco-friendly and reusable materials and the brand’s ethics.
From durable stainless steel and titanium to sleek glass and flexible silicone, we’ve handpicked the top sustainable water bottles—and the brands behind them—so you can stay hydrated while making a positive impact.
We ensured all the brands below not only make excellent reusable bottles but also help reduce pollution behind the scenes.
Ready to reduce waste, support ethical practices, detoxify your water, and save over $1,000 per year? Let’s dive in!
Health & Environmental Impacts of Plastic Bottles
Plastic production now outweighs the human population, and it’s only increasing. In 2019, 460 million metric tons of plastic were produced—with half used once and then discarded.
Of that, 481.8 billion water bottles were thrown away, enough to form a pile three times taller than the Empire State Building.
Yet, only 9% of plastic gets recycled. The rest is in landfills, polluting the air, oceans, and roadways.
Here’s a breakdown of the main risks associated with the production and use of plastic water bottles:
Fossil Fuel Consumption:
- Producing plastic bottles requires 17 million barrels of oil annually in the U.S. alone, enough to fuel 1.3 million cars for a year.
- Globally, 2.7 million tons of plastic are used annually just to bottle water (WWF).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
- Plastic production emits significant CO2. Manufacturing a single 16.9 oz plastic bottle produces 82.8 grams of CO2.
- The entire bottled water industry contributes to about 2.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Energy Consumption for Transport:
- Transporting bottled water uses around 2,000 times more energy than tap water. On average, the total energy required for one bottle of water would equal filling that bottle ¼ of the way with oil.
- Globally, the bottled water industry uses enough energy to power 190,000 homes annually (Earth Policy Institute).
Ocean Pollution & Impacts on Wildlife:
- According to the UNEP, about 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans annually.
- By 2050, it’s projected there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by weight.
- Once in the ocean or landfill, plastic bottles take 450–1,000 years to break down into smaller pieces, which animals mistake for food. As a result, over 1 million marine animals die each year from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic debris. NatGeo explains that plastic blocks digestive tracts, reduces appetite, and disrupts feeding, leading to slower growth.
- Studies show that 80% of seabirds (out of 226 species) have ingested plastic, mistaking it for food.
- Plastic pollution currently threatens hundreds of marine species (IUCN).
Human Health Risks (Chemicals & Microplastics):
- Microplastics from plastic bottles leach into bottled water; humans may ingest 5 grams of plastic weekly, equivalent to the weight of a credit card. This averages out to about 74,000 pieces of microplastic annually, or around 250-260 grams.
- Microplastics have been found in 93% of bottled water worldwide. It’s estimated that there are around 325 plastic particles per liter of bottled water, which then get into your body.
- These plastics may contain harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which may negatively impact brain and prostate health, as well as cause developmental issues in children and unborn babies.
- If you drink bottled water, you consume an extra 90,000 microplastic particles per year, according to NatGeo. But with a reusable, non-plastic bottle and filtered tap water, that drops to just 4,000.
The Money Wasted on Water Bottles Each Year
An experiment from Thought Co found that the average cost of popular water brands on Amazon is $0.70 per 16.9oz bottle.
If you drink four bottles a day and buy in bulk, that’s $2.80 per day or around $1,022 per year. And that’s the absolute cheapest you can go.
Another study from WPR shows the average cost of all bottled water (both singles and bulk packs) is about $1.90 in the US as of 2024. Using this amount and drinking four bottles per day brings the average cost up to $2,774 annually.
How to save over $1k per year:
Tap water costs just $0.004 per gallon, compared to $5.29 – $14.38 per gallon for standard 16.9 oz bottles of water.
Yet, you can get a Brita faucet system for about $31 (including one 4-month filter) and add two extra filters, totaling three, to last the entire year. This would cost a total of only $51 for a year’s worth of drinking water, compared to $1,022 – $2,774 for bottled water.
Not only are those massive savings, but you can also prevent hundreds, if not thousands, of plastic bottles from entering the ecosystem annually.
