1. SIGG has spent years touting themselves as eco-friendly company who carries products that are free from potential toxins.
2. Consumers LOVED them.
3. Come to find out that SIGG bottles had BPA all along. Maybe BPA is toxic, maybe BPA is not all that bad. Maybe the bottles leech these toxins, maybe not. These are much longer questions that need a ton more research. Maybe questions aside, consumers deserve to know what exactly they’re buying.
4. SIGG wrote a letter explaining all about it and their wording made it seem like “Oops, but no big worry!”
5. Then they decided to blame a third party. Lordy.

Of course throughout all this the blogosphere, other media, and consumers revolted – no one like being misled. Everyone and their dog are suggesting dumping SIGG for another, more reliable company. Patagonia ended their relationship with SIGG, and other companies are likely going to follow suit. Well, not everyone is mad at SIGG but a ton of people are very angry with them and their first lackadaisical ’sorry’ letter didn’t help ease the issue.

The new SIGG letter to consumers:

Now in response to all of the above, SIGG’s CEO Steve Wasik has released a second letter to consumers along with a longer letter at the Huffington Post, that’s actually more along the lines of what we should have seen in the first place. Wasik writes…

“After reading and responding to hundreds of emails and viewing nearly as many blog & Twitter posts, I realize that my first letter may have missed the mark. What I should have said simply and loudly to all of our loyal SIGG fans is: I am sorry that we did not make our communications on the original SIGG liner more clear from the very beginning.”

I think an apology is what people should have received all along. Wasik all adds that the voluntary Exchange Program will be in place until October 31, 2009 to ensure that customers have ample time to send their former liner bottles back to us should they choose to do so. He ends by saying…

“Once again, I truly apologize for the lack of clarity in our previous communications. All of us at SIGG hope that we will have an opportunity to regain your confidence and trust.”

What I think:

Actually, I’ve always owned a Klean Kanteen, so personally I’m not affected. In a non-personal way, I’ve been just as upset as everyone else because friends of mine were misled, consumers were misled, and it’s freaking hard enough to deal with greenwashing as a green blogger without also having to second guess which reputable and long standing companies are greenwashing.

So I’m not all that on board with SIGG at this point. However, on the flip side, it’s a very good deal that they came out and finally said “sorry” – I do like that. Because of that I’m inclined to say that there are a couple of good points still about SIGG. One, they do offer reusable water bottles over plastic disposable bottles – thus stopping some of the plastic waste that ends up in landfills and stopping some plastic production. Secondly, according to them, their new liners are BPA free, so that’s a step up. Thirdly, they do support some eco-causes like 1% for the Planet and other eco-minded non-profits. If it’s between SIGG and disposable plastic water bottles I’ll suggest SIGG every time.

I think it’ll take more than one “I’m sorry” letter to win back the public and consumers, but I’m glad to see that SIGG took that step finally.

What do you think?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

• Way to go with the BPA SIGG!
• Giving up on SIGG – which bottle to choose

Now I thought I’d update.

I didn’t email them because I never owned a SIGG. However as noted previously, my ex Tree Hugging Family co-blogger Peggy did have a SIGG and was pretty mad when this SIGG story broke. She did email them and got a lovely form letter back which places the blame not on SIGG but on some “third party” character. Nice. Sifting the blame is always smart. Lordy.

In any case, Peggy also notes that in order to get a new BPA free SIGG Water Bottle the company wants you to send your old bottle back. You can’t just send a receipt. You have to send the whole darn bottle back then they’ll send you a new one back, which is a killer way to create lots of extra emissions.

Peggy makes some other excellent points in her post at Light Green Stairs about why you might not want to even deal with this company anymore. Go read her post!

