A close up of a dark background with a bottle of water being poured into a glass. Overlaid is the title - Going BPA Free

What Is BPA?

The chemical BPA (bisphenol A) has been around since the 60s in the production of various epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. Both of these are common in the food industry, where resins generally line the inside of some metal products, like food cans, and BPA is often used packaging, containers, plastic mugs and plates, and drinks bottles.

What Are The Dangers of BPA?

Research is ongoing as to the degree of risk from BPA, which the FDA says is safe at low levels. However, it’s been shown that the chemical can make its way into drinks and foods from their containers, bottles or packages.

A close up of a dark background with a bottle of water being poured into a glass.

Quite shockingly, BPA traces can be found in the urine of most adults because it’s such a prevalent chemical that’s been used for so many years.

BPA exposure has been linked to various health issues, but the true extent and implications are not yet fully known. The more you use products with BPA, the more you are potentially being exposed to and the greater the risk. I don’t think it’s been shown yet that the levels of toxicity are too dangerous from occasional and safe use of products with BPA, but things like drinking from a plastic water bottle when it gets hot or regularly refilling it that are riskier and yet can be fairly easily avoided. Actually, it’s when these things happen that you can actually notice a nasty smell and taste to the plastic, which will make you think twice about how fresh and safe it is.

While the science behind the effects of BPA is still sketchy, there is the belief it can affect hormones and the endocrine system, and that it can be a contributory factor to various illnesses, cancers, birth defects and heart disease.

For those of us with invisible/chronic illnesses, reducing or removing BPA to whatever degree possible is something that’s fairly easily to do to help our health.

Reducing The Risk With BPA

  • Instead of plastic containers and bottles, try to seek alternatives like stainless steel and glass.
  • Avoid putting polycarbonate plastics in the microwave or dishwasher.
  • Check labelling on products on opt for those that are BPA free for their tins/containers.
  • Invest in BPA free reusable water bottles, which would also coincide with eco-friendly initiatives to reduce disposable plastics.

Products

You can find various contains, dishes and bottles that are BPA-free. For instance :

BPA-free containers on Amazon UK   /   Amazon US 

BPA-free bottles on Amazon UK  /     Amazon US 

Getting A Suitable Bottle

The range of different colours of Super Sparrow water bottles lined up.

When looking for a reusable water bottle, check that it’s BPA-free, but also leak and spill-proof. Think about when and where you want to use it so the size suits you (500ml, for instance, would be the average water bottle size). Some brands will include a warranty, which is useful if you’re investing in a pricier bottle. 

I now use a non-toxic, BPA-free bottle I found on Amazon – the Super Sparrow bottle made from Tritan Co-Polyester Plastic – which I’d recommend to anyone looking to make a worthwhile investment in a decent bottle. My post is not sponsored by this brand by the way, I just wanted to share what I’ve found to be a worthwhile purchase as previous bottles I’ve had were quite disappointing. This one has a handy flip lid with optional lock to ensure it doesn’t pop up when being carried, and a detachable carry strap. There are a variety of colours in different sizes to suit your own preferences. I didn’t want an infuser to take up space in the bottle, but I can happily fit a lemon slide or two in there when I want a fruity perk to the water.

A photo of my purple SuperSparrow water bottle.

It looks fab with a “special reflective frosted casing that reacts uniquely to your environment”and the water tastes deliciously fresh, better I think than straight from a glass, strangely enough. I love it.  The spout is easy to use with a fast flow, and the lid is spill and leak-proof. I use the 500ml bottle which I think is the perfect size for me to take out with me in the car or my bag, and use at home. There’s also a 30 day money back guarantee and 12 month warranty for peace of mind.

Super Sparrow bottle in various colours and sizes (250ml, 500ml & 1000ml)  :

Amazon UK  &  Amazon US

Have you tried cutting down the use of BPA in tins and plastics? I’d love to hear if you have and what alternatives you’ve found! 

Caz   ♥

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26 comments

Elaine May 29, 2018 - 4:45 pm

Thanks for all that information, I’ve just ordered one of those bottles ????????????

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 2:56 pm

Aw that’s fab! Looks like we’re both on the way to going BPA-free 😉 I’ve found the brand’s customer service really helpful too, so just drop them a message if you have any problems whatsoever with it or the delivery etc. I hope you like it and find the water tastes as good as I find it does! 🙂

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George Rector May 29, 2018 - 5:56 pm

My bottle is a Thermos but looks just like yours. I’ve had it for years, and it washes clean. It was a good investment. It came from Publix in Florida.

