My SIGG
September 24th, 2007 by ktula
I am trying reduce my environmental footprint on this planet by generating a lesser amount of non-biodegradable waste. One of the biggest amount of non-biodegradable waste that i have been generating is the PET(Polyethylene terephthalate)-based bottles for drinking water. In a typical week, i consumed at least 15 half-liter bottles of water, mostly while i am away from home on work-related trips. According to the Oakland-based Pacific Institute, the “process of making the plastic bottles for the water bottles consumed in the U.S. uses approximately 17 million barrels of oil per year. The manufacture of every ton of PET produces around 3 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). Bottling water thus created more than 2.5 million tons of CO2 in 2006.” Furthermore, even though the plastic bottles can be recycled (the plastic bottle cap is not recyclable though), most of these plastic bottles actually end up in landfills.
Another reason why i want to have my water bottle is because i want to stop patronizing the concession stores within the secured areas of airports. These concession stores have been making so much money off bottled water sales right after TSA initiated the fluid ban last year, it made me wonder if this is not a conspiracy.
So after visiting SIGG’s website that proudly stated the environmental benefits of its aluminum-based bottles, i promptly ordered one online from REI and picked it up from its flagship store in Seattle on Sunday. When i was packing my bags Sunday night for this morning’s trip to Providence, i realized that TSA may have problem with me carrying this past the security as part of my carry-on luggage. I wanted to make sure that the 3-1-1 rule does not apply to my bottle. According to the TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items list, the 3 ounces or smaller container limitation only applies to container with content (liquid, gels and aerosols). There is nothing on the list that prohibits empty container from being in carry-on bags. That said, i have read occasions where travelers’ empty containers were confiscated.
As i was going through the Sea-Tac airport security, i unscrewed the cap and placed the empty bottle on the plastic bin, along with my shoes and jacket. To my relief, it went through without any incident 
I am pretty sure i would not have been a very happy man to have my brand new SIGG left at the TSA security. With that worry being lifted, i was faced with another problem. Where could i fill my bottle with drinking water? There is a drinking fountain at the South Terminal but the water there tasted just like unfiltered tap water at home, the unmistakable taste of chlorinated water. So guess what i did? I ended buying a bottle of Dasani distilled water and emptied it into my SIGG bottle!
I really have to get used to the taste of chlorinated water or find a way to bring some kind of portable water filter…
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