On The Go

Food-grade stainless steel (18/8) is the most widely recommended material for reusable drink bottles. It contains no BPA or plasticisers, does not retain flavours or odours, and is highly durable. Double-wall insulated options keep water cold for up to 24 hours and hot drinks warm for up to 12 hours. EcoWarehouse stocks stainless steel bottles in a range of sizes.

Yes. The vast majority of NZ cafes accept customer-supplied reusable cups, and many offer a small discount for doing so. Standard NZ cafe sizes are 8oz (small), 12oz (medium), and 16oz (large). Check your cup capacity matches your usual order before purchasing.

A person who drinks one plastic water bottle per day saves approximately 365 bottles per year by switching to a reusable bottle. At the NZ average of around $3 per bottle, this is also a saving of over $1,000 per year. A reusable stainless steel bottle typically lasts 10 or more years.

Food-grade stainless steel (18/8) is the safest material for children's drink bottles. It contains no BPA or other plasticisers and does not leach under heat or cold. Avoid plastic bottles with scratched interiors. Stainless steel bottles are heavier but far more durable and safer than plastic equivalents.

Yes. Bamboo cutlery sets are lightweight, strong, and effective for everyday eating. Most sets include a fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks in a carrying pouch. They are hand-wash only — dishwashers cause cracking and warping over time. A bamboo cutlery set carried in a bag or desk drawer eliminates single-use plastic cutlery from takeaways and packed lunches.

The four most impactful items are: a reusable drink bottle, a reusable coffee cup, a set of reusable cutlery, and a reusable bag. Together these eliminate the plastic from every drink, coffee, meal, and shopping trip taken away from home. Add a reusable straw if you use straws regularly.