Initially producing a number of quality aluminium household goods, water bottles has been the lone focus of SIGG since 1999. SIGG bottles are legendary for their striking, unique patterns and BPA free aluminium construction. A number of companies make claims to be environmentally responsible without ever contributing to programs to help protect the environment. SIGG, on the other hand, back up their claims to be at the cutting edge of environmentally friendly production by taking part in the 1% for The Planet program. As the name suggests, SIGG donates 1% of their worldwide sales to various environmental programs. By buying a SIGG water bottle, you’re not just buying a quality product, but you are also directly contributing to a better tomorrow.

SIGG recognises this danger, and as such all of their water bottles are 100% BPA-free. BPA, or bisphenol A, is a highly deadly chemical commonly found in conventional plastic water bottles. Plastic water bottles, when reused or heated, can leech BPA into the liquid within the bottle. Results obtained from official studies have suggested that BPA can cause irregular hormone levels and even neurological issues. Phthalates are also added to the compound which forms the plastic lining within a conventional bottle. These have been linked to allergies and even obesity. The long and short of it is you re better off playing it safe with a BPA free bottle.

SIGG aluminium bottles use a lining that SIGG has coined ‘EcoCare’. EcoCare’s technologically advanced construction ensures that it is not only leach proof, but also resistant to odours, acids and flavours. This ensures that no flavours or odours from previously consumed energy drinks, alcohol, fruit juice and soft drinks are left in the bottle the next time you use it. Try getting the same results from a regular plastic water bottle after leaving an energy drink in it overnight!

The bottles are made from a seamless piece of aluminium. This creates a product that is incredibly strong, durable and leak-proof. As such, SIGG is the preferred brand for many hikers and campers. The bottle tops (of which there are three varieties) are also leak proof and fit any aluminium SIGG bottle over 1,000 combinations are possible, so you can express yourself nicely with the bottle. SIGG likes to keep things fresh and each year they introduce over 100 new patterns. Whether you prefer bold prints, subtle prints or something a bit different, SIGG has a water bottle for every taste. Some of SIGG’s patterns are so unique and sort after that top fashion designers including Tommy Hilfiger and Kenneth Cole have even been known to design custom water bottles for auction. Of course, proceeds went to helping global warming. Not only does SIGG pride itself on producing a quality product, but on helping sustain the very resources used to create such fantastic water bottles.

Board game collectors take playing board games a little more seriously than other folks. It’s a fun diversion for collectors, to be sure, but it’s also a part of the collector’s identity. The care and feeding of a board game collection can take hours of effort and hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But for a truly dedicated board game collector, it’s worth the effort.

I know a board game collector who has a very specific niche he targets – vintage Scrabble games. He owns a 1955 edition of Scrabble. He also owns a 1948 edition. And he also has a beautiful, but newer, deluxe wooden edition that is so beautiful that I’d hesitate to even play it. Of all the board game collectors I know, he’s the one who is the most obsessive, but he also collects in one of the most narrow niches.

Lots of people have weird hobbies. Collecting board games is just one of them. But it’s a pretty interesting one.