I've long advocated using a SIGG bottle instead of plastic bottles. I really thought they were safer. I even convinced many people to switch to SIGG bottles. Sadly I was misled.

The reason for buying SIGG bottles is that they were supposed to be BPA free. For years, the company allowed this reputation to grow, doing nothing to stop it. A few weeks ago, the truth started coming out that SIGG bottles actually contain trace amounts of BPA - a chemical that can leach into the water.

There is a great article on Salon.com that explains the controversy and why you should get rid of your SIGG, especially, if it is more than a year old. Your bottle is not as safe as you think it is.

It pains me to say this, because I have long been a big supporter of SIGG bottles. I personally have SIGG bottles at home and at the office, because I really thought they were safer. The company betrayed my trust and I see no reason why I should believe them now.

And I'm not alone, as Greener Design eloquently explained earlier this month. Patagonia also ended its relationship with SIGG.

Going back to plastic bottles is not an option. Forget the environment, plastic bottles leach chemicals into the water. In other words, you end up consuming more than just water, and that's not good. In fact, it can mess with your immune system.

A better option seems to be Klean Kanteen. This is a stainless steel bottle that, from what we can tell, puts no chemicals in your body. I'll probably buy these for myself in the next day or two.

In the meantime, if you are insistent on keeping your SIGG, you can exchange at most REI and Whole Food stores this month.

-Charles
Publisher, NetSweat.com