June 25, 2008
GREEN PRODUCT REVIEW
By Staff
The Green, Klean Kanteen
Just reading about the North Pacific Gyre and the massive plastic debris convergence twice the size of Texas is enough to give the die-hard consumer pause. The thought of solid waste that lingers for centuries is a haunting picture that can hold the imagination and prompt world citizens to seek individual actions that may cumulatively help to counter the threat. 
All over, consumers and companies alike are seeking solutions. Companies are coming up with new products and behavior changing suggestions that are meant to tackle everyday pollution and waste. Consumers expect extensive recycling efforts in their communities and participate willingly in efforts to cut down on solid waste by adopting "greener" practices. Shoppers now bring reusable totes to the grocery. The recycling of bottles, cans and paper is now standard in California communities. But, did you know that plastic is one item that does not recycle clean, and that its reuse can carry its own toxic threat?
Green systems experts agree that in tackling waste we need to 1) reuse, 2) recycle and 3) reduce. One harmful practice that flies in the face of this advice is the growing trend of packaging water in plastic. Sometime in the 90s consumers turned off the tap and started buying water in bottles, especially in plastic bottles, and the trend has continued. Now water is sold flavored, vitamin enriched, filtered, or still and when it it's gone, the plastic it came in goes 96% of the time to the dump. Enter, Klean Kanteen. Here is one manufacturer that is tackling plastic waste by providing a long lasting, reusable water bottle made from nontoxic materials.
Green systems experts agree that in tackling waste we need to: 1) reuse,
2) recycle and 3) reduce.
I purchased my Klean Kanteen from Toby's Feed Barn in Pt. Reyes Station. In fact, I purchased two, one for myself and one for my 15-year old, soccer playing teen. The canteen is made from stainless steel with an ABS hardened plastic lid. It is designed to have years of use. It is easy maintenance and is cleaned with warm soap and water. When it needs a deep cleaning it can be cleaned with a warm diluted white vinegar rinse. As our household is equipped with a reverse osmosis filtering system, I can fill the canteen from the tap and keep a stock of full ones on hand.
The Klean Kanteen comes in four sizes: 12,18, 27 or 40 oz. My 27 oz. canteen cost $24 at Toby's but can be ordered direct from the site for less. The site lists a price of $17.45 for one 27 oz. canteen and 2 for $32.90.
The canteen can also be customized with company or enterprise logo and branding. Handy accessories can also be purchased at the company website. One accessory, the "sling" helps make the canteen comfortably portable.
For more information or to purchase online from Klean Kanteen direct: KleanKanteen.com
Where to find it:
Local retail stores where the Klean Kanteen can be purchased:
Good Earth Fairfax, CA: 1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Pure Home Products Larkspur, CA: www.purehomeproducts.com
Planet Organic Market: planetorganic.ca
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