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

The Love Bottle is a reusable glass water bottle made with partially recycled glass and a ceramic swing top lid that creates a water-tight seal, although you can get a non-toxic silicone lid as well. Basics about the bottle include:

• The bottles have a cute shape and fun designs BUT they’re not too flashy, which I like.
• You can dress it up with stickers or write and draw on printed areas of the bottle.
• The bottle comes in 500 ml and 1000 ml sizes. It’s noted that the smaller size fits most car water holders.
• They offer a nice reusable non-toxic silicone funnel, which is a great idea for limiting water waste.
• Made in China (not great) but the company claims that they’re made responsibly, although I don’t think they’re a member of a Fair Trade group. They also state that their current goal is to move production to the U.S.
• You can design your own.

Obviously there are huge eco-benefits to glass water bottles. They won’t leech anything into your water, they won’t taint the taste, and they’re recyclable. Downsides – glass is heavy, breakable, sweats, and not a good natural insulator like stainless steel water bottles.

To keep your water cold, Love Bottle offers neoprene bottle carriers in pink or black for both sizes with drawstring closure and adjustable strap. BUT keep in mind that neoprene is not an eco-friendly product. I’d skip this water bottle carrier and go with a greener option like…

• NeoGreene Insulated Bottle Tote
• Hemp water bottle sling
• Earthlust Insulated Hemp Water Bottle Holder

Overall, this is one nice alternative if you’re looking for a glass water bottle. What do you think? Would you use a glass water bottle instead of plastic or stainless steel?

Visit Love Bottle to learn more.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Peggy’s SIGG Bottle Above – not so BPA free

That said there have been some developments over the past couple of days regarding SIGG and the safety of their bottles. Since we did post a review here, I felt like we should update you all on the situation. SIGG’s CEO Steve Wasik just announced that “SIGG bottles manufactured prior to August 2008 have the former water-based epoxy liner which contains trace amounts of BPA.” He goes on to say, “These bottles have been thoroughly tested and showed 0% leaching of BPA.”

But the leeching really isn’t the point is it? If you think you’re getting a BPA free product, you should, in fact get a BPA free product – no? Our old pal Peggy already posted her thoughts about this at her green blog Light Green Stairs and she points out some important things about why it matters that he’s even noting that there is BPA in the old liners.

Peggy writes:

Today, I feel very betrayed. In my Tree Hugging Family post, I defended SIGG’s decision to not disclose the ingredients of their liner since it was a proprietary secret. I also linked to a letter that was posted on mysigg.com, written by the President on March 12, 2007 in which he said:

I can assure you that SIGG bottles are absolutely not made with a plastic liner and are in fact lined with a proprietary non-toxic, water-based resin which has been refined over decades of study and is extremely safe & stable.

And he continued to state:

As you may know, the BPA issues surrounding Lexan plastic bottles (polycarbonate #7) involve the migration of chemicals from the plastic into the contents of the bottles. On the other hand, SIGG bottles have been thoroughly tested in Europe to ensure 0% leaching of any substance – no trace of BPA, BPB or any phthalates.

These are direct quotes from Steve Wasik, President SIGG USA.

AND BACK TO ME:

I’m a little miffed with SIGG and here’s why. One, although in that letter Peggy points to (the one back from 2007) Steve says that there’s no BPA in their liners, he writes in this new letter (from August 2009) that one BPA is just not all that bad going so far as to cite sources that note the safety of BPA and then goes on to say…

Despite the fact that these bottles (their old SIGG bottles) were manufactured well within strict international regulations and posed no health risk, my team and I initiated a project in June 2006 to develop a new liner which would be both BPA free and produced in a more environmentally friendly manner. We recognized early that there were questions surrounding BPA and we wanted to be sure that we had a bottle liner that you, our customers, could have absolute confidence in.

SO here’s the deal. He claims that the old SIGG bottles are BPA free, yet I’m somehow doubting that this came as a big old surprise to the company. They note that since 2006 they’ve been working on a new liner that would be BPA free. Why work on finding a BPA free solution if you already have one? You wouldn’t right? This is misleading consumers in a big way.

