The advantages of the gourd: between environment and health

• Ecologically and economically.

One of the gourd's advantages is its ecological credentials. At a time when 267 grams of CO2 are used to manufacture a one-liter bottle of water [1], and nearly 25 million plastic bottles are thrown away every day in France (only 49% of which are recycled), the gourd is an interesting ecological and economic alternative for preserving our natural resources. Depending on the material chosen, they can be reused from a few months to several years.

It's worth remembering that mineral water is around 120 times more expensive than tap water. Read our article on the subject.

• Promoting a healthier lifestyle for our children.

Opting for the gourd also means promoting a healthier lifestyle for our children. Indeed, as they grow up with an unprecedented concern for the environment, they will be the first to adopt the gourd.

They'll quickly get the reflex to take it with them. Whether at school, at home, in their bedroom or in the car, having their own water bottle will enable them to drink independently. They'll learn to drink when they want to, not just when they need to. This will keep them well hydrated throughout the day.

• Health.

From a sanitary point of view, the water bottle is an obvious choice. Having a water bottle close at hand makes it easier to meet our needs. Drinking when you feel like it, not just when you need to, ensures that you get enough to drink. It should be remembered that daily consumption should be between 1.5 and 2L of water per day. At present, only 54.5% of French people drink between 1 and 1.5 litres a day.

The benefits of water are well established. It maintains a good volume of oxygen in the blood, improves transit and regulates body temperature (particularly during menstruation).

Psychological benefits have also been reported. Sufficient consumption reduces anxiety and the risk of depression.

The benefits of water are also visible on our body's largest organ: the skin. The skin is more elastic and luminous.

The (small) disadvantages of the gourd: maintenance and transport

Of course, there are drawbacks to the gourd. But rest assured, they all have a solution !

• Initial cost.

With average prices ranging from 2 to 50 euros, the purchase price can sometimes seem high. But it's a long-term investment that will quickly pay for itself.

• Weight and dimensions.

The weight of a water bottle, generally between 200 and 800 grams empty, depending on its material and size (from 300ml to 1.5L), as well as the resulting dimensions, can be an obstacle to comfort and portability. In this case, you can opt for several water bottles. On a day-to-day basis, leaving one in the workplace for easy refilling and another in the car seems a good alternative. The material should be chosen accordingly: a plastic bottle will be lighter than a metal or glass one, although less durable over time. It's all a question of use and, above all, access to water.

• Fear of leakage.

A bad memory for many of us: water leaking into the bag. It's worth noting that water bottles have evolved over the last few years and, barring clumsiness on the part of the user, are now designed for daily use by everyone. The risk of leakage is virtually nil. Nevertheless, for the most adventurous among us, it is possible to opt for a water bottle with leak-proof features.

• Maintenance.

One area of concern is hygiene. Some water bottles leave a bad odor, others are more difficult to clean, but there are solutions and tips :

Every day : clean regularly with soap and water. Leave to air dry.

Regularly : deep cleaning.

• With bicarbonate of soda, which you leave overnight to remove all odours (handy when changing drinks in your flask).

• White vinegar to remove odours and limescale.

Occasionally : To make sure your water bottle is perfectly hygienic, or if you're traveling and can't clean every day, antibacterial cold-cleaning tablets are a great alternative. They can be found for just a few euros in chemists or sports stores.

Choosing the best water bottle for you

The only way to make the most of a water bottle is to find one that suits you and that you'll enjoy using. There are a number of criteria for choosing a water bottle :

• Material

Stainless steel :

Its “major” (but relative) drawback is its screw cap. Indeed, when handling the cap, you're more likely to reseal your bottle incorrectly. Just double-check between uses. As for its advantages, they are more numerous: stainless steel water bottles are often isothermal. This means you can keep your drink cold or hot for several hours. With no straw stopper, they're easier to clean and more durable than plastic.

Plastic :

Its major drawback is its durability. The plastic can also retain odors, and its straw cap is more difficult to clean. But it also offers many advantages: it's lighter, and the pretty colors/patterns on offer will appeal to children. Unbreakable, their capacities vary. Its price is an advantage, since it's the most affordable water bottle. Its little plus: it's dishwasher-safe.

Aluminium :

Its disadvantage is its lack of impact resistance. It is also less durable than a stainless steel or glass bottle. Its advantage, however, is its lightness.

The glass gourd :

Its main drawback is its fragility. Of course, it's not the bottle we'd recommend for a child. Its purchase price may also be an obstacle. But it's a price that directly justifies its biggest advantage: its durability. Extremely durable and easy to maintain, the glass bottle is a must-have.

• Capacity :

There are 3 types of water bottles:

o Small (300 to 500 ml)

o Medium (up to 1L)

o Large: 1L and over

• Cap :

There are different types of cap, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Screw cap :

It's found on stainless steel and aluminum water bottles. It's the most watertight cap, but also runs the risk of being badly resealed. It allows you to drink straight from the bottle.

Sport or flip-top cap :

It's the most convenient for one-handed drinking. But its cap is sometimes more difficult to clean.

Tilting lid :

Convenient for drinking with the lid open, but less watertight than a conventional screw cap.

Integrated straw stopper :

Indestructible for young children. The straw remains fun and makes the bottle even easier to access. The main risk is leakage.

• Isotherm or not:

When choosing a water bottle, it's important to consider whether it will be used for hot or cold drinking. It can be isothermal, to keep your drink cool or warm for long hours, regardless of outside temperatures.

The disadvantage of the isothermal water bottle is its weight. The gourd is slightly heavier, since the isothermal aspect is due to the double stainless steel vacuum wall.

Choosing the right water bottle :

When it comes down to it, choosing the right water bottle means answering a number of essential questions: are you or your children big drinkers? What will it be used for? Can you refill it? Can you carry it every day?

The gourd is a significant ecological advance. Its return to center stage is a quantum leap for the preservation of our natural resources. Its drawbacks are minor, and its popularity has made it a fashionable item. Gone are the leaky gourds of our grandparents. Today, it's a stylish, colorful or minimalist accessory in its own right.

At BubblesMapper, we advocate accessibility to hygiene and care for all. By downloading our application, you can find drinking water access points near you. So, whether you're looking for a water fountain or a public toilet, you can easily refill your water bottle and set off on new adventures.