What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Water Bottle: The Criteria
Or, continue reading for more detail on the best materials and exactly what to look for:
1. Sustainable Materials & Designs:
The best eco-friendly water bottles use recyclable, non-toxic materials that don’t leach chemicals. Glass, stainless steel, titanium, and silicone are our top picks.
Also, note that durability is key for sustainability, which is why I prefer stainless steel and titanium over glass.
Here’s a breakdown of each material’s pros and cons:
- Stainless Steel: My favorite, as it’s infinitely recyclable, unbreakable, and affordable. You never have to worry about buying a replacement, making them highly sustainable. Make sure to choose 18/8 or 18/10 stainless for corrosion resistance, as some options can rust or pit.
- Titanium: Half the weight of stainless steel but equally durable, titanium is also infinitely recyclable. It’s great for those concerned with the weight of stainless steel (like hikers). But it’s more expensive than the others here.
- Silicone: While not common, silicone bottles offer flexibility and durability, ideal for collapsible designs that fit nicely in small bags. It’s non-toxic, plastic-free, and microwave-safe (unlike metal), but its flexibility can be cumbersome.
- Glass: Also infinitely recyclable, glass is best for acidic juices as it doesn’t affect taste like stainless steel can. It’s also microwave-safe, making reheating coffee or tea simple. However, it can break easily, so choose silicone-wrapped options (like #5 below). Avoid tinted or decorated glass to prevent lead contamination.
2. Sustainable Brand Ethics:
It’s one thing to produce sustainable and rugged reusable water bottles, but even better is a brand that actively reduces pollution on the backend.
Brand activities include conducting beach cleanups, donating to environmental non-profits, and using plastic-free packaging.
These are a few things we looked at when deciding on the below water bottle picks:
- Does the brand use recycled materials?
- Does the brand use plastic-free or easily recyclable packaging?
- Does the brand source its materials sustainably to limit carbon emissions?
- Does the brand donate to any eco-friendly non-profits?
- Does the brand use durable designs that won’t break easily and need frequent replacement? For example, do they include a silicone sleeve to protect the glass from breakage if they sell glass bottles?
5 Best Eco-friendly Water Bottle Brands Reviewed
Click the brand name below to jump down to its review:
- Klean Kanteen: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Hydro Flask: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- EcoVessel: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Vargo Outdoors: Titanium
- Purifyou: Borosilicate Glass & Silicone
#1
Klean Kanteen: 18/ 8 Stainless Steel
- Materials used: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Sizes available: 12 oz, 16 oz, 18 oz, 20 oz, 32 oz
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes
- Prices: $18+ (Check latest)
Klean Kanteen’s insulated water bottles are an affordable yet durable choice. Their double-wall insulation keeps water cold for up to 50 hours and coffee hot for 12. The sweat-proof exterior and leak-proof cap make it safe to toss into your bag without worrying about spills.
Available in 20 oz and 32 oz sizes, both fit standard cup holders. You can also choose from seven colors and different cap styles, like the Sport cap, all compatible with this bottle.
Also available are single-wall (non-insulated) bottles, which are even more affordable.
Along with water bottles, Klean Kanteen offers coffee tumblers, food jars, steel pint cups, and even 12 oz Kid Kanteens!
Much of their product line is made from 35% recycled stainless steel but some items use upwards of 90% recycled materials. And all are backed by a lifetime warranty!
Klean Kanteen’s Ethics:
- 1% for the Planet member: Donates 1% of each sale’s proceeds to environmental non-profits to help human and environmental health.
- Certified B Corp
- Uses up to 90% recycled stainless steel.
- 100% carbon-neutral production and distribution.
- Their headquarters uses 100% solar energy.
#2
Hydro Flask: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Materials used: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Sizes available: 20 oz, 24 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, 64 oz
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes
- Prices: $25+ (Check latest)
Hydro Flask’s minimalist design and top-notch build have earned over 17,000 5-star reviews.
