I carry a 600ml bottle I bought Easter 2000 & using a 1.5litre one at work that is at least as old. Neither has ever been washed! The smaller bottle is no longer as clear as it was, so I might give it a wash in bleach & baking soda (or maybe not). Like other Mudcatters I hate wasting plastic by buying water (& I also resent paying for water!) Water is all I drink (apart from a very occasional fruit juice) so I can't comment on tea or alcohol in re-used plastic bottles. As far as I'm aware the Don't-reuse-plastic-bottles scare hasn't reached Aus.

I grew up in a world that included running about & falling over & playing in paddocks & creeks & getting germs & surviving. I assume that lots of you did the same. Maybe re-used plastic bottles are no good for young folks who have never seen a creek or mud & who live cocooned lives inside & are driven everywhere. Maybe the makers of plastic invented the rumour to sell more plastic - maybe the water sellers invented the rumour to sell more of their product.

sandra