I know I should get one, but how much does a reusable water bottle cost? It’s a question I get asked a lot, and the answer may surprise you.
When it comes to going green, getting the best reusable water bottles is often at the top of everyone’s eco-friendly wishlist.
Whether you’re looking for a way to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles or just yearn for an endlessly customizable water bottle, making the switch can be daunting (there are LOTS of options!).
Read on as I break down the financial and environmental costs of reusable water bottles.
Contents
- Factors that Influence the Financial Cost of Reusable Water Bottles
- Factors that Influence the Environmental Cost of Reusable Water Bottles
- The Five Water Bottle Questions I’m Asked MostOften
- Other Frequently Asked Questions
- The Final Word
Factors that Influence the Financial Cost of Reusable Water Bottles
High-end reusable water can cost upwards of $50. Cheap and nasty ones can cost less than $15.
Like many things in life, you get what you pay for, and cheaper bottles can be a false economy in many ways.
Numerous factors determine the cost of your water bottle, including.
Materials
In my reusable water bottle materials article, I spoke about the six primary materials used to make water bottles.
The cost of the material used has a significant impact on the ticket price of the bottle.
The rough order from most expensive to less expensive is as follows:
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
- Glass
- Aluminum
- Silicone
- Plastic
Features
The more features your water bottle boasts, the more you can expect to pay for it.
Some of the more common features include the following:
- Insulation: High-end metal water bottle manufacturers use double (and sometimes triple) walled vacuum insulation. This is a popular feature that can usually keep cold drinks cold for around 24hrs and hot drinks hot for around 12 hrs.
- Personalization: Some water bottle manufacturers offer personalization options, such as laser-etched name engraving or custom wrapping with an image of your choice.
- Carry Loops: Some water bottles (especially those designed for hiking) have carry loops that can be attached to your sustainable backpack (usually with rope or a carabiner).
- Drinking Spouts: Drinking spouts or straws are included with some water bottles. These allow for easier drinking with less spillage when on the go. Useful when exercising (especially running).
- Color & Finish: A cheap plastic bottle often comes in limited colors (or clear). Pricier bottles will usually be available in more colors and patterns. Some will even have fancy outer coatings designed to make the bottle non-slip in your hands.
- Wide Mouths: Wide-mouth reusable bottles are helpful for people who like to add chunks of ice to their drinks.
- Filtration: Some bottles come with built-in filters, giving you access to filtered water on the go (even when you have to top up from a municipal supply).
- Silicone Sleeves: A glass water bottle often needs a silicone sleeve to protect it from breakages.
Bottle Volume & Shape
The larger and more complex-shaped the bottle, the higher the price.
Production Process
Not all reusable bottles are made the same…literally!
Some manufacturers use eco-friendly production processes (such as closed-loop systems and paying fair wages), which cost more (a cost that’s added to the ticket price of the water bottle).
Hydro Flask, for example, has developed its own unique insulation process. The significant research and development costs of this result in Hydro Flask being one of the more expensive brands.
Green Certifications
Eco-labeling and green certifications give you added peace of mind that the eco-claims made by the manufacturer are legitimate and they’re not trying greenwashing.
Factors that Influence the Environmental Cost of Reusable Water Bottles
Sustainability of Materials
Water bottles are made from a variety of materials that also have an impact on their recyclability.
For example, aluminum bottles are often recycled more easily than stainless steel. This is because aluminum takes less energy to process, making it more economically viable.
You can also often recycle plastic bottles easier than glass. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean s plastic water bottle is better for the environment overall (disposable plastic bottles that make their way to landfill can take over 100 years to break down and release chemicals into the earth, which can be harmful to wildlife).
Some reusable plastic bottles may also contain hormones that disrupt endocrine systems. The same goes for metal bottles that are lined with plastic layers.
Production Process
As mentioned earlier, some water bottle manufacturing processes are better for the environment than others.
Stainless steel water bottles require more energy and resources to make. However, they can last much longer and are much easier to keep clean.
The Five Water Bottle Questions I’m Asked MostOften
- How Much Is Spent Globally On Reusable Water Bottles?
- Which Bottle Material Is The Most Popular?
- Where In The World Do They Use The Most Reusable Water Bottles?
- How Much Plastic Waste Does A Reusable Water Bottle Save?
- How Much Money Can A Reusable Bottle Save Me?
You can find detailed answers to these questions (and many more) in Arabella’s fascinating reusable water bottle statistics article.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Water Bottle for Coffee?