Their double-walled, insulated bottles are my favorite. With TempShield technology, water stays cold for 24 hours, and coffee stays hot all day. I rarely use coasters (a bad habit), so I was happy to find the insulated design prevents condensation. No desk puddles! Also, its powder-coated exterior helps avoid slippery grips, preventing awkward drops.
Available in 17 colors and sizes from 20 oz to 65 oz, the bottles have extra-wide mouths, which make cleaning the inside of the neck easier and more hygienic.
Cap options include 100% leak-proof flip-tops and screw-on caps, as well as straw lids for easy desk sipping. The flip-top sport cap’s carry loop is incredibly convenient for on-the-go.
Hydro Flask also offers insulated food jars, tumblers, mugs, and hydration packs, all backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Hydro Flask’s Ethics:
- Created Parks for All, a program supporting 122 non-profits with a percentage of each sale.
- Maintains public green spaces and miles of trails.
- To date, Hydro has collected over 14,000 lbs of polluted waste and donated over 55,953 of its bottles.
#3
EcoVessel: 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Materials used: 18/8 stainless steel
- Sizes available: 12 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, 24 oz, 25 oz, 32 oz,
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes
- Prices: $17+ (Check latest)
EcoVessel stands out in the outdoor market with functional and stylish drinkware, offering water bottles, mugs, wine cups, and children’s drinkware.
Their Aspen stainless steel bottle is my favorite, with a unique TriMax triple-layer insulation (double steel layers and a copper core). It contains almost no plastic—just a hidden lid handle for easy carrying, while the rest is stainless steel, including the lid. Water never touches plastic, and its rugged design can last for many years.
The silicone seal makes it leak-proof, and its insulation keeps water cold for 24 hours or hot most of the work day. One of my virtual assistants in Qatar raved about how it keeps their water cool most of the day in 100+℉ heat. Impressive!
I also love the bottle’s coated, textured exterior and non-slip rubber base, which help prevent drops and those annoying moisture rings on desks.
Available in seven colors and three sizes, with all bottles fitting standard cup holders. A testament to its durability, EcoVessel comes with a 100-year warranty!
EcoVessel’s Ethics:
- 1% for the Planet member, donating 5% of every purchase to environmental non-profits upon checkout.
- Partnered with Leave No Trace, an organization that gives people the tools and knowledge to preserve the environment better.
- Partnered with Water for People, an organization helping to provide clean drinking water to struggling communities around the world.
- Supports Suffer Better, which allows endurance athletes to preserve the environment through various fundraising events and non-profit donations.
#4
Vargo Outdoors: Titanium
- Materials used: 100% titanium
- Sizes available: 8 oz, 22 oz, 32 oz, 34 oz
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes
- Prices: $20+ for stainless versions & $70+ for titanium versions (Check latest)
Brian Vargo created Vargo Outdoors after hiking the Appalachian Trail and realizing gear could be lighter.
Using titanium, a rust-proof and non-toxic metal as durable as stainless steel but half the weight, Vargo bottles never leave a metallic taste or wear down.
Some come with plastic-topped lids, but the best options are 100% titanium, including the lid. The only parts that aren’t titanium are the leak-proof silicone lid seals—
My favorite bottle is just that. 100% plastic-free and holds 22 oz while weighing just 3.9 oz empty, making it ideal for those seeking a lighter alternative to stainless steel. A titanium loop handle on top makes it easy to carry, and it fits in any cup holder.
Vargo also offers a 1-liter (34 oz) bottle with a unique paracord lid, great for preparedness-minded folks. Their single-walled designs allow for boiling water directly in the bottle, perfect for camping.
Or, go with one of their stainless steel insulated bottles to keep drinks hot or cold throughout your work day (though you can’t boil these).
Vargo Outdoors’ Ethics:
- There are few titanium bottle brands, but Vargo is the only one partnered with Change Climate Project, offsetting their carbon footprint and earning them a Climate Neutral certification.
