Our bottle's are lined with a food grade epoxy resin liner that has been tested by the FDA and no traceable amounts of BPA were found when submitted to a high heat test (3 days at 194 degrees Fahrenheit). The following standards have been taken with our bottles.

SAFETY STANDARDS

WATER BOTTLE LINER: Meets the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 175.300, Requirements for Toxic Elements in Foodware; Tested for Bisphenol-A (BPA) Content: Not Detected with Reference to EPA 3550C Method

WATER BOTTLE CAP and GASKET: Tested for Bisphenol-A (BPA) Content: Not Detected with Reference to EPA 3550C Method

WATER BOTTLE EXTERIOR PAINT: Meets the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) 16 CFR 1303, Ban of Lead-Containing Paint

If you do not want to have to worry about Liner issues. I would recommend one of our Stainless Steel bottles which do not require a lining. You can certainly exchange your current aluminum bottle for one of the stainless steels. All of our water bottles (aluminum and stainless steel) are made in China.

Gaiam was founded on the basis of a commitment to individual wellness and the wellness of the planet. In that role we have been a pioneer in a number of areas. We were one of the first companies to make mainstream organic cotton and we are currently one of the largest installation companies of residential solar panels.

As we have grown, so has our realm of suppliers. Currently we source products from all over the world – counties as modern as the US (our 2nd largest source of products) and Italy to emerging nations such as China, Mexico and India. It is commonly known that emerging markets, such as China, often lack the formal environmental standards and audit procedures that mature nations have. We had a choice as to not participating in those markets, or participating with higher standards. In the second role, we feel that we can be a leader in change. When we look to source a product, we ask the factories about their social and environmental standards, and we reward those committed to higher standards with our business. We believe (and have seen) that if we reward manufacturers that produce products in an environmentally and socially sensitive manner, that we are contributing to a positive change in the culture and dynamics of those foreign markets in similar ways that we are able to change consumer shopping here in the US. We continue to monitor our sources and to raise the bar on their social and environmental standards. While we realize we are not perfect, we are continuing to make strides and are committed to effecting positive change in all parts of this planet that we touch.

Gaiam’s Quality Assurance Processes

Before a Gaiam Product is approved for Manufacturing:
– Factory agrees to meet the following standards
• Toxics in Packaging (State Legislation)
• California Proposition 65 (Chemicals)
• FDA (toxic elements in food)
• Fair Packaging and Labeling Act
• Federal Hazardous Substances Act
• Gaiam Test Standards
– Quality Standards established
– Testing variables include:
• Water Bottles: FDA (Lead, BPA, Phthalates)
• Balance Balls: Anti-Burst Test to 350 lbs; Load Test 1600 lbs for 5 minutes
• Mats: Tackiness, Thickness, Tear Strength
• Resistance Cords: Handle Strength, Elongation, Stretch & Recovery, Aging Test
• Yoga Towels: Color fastness, Shrinkage, Appearance
– Certain Categories have rigorous testing with each Shipment:
– Water Bottles: FDA standards; lead content standard

Manufacturer Code of Conduct Overview:
– Contains the principles which form the basis of Gaiam’s Social Accountability Program:
• Voluntary Employment
• Freedom of Association
• Fair & Equal Treatment
• No Child Labor
• Reasonable working hours & overtime
• Fair Compensation
• Health & Safety in the workplace

Our standards are equal to Patagonia & Timberland as well as Target’s Global Compliance requirements.

Social Audit Process:
• Audits performed by STR-Responsible Sourcing
• Set the industry benchmark for corporate social responsibility
• Developed monitoring programs for 60 major brands & retailers and over 600 manufacturers
– All key Factories notified of potential of audit
– 2008 - 9 Factories being audited in
– 2009 - 3 Factories to be audited in Q1
– Initial 5 factories represent 2007 Top Volume vendors

Factory Social Audit:
– Employee Documentation
• contracts, employee files, proof of age, benefits
– Facility Policy & Procedures
• business licenses, wage policies, grievance policy, government certificates
– Payroll Documents
• time & payroll records review up to one year, production records, government waivers for work hours
– Environmental Health & Safety
• safety equipment, training, evacuation plan, first aid
– Environmental
• air emissions permits, analysis of drinking water, emission monitoring records
– Health & Safety
• accident reports, chemical inventory, MSDS, hazard assessments, protective equipment, industrial safety monitoring

You can use Ice Tea in there as long as you aren't pouring boiling water into the bottle or sticking it in the freezer. Ice is fine.

No, this bottle is not large enough at the top to fit ice cubes.

Thank you for your question.
Each aluminum water bottle production lot is tested according to the FDA requirements.. The interior of the water bottle is spray coated with the resin lining material to prevent leaching of aluminum into the water.

Yes, the bottle is safe to use as long as the interior lining has not been damaged.

Thank you for your question. These water bottles are made for Gaiam, and are tested to meet the Federal Hazardous Substances Act ban of lead-containing paint.

Thank you for your question. The aluminum water bottle is lined with an epoxy resin, so there is no risk of aluminum leaching into the water.