Peggy also notes:

“SIGG will have to go a very long way to win back the support of the green community. As part of making this right, I believe that SIGG should offer all consumers who purchased a SIGG prior to August 2008 (within reason) a free replacement bottle – IF they even want it. Contact SIGG.”

I agree. I think SIGG who did lie, owes consumers new bottles. People buy SIGG in order to have a healthy water bottle and the fact that BPA was present at all (leeching or not) is just pure lameness in my opinion.

AND if that’s not lame enough on its own Peggy also points out a fact I was not aware of, that SIGG challenged groups (like Organic Consumers Association) who accused their bottles of containing BPA, and even accepted an apology. It’s bad enough that consumers have to work so hard just to decipher the real green good from the greenwashed goods. Now we have to second guess what even trusted green brands say? Not cool. Read more about what’s so wrong with BPA.

Read Peggy’s entire post on this subject: SIGG Bottles Had BPA Before August 2008.

What do you think? Do you have an older SIGG, do you care that the company lied to you? AND do you think they owe consumers new bottles?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Is it possible to swoon over a water bottle? Um YES. Is it necessary? That’s up for debate. Probably not, but if you’re looking, or just want to indulge in a second water bottle, here are some that beat out the plain old silver toned fare. Oh, and just so I don’t have to repeat myself, all the bottles I’ve brought here are recyclable and eco-friendly.

Green Bird Water Bottle

ANY bottle, and I do mean ANY bottle from Earth Lust. We could talk all day about their designs. Many sizes too.

A little Sigg water bottle treat – SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Pottery Barn Butterfly Bottle

Purple Rainbow or Stainless Swirl Filtered from EcoUsable AND yes, I know the second one is a stainless steel bottle, which I said we were avoiding, but come on, it’s all pretty with swirls!

Red Koi Fish, Earth Meets Sky, and Tree of Life; all are Gaiam bottles from Tennis Company.

Which bottles do you like?

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

There’s still much to discuss, but since it’s July 15, let’s take a look at our posts so far.

Conserving in the Kitchen & Bath

One Small Step: Scrape Instead of Rinse

Dishwashers Use Less Water

Do you really need a water filter?

No Runny While Soapy

Easy Toilet Leak Test

Water Awareness

Water for People

What’s Important About 350?

Your Water Footprint

What’s Your Yearly Water Bill?

Reusable Water Bottle Reviews

Green Product Review: SIGG Water Bottle

Green Product Review: Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

Other Water-related Posts

Saving Water Outside

Proper Disposal of Oil

Water Water Everywhere

Green Review: Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets

Please check out our water conservation poll in the sidebar if you haven’t yet.

Image via flickr.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in July 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

I take my SIGG bottle everywhere — walking, shopping, driving, visiting. If I’m outside my house, I usually have it. SIGGs are unique. Some people ask me, “What is that?”

SIGG bottles are so popular right now, they’re scarce online.

According to mySIGG.com:

Due to the incredible demand for SIGG bottles, we are forced to close down the MySIGG shop. We are also unable to supply any other Internet business for Sigg Brand. Our Swiss factory is working around the clock to produce and ship more bottles to us, but the demand has currently and for the near future – exceeded the supply.

So, of course I feel a little guilty getting you all excited over a bottle you may not be able to purchase online right now. However, you may still be able to track down a SIGG in stores. Also, this shortage won’t last forever.

Why are SIGG bottles so popular, and why do I dig mine?

• For one, these folks have been making SIGGs for almost 100 years! They know that they’re doing, plus the bottles have been tested in both the US and Europe to ensure zero leaching. There was some incorrect info floating around about SIGG, but that has since been corrected. Read the letter about this from the SIGG USA President.

• Lightweight

• No weird taste in your water. I’ve only used mine for water, but I’d assume the same is true for other beverages. I got rid of my plastic Rubbermaid water bottles, and I’ve noticed a big taste difference. Water tastes like water again!