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 2:54 pm

Thermos are usually a very reliable, good quality brand so I’d be interested in seeing what BPA-free styles they do. Glad you’ve found it to be a good investment – thanks for sharing! 🙂

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Christy May 29, 2018 - 6:02 pm

I definitely try to avoid BPA at all costs! I go by a rule of thumb that I read somewhere, which is that if you can smell that “plasticky” smell… it’s probably not good. I personally love the LifeFactory glass bottles. They are (obviously) somewhat breakable but I love how they don’t affect the taste of my water at all https://amzn.to/2L6ZbBz

I also use a ceramic kettle to boil water– I bought the Bella one a year and a half ago and it still works pretty well https://amzn.to/2LHE1uQ I love it because there are no plastic parts at all– most glass kettles seem to still have plastic lids, which pretty much defeats the purpose to me.

Thank you for this post! It’s a good thing to get the word out about!

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 2:51 pm

I haven’t come across those glass bottles so thanks for sharing! The Kettle sounds like a good idea too; I use stainless steel but you still get issues with limescale etc. Glad to hear you’re getting this stuff out of your lifestyle where you can, too – every little helps. Thanks for the fab comment! x

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Alyssa May 29, 2018 - 6:49 pm

Thank you so much for sharing this excellent information! I am going to have to order onr of these bottles. I have to wait until payday, but have to be sure I can afford it after those evil bolls are paid. Goodness I can’t wait until we have another income in my household, husband hasn’t worked in a while!

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 2:58 pm

Finances are a sore point for me so I can empathise a bit there, but obviously it must be such a strain to have your house and more than one person to support. I really hope things can turn around for you and your husband soon with the income situation.. xx

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Terri, Reclaiming HOPE May 29, 2018 - 9:20 pm

Great information Caz! I stopped heating food in plastic containers years ago. Even though the science is still a little scarce, I figure better safe than sorry!

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 3:42 am

You’re right, I think that if it can be avoided or minimised, such as not heating in plastic containers or reusing BPA bottles etc, then it’s better to err on the side of caution. Thanks for sharing Terri! 🙂

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The Lonely Author May 29, 2018 - 11:06 pm

Very informative post. Thanks for sharing.

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 3:41 am

I’m happy you found it informative – hope it can help when it comes to avoiding or minimising the effects of BPA and plastics 🙂

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Nisha May 30, 2018 - 1:48 am

This is a very informative post and was interesting to read!

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 3:40 am

I’m glad you found it interesting & hopefully it can help a little as BPA isn’t something too many (myself included until more recently) know much about. x

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Comedy Plus May 30, 2018 - 4:56 pm

Thanks for the information. I didn’t know this.

Have a fabulous day. ♥

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InvisiblyMe June 1, 2018 - 3:39 am

I didn’t know much about it until more recently either, so I’m glad I could share something new. Thanks for stopping by – Happy Friday! 🙂

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George June 6, 2018 - 6:11 am

I’m trying to cut down on BPA, and plastic use in general at the moment but it’s so hard. Until you start looking you don’t realise how much of it is about. Was interested in reading how it affects the endocrine system and hormones though as I have PCOS so always looking to minimise environmental effects on that.

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InvisiblyMe June 6, 2018 - 3:37 pm

I think that’s very true about not really realising until you’re more aware of it. Glad you’re trying to cut down on plastics and BPA (that’s the main thing for health, it seems); every little helps. Thanks for the comment! 🙂

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Richa June 6, 2018 - 1:15 pm

Wow, informative! Thanks for sharing!❤

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InvisiblyMe June 6, 2018 - 3:49 pm

Glad you found it useful, Richa! Thanks for stopping by – have a great week =]

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InvisiblyMe June 10, 2018 - 5:53 pm

Glad you liked it & I’ve seen your post about the nomination, Wendi – thank you so much, and congrats on your award! 🙂

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Tracy July 17, 2018 - 9:42 am

Cool bottles. Thank you for useful information

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Katie August 4, 2018 - 12:43 pm

Hi Caz, SO happy I stumbled across your site! Really enjoyed reading all your super helpful posts 🙂 I’m just off to download a money tracker app and buy a BPA free bottle 😉 Will be back very soon!

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InvisiblyMe August 4, 2018 - 3:13 pm

I’m glad you like the posts! Just been checking out your blog too, touring sounds exciting! The BPA-free bottle is fab, I couldn’t be without mine now and water tastes better so it’s a good investment. Have a lovely weekend 🙂

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kate April 26, 2019 - 7:59 am

Great post! I wish I could go 100% BPA-free! It’s incredibly toxic chemical that destroys the environment and messes with hormonal balance (I may know something about that) Thank you for sharing awareness! ????

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InvisiblyMe April 26, 2019 - 1:48 pm

It’s good there’s more awareness now about BPA & what it does, so that should mean increasingly BPA-free products & more choices so we can avoid it. I think every little helps, so just cutting some of it out, like with BPA-free water bottles & food containers, is a brilliant start. Thanks for the read & comment, Kate! 🙂

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