It’s a Maine Thing - Hezzy’s Sidewalk Talk

Be Green With Kleen Kanteen

Here at It’s a Maine Thing (at the Maine Grind in Ellsworth) we have recently come across a great water bottle that goes by the trade name of Klean Kanteen .

Originally we were attracted to these bottles for their stainless steel, streamline design with a sport lip and simply saw them as the perfect alternative to the ever-popular bottled water that we all reach for in beverage units when we are out and about. Our logic is that one could reduce their carbon footprint by using perfectly good tap water or other beverages from home when filling their Klean Kanteen by not creating additional waste and energy use as one does when purchasing bottled water. However, recent health concerns raised about Nalgene water bottles have given additional reasons to purchase Klean Kanteens. Recent scientific findings by the Canadian government have brought concern over BPA, or bisphenol-a, which is widely used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics such as the popular Nalgene water bottles. The chemical BPA been found by the Canadian government in their initial studies to cause a possible risk to one’s health. We certainly don’t want to sound like alarmists, but it is best to err on the better side of caution and consider the facts by making the Klean Kanteen your next water bottle.

Over the past 10 years outdoor enthusiasts have embraced the Nalgene bottle, and made it the trademark and symbol for healthy, outdoor lifestyle. Active outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking and workout regimens have been accomplished with the polycarbonate bottle at one’s side and many a thirst quenching moments have been fulfilled as a result of the trusty Nalgene water bottle. However, the recent studies by the Canadian Government, as well as studies in the US, have shown that leaching chemicals from the Nalgene bottles can affect the body in a negative way. This significant finding should be seriously considered by consumers who regularly purchase and use Nalgene bottles when beverages and food uses come into play.

The chemical in question is bisphenol-a, or BPA. A public announcement by the Canadian Government may come out as early as the end of April announcing a health finding against BPA which has been shown to disrupt the hormonal systems in animals. A recent draft report from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program has endorsed a scientific panel’s finding that there is concern about behavioral and neural changes in humans who consume BPA. The government funded studies have raised concern that such plastic can leach bisphenol A, an endocrine-disrupting chemical, into the bloodstream. Industry and skeptics have their own view which dismisses the studies, and points out that bisphenol-a is a relatively benign chemical that has little or no affects in regards to human health. The rigid, shatter-proof plastic is great for things like non-food storage containers, iPod cases and the like, but until government and scientific findings are conclusive, it is best to be cautious and seek another alternative for water and beverage bottles that do not leach.

Our favorite is the Klean Kanteen. These stainless steel, non-leaching water bottles with a sport drinking lid are available in 12, 18 or 27 ounce sizes and are dishwasher friendly. They can be purchased at the Maine Grind, in downtown Ellsworth or are available online through our web-site www.itsamainething.com. Whether you are purchasing them as an alternative to Nalgene bottles or as a smart way to cut back on bottled water, either way you will find the Klean Kanteen to be practical and sensibly priced. Pick up a few for your family and friends. Everything tastes good in these bottles, hot or cold!