• Highly durable. You’ll only need to replace the cap on occasion since the seal will get worn. The bottle itself is very tough. No dents in mine yet either.

• Safe paint. Not involved in any recalls.

• The bottle (excluding cap) is made of a solid piece of aluminum, no plastic to leach and no leaks can possibly occur while you’re sipping. I used to have a problem with water trickling down the side of my plastic Rubbermaid bottle when I took a drink.

• Even though the mouth isn’t as wide as Klean Kanteen, you can still squeeze ice cubes in.

• Fun designs, or go plain

• No leaking problems. I feel comfortable tossing my bottle inside my reusable bags. That makes carrying everything upstairs easier.

• If you outlive your SIGG, the bottle is 100% recyclable. I’m not being morbid. I just don’t see this bottle wearing out.

The most common question about SIGG:

What’s that liner made of? The bottle itself is made of aluminum, but you’re not actually drinking from aluminum. A liner has been baked inside the bottle. The liner will not crack, and it’s water-based and non-toxic. It’s FDA approved and independently tested to ensure zero leaching. It’s also scent and taste resistant. But sorry, the actual ingredients used to make the liner is a trade secret. SIGG is mum about it.

But SIGG isn’t perfect:

• Jennifer mentioned that her Klean Kanteen keeps beverages cold. That isn’t the case with SIGG. I pour in cold, filtered tap water from my Brita filter that’s kept in the refrigerator. If I’m inside, the water will be room temp within about 15 minutes. If I’m outside, the water can get warm quickly. If I leave my SIGG in the car on a warm day, the water gets so warm it’s almost undrinkable.

• You need to wash it by hand. SIGG says that washing in the dishwasher won’t be effective since the mouth isn’t wide enough for water to get inside. Plus, the dishwasher may cause the paint to fade. SIGG sells some special brushes that help you reach inside your bottle to clean it carefully. I haven’t had a problem keeping mine clean.

• It takes about five turns to unscrew the cap. Likewise, you’ll have to turn it about five times to screw it back in. This only bothers me if I’m really thirsty. You can always try out the active top instead. I like the screw top because I can loop it through my finger and carry it like that when walking.

Even though the insulation issue is annoying, I’m not going to part with my SIGG. I might try an insulated sleeve for the summers if I can find a good one. At around $19 for a regular-sized SIGG or $16 for kids, the SIGG bottle may seem expensive, but they’re a very worthwhile and durable investment. Plus, if they help you stop buying bottled water, you’ll actually save money within a few weeks.

So, four of five trees for SIGG! If they can shorten the number of turns involved to open the screw cap and throw in free insulated sleeves, then they’d get five trees from me.

First image by me. That’s my SIGG! Kid bottle image via reusablebags.com

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in July 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

First though, if you missed Jennifer’s overview of SIGG bottles late last year, Custom SIGG Bottles, then give it a quick whirl.

There’s so much to cover on water bottles, I already feel like my upcoming review is a novella. So, reading Jennifer’s previous post first may help give you a good background.

Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek at the water bottle I chose! Not telling which one…

Image: Gorilla SIGG water bottle with screw top from REI.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in July 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

This month, we’ll discuss water savings in the bathroom, kitchen, lawn and anyplace there’s water. Some topics include gray water, rain barrels, rock gardens, low-flow shower heads, leak checking, water bottles and more. I think we might even talk about composting toilets!

Since summer is a lazy month of trying to keep cool, we’re giving you a break from a green challenge. Yet, we want you to chime in and tell us about your water conservation efforts. You’ll have plenty of chances to do that in comments, but we also have a new poll in the sidebar: What measures do you take to conserve water?

Jennifer and I really appreciate the avid reader poll participation these last two months. It’s fun to check in on the results. As always, feel free to add your own answer if you don’t see the one that applies to you. And remember, the poll is anonymous.

Is there a special water savings issue you’d like to read about this month?

Image via flickr.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family