Yes, many modern reusable bottles are designed to be used for both cold and hot liquids. Some even come with special drinking spouts and straws that allow you to enjoy your favorite hot beverages without burning yourself.
However, steer clear of plastic bottles with hot liquids. In my experience, vacuum-insulated stainless steel is the best for hot drinks.
Also, ensure you clean your water bottle thoroughly after using it to carry acidic and potentially staining drinks like coffee.
How Much Can I Save With Home-Brewed Coffee?
If you’re used to buying your daily coffee on the go, switching to making it yourself can save you quite a bit.
Spending five bucks a day, five days a week, adds up to $1,300 per year. A good quality insulated stainless steel bottle, and decent filter coffee will cost you significantly less.
Are BPA-Free Reusable Plastic Bottles Safe to Drink From?
Yes, most BPA-free plastic bottles are considered safe to drink from. However, I prefer the cleaner taste of glass or stainless steel.
How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?
According to Mayo Clinic, “The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
- About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
- About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women”
Can You Drink Too Much Water?
The same Mayo Clinic article mentioned above states, “Drinking too much water is rarely a problem for healthy, well-nourished adults. Athletes occasionally may drink too much water in an attempt to prevent dehydration during long or intense exercise. When you drink too much water, your kidneys can’t get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called hyponatremia and it can be life-threatening.”
The Final Word
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a reusable bottle.
From the type of material it’s made from to how easy it is to recycle, each bottle has its own unique benefits and drawbacks…all of which have an impact on financial and environmental costs.
Determining which is best for you, your lifestyle, and your budget can be challenging.
With so many options on the market, it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase.
Hopefully, this article has provided some valuable insights into what you should consider when buying your next bottle.
Get In Touch
Where do you stand on reusable water costs? Are you happy to use $1 plastic water bottles? Or do you splash the cash on the best in class? Drop me a line and let me know.
FAQs
How much do reusable water bottles cost? ›
High-end reusable water can cost upwards of $50. Cheap and nasty ones can cost less than $15. Like many things in life, you get what you pay for, and cheaper bottles can be a false economy in many ways. Numerous factors determine the cost of your water bottle, including.
How much does a water bottle cost? ›The Financial Cost of Bottled Water
On average, a 20-ounce bottle of water costs approximately $1.50. When translating this into gallons, water costs approximately $9.60 per gallon on average when consumed in bottled water form.
The production process. Crafting a high-quality water bottle is more intensive than you might think. At S'well, for example, creating the product, “includes both art and science, and involves a complicated manufacturing process with more than 70 steps,” said Sarah Kauss, CEO and founder of S'well.
Why does bottled water cost so much? ›Bottled water manufacturers must purchase the water, buy the plastic water bottles, and pay employees to get the water in those bottles. Then companies incur even more costs to transport those heavy plastic bottles filled with water to a store near you. Retailers then add a markup too.
Why you should buy a reusable water bottle? ›Reusable water bottles can minimize environmental pollution by taking less oil to produce. Consequently, they reduce carbon footprint and plastic burden on landfills, protecting marine life.
Why buy reusable water bottles? ›In addition to helping reduce plastic waste, reusable water bottles can also help reduce your carbon footprint. The production of disposable plastic bottles requires fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Is bottled water worth the cost Why or why not? ›Overall, both tap and bottled water are considered good ways to hydrate. However, tap water is generally a better option, as it's just as safe as bottled water but costs considerably less and has a much lower environmental impact.
How much do people spend on bottled water? ›Purchasing bottled water costs a family an average of $1,350 a year.
Which water bottles can be reused? ›Plastic bottles are not the only reusable containers available to consumers. Safer choices include bottles crafted from HDPE (plastic #2), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, or plastic #4), or polypropylene (PP, or plastic #5).
Are reusable water bottles cheaper? ›A Penn State University study found the average American can save $1,236/year if using a reusable water bottle instead of buying plastic.
How much does it cost to refill a 5 gallon water jug? ›
The typical price per 5 gallon water jug is about $7. Keep in mind, this cost can vary based on the type of water you're using.
Is it cheaper to buy 5 gallon water or water bottles? ›Lower upfront costs… but more money over time
If you choose a 5-gallon cooler, you'll likely pay a small upfront or monthly cost for the cooler. This small price can look appealing, but be careful! Over time, you'll end up paying much more for bottled water compared to a bottle-less water cooler.
A bottled water plant is profitable provided; there is a strategic business plan in place. The average profit margin ranges between 25-30% for small and medium-scale water plants. It can be as high as 60% for large bottle production and as low as 15% for small bottles.