Sustainable SIGG: Still the Best Water Bottle Around

Slowly but surely, people are beginning to understand the global impact of bottled water, not the least of which is the long term environmental impact of so much plastic being dumped into landfills. So, what are some good personal solutions? You could be like this person and build a home out of them -- or, for the frighteningly ambitious, perhaps a boat in which you could sail around the world promoting recycling.

Of course, the most important thing to do is simply stop using them -- and that's what millions of people are doing, choosing non-toxic reusable versions or, more recently, trendy but wonderful double lined metal bottles. These days you can pick one up at your local bookstore or discount store, but if you're really serious about your water, the original, the most beautiful, and extremely resiliant is the SIGG.

While many new companies now feature sleek and beautifully designed examples, the mother of all metal bottle companies is the swiss company that originated in 1908, when two Swiss metal specialists opened a factory outside Zurich, making cookwear and bottles. By the 1950s, SIGG was a popular European brand, but the water bottles did not "take off" until the 1990s when awareness of the global plastic and water crises became cause for personal and political action. The double-layered metal is more resilient, safer, and beautiful than all the knock-offs.

To alleviate health concerns, SIGG's s bottles have been tested beyond FDA standards. They contain a special, proprietary internal coating that is resistant to fruit juice acids, energy drinks, alcohol and virtually any consumable beverage. The liners are taste and scent neutral, eliminating any lingering smell or taste from previous beverages. The composition of the liner also reduces the chances of bacteria build-up.

Although we’ve been able to bang up the outside of a few, SIGG assures its customers that the interior is baked on and completely scratch and dent resistant. (But, one thing we learned the hard way -- as with all metal containers, NEVER put it in the freezer).

SIGG’s designs may be the hottest ones around – and they provide more variety of shape, color, and drinking spouts than any others we’ve seen – they are worth the extra money for the product assurances and longstanding value. Despite a recent penchant for the yoga-inspired designs and the website’s boast of 1,000 combinations, my new favorite is the retro silver or red models with the simple SIGG insignia on the bottom. Here’s to Swiss engineering yet again!

As if it isn't enough to love SIGG as it is, you can design your own bottle at CafePress, get one that will help Jane Goodall insure safe drinking water in Africa, or give your kids the Pirate themed lunch accessory that makes them the envy of the school lunch table. And if those reasons don't sell you on SIGG, consider sustainable labor, too. For over 100 years, SIGG bottles have been manufactured by a dedicated Swiss workforce. SIGG's website suggests that many other reusable bottle brands outsource their manufacturing to Chinese suppliers, whereas by making the bottles at a factory in Frauenfeld Switzerland, they insure the highest quality product standards and ethically and environmentally responsible labor, too.