- Uses ocean shipping rather than air freight to limit emissions.
- Uses recyclable, minimalistic packaging to limit waste.
#5
Purifyou: Borosilicate Glass & Silicone
- Materials used: Borosilicate glass & food-grade silicone
- Sizes available: 12 oz, 22 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz
- Dishwasher-safe? Yes
- Prices: $14+ (Check latest)
Purifyou’s water bottles use rugged, thermal shock-resistant borosilicate glass, making them safe for hot drinks and microwave reheating without exploding like soda lime. Since there’s no metal, you never have to worry about a metallic taste with acidic juices.
The leak-proof silicone lid features a stainless steel inner piece for added durability. Drinks never touch plastic, period.
But my favorite part is the silicone sleeve that wraps each bottle for added grip, sweat prevention, and shock absorption, protecting the glass from drops.
Lastly, Purifyou’s transparent design with volume markings helps track hydration, and the lid’s finger loop makes carrying it easy. Available in nine colors and sizes from 12 oz to 40 oz, Purifyou has an option for everyone.
A quick note on 100% silicone bottles: Due to their flexibility, I’m not a big fan of 100% silicone water bottles. Instead, I prefer the use of silicone to enhance glass, like Purifyou. That said, for those interested in flexible, collapsible silicone bottles, Stojo is the best I’ve tried.
Purifyou’s Ethics:
- A portion of their profits goes to constructing wells in impoverished communities worldwide, including Afghanistan, Kenya, and Uganda.
Recap: Which Do I Choose & Which Should I Avoid?
In this guide, we explored the best eco-friendly water bottles, highlighting the most ethical brands using clean stainless steel, titanium, silicone, and borosilicate glass. These are durable, safe, and eco-friendly, avoiding the issues of plastic.
A Note on Reusable Plastic Water Bottles:
Though cheap and shatterproof, plastic bottles still pose risks like chemical leaching and microplastics, especially in the heat (direct sunlight, sitting in a hot car, etc.). Plus, recycling plastic remains inefficient. That’s why I don’t recommend any plastics, period.
Of the four most sustainable water bottle materials above, consider the following design features to help you narrow down your decision.
6 Key Considerations for Choosing:
1. Bottle Volume and Width: Consider both your hydration needs/ desired size (e.g., 12 oz, 20 oz, 32 oz, 40 oz, etc.) and shape for portability. Versatility in size is vital. For example, larger bottles may not fit in standard cup holders.
2. Cap Design: Consider the setting you’ll use your bottle in most often. Screw-on or flip-top caps are best for something leak-proof to chuck in a gym bag. Or, consider a straw cap for easy sipping at your work desk. Carrying loops or cap handles are great for walking in the park.
3. Insulation: If temperature control is needed (for example, hot coffee on long commutes), choose double or triple-wall insulated bottles to maintain drink temperatures.
4. Durability and Impact Resistance: Stainless steel and titanium are the toughest, never breaking from drops. Glass bottles with silicone wraps offer some protection but can’t match metal’s ruggedness.
5. Weight: Consider the bottle’s weight, especially for hiking or those who walk to work in the city. Titanium is the lightest yet most durable option. Stainless steel and silicone are a little heavier, with glass bottles often weighing the most.
6. Ease of Cleaning: All options above are dishwasher-safe. But, something less often thought of is the bottle’s mouth. Prioritize bottles with wider mouths for the easiest, most hygienic cleaning.
Happy sippin!
P.S. Now that you have your reusable bottle, consider your lunch containers… Are they non-toxic and eco-friendly?
If unsure, explore our guide on the safest, non-toxic food containers to pair with your new bottle!
Hi there! I'm Adam, author and founder of TGL. Since 2016, I've produced and sold non-toxic kitchenware throughout the US. Today, I'm using my passion and experience in sustainable product manufacturing to help families avoid unsafe reusable foodware. When I'm not writing, you'll find me hiking or camping throughout Appalachia!
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