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Billions of plastic water bottles pollute our oceans yearly and expose us to hundreds of chemicals. Here are alternatives to quench your thirst.
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You might want to ditch plastic water bottles in an attempt to minimize your exposure to microplastics. It could be an environmental decision. Or, it could be a growing frustration with the rising cost of water bottles in general. Does water really need to cost $6 at the airport? Whatever your reason, once you do it, you’ll reap the health, environmental, and economic benefits of ditching single-use plastic.
Since the dawn of the plastic water bottle, some forty years ago, its blossomed to Americans using an estimated 127 billion yearly. Perhaps, part of this is due to the fact that they’re found virtually everywhere, making them incredibly convenient. But, as convenient as they are to buy, it’s not so convenient when it comes to reusing or recycling them. This is why 70% of the bottles we buy end up as trash in landfills or polluting our oceans and beaches.
Considering that most people in the U.S have access to safe tap water, there is a better way to stay hydrated that doesn’t involve polluting our planet. Plastic water bottles might be a convenient short-term solution. On the other hand, reusable water bottles are a zero-waste solution that allows you to hydrate when needed, and are good for your health and your purse.
The Problem With Single-Use Bottles
Hydro Flask 24oz Standard Mouth Bottle is a stainless steel water bottle that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours. $40
Pick your poison. From exposing you to 150 different chemicals to polluting natural resources, there are a host of problems when it comes to the overconsumption of plastic water bottles. Here are several standout facts that will have you rethink buying single-use bottles.
Fossil Fuels
Every plastic water bottle has a long journey, starting deep underground. It begins with extracting petroleum, a raw non-renewable resource, then moves to energy-intensive manufacturing facilities to be shaped and filled. More fuel is burned to truck these bottles to stores.
All in all it’s estimated that producing plastic bottled water to quench America’s thirst uses 17 million barrels of oil yearly. And, its carbon footprint is 300 to 1,000 times higher than that of local tap water.
Waste Pollution
Plastic pollution is a global crisis. Reports show millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans yearly, which is causing lasting damage to delicate ecosystems. Here are several facts relating to this pollution.
- From 1997 to 2021, U.S plastic water consumption grew by 3,000% to 3 billion bottles yearly.
- Americans throw out 60 million plastic water bottles daily.
- A plastic bottle is estimated to take 450 years to decompose.
- 80% of plastic water bottles end up in landfills
- More than 1500 marine species ingest plastic.
Chemical Exposure
Most plastic water bottles are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic. To date, more than 1600 chemicals have been detected in plastic, with 150 known to leach from PET plastic water bottles. Several of these include heavy metals like antimony and lead, carcinogens like phthalates, and hormone-disruptors like bisphenol A (BPA).
Water Waste
Ironically, making bottled water wastes one of earth’s most precious resources- water. Huge amounts of water are used in the bottling process itself, 10 times the amount the bottle will eventually hold. Plus, the energy needed to produce the plastic and transport heavy water bottles across long distances also requires water for cooling systems.
Microplastics
When you drink from plastic, you’re also drinking plastic. The bottle you’re drinking from sheds thousands of tiny pieces of plastic undetectable by the naked eye. These are called microplastics. A recent study from researchers and Columbia and Rutgers universities found that there are 240,000 plastic particles in the average liter of bottled water. It’s no wonder then that microplastics have been found throughout our bodies; bloodstreams, hearts, breast milk, lungs, and placentas.
Research about the impacts of microplastics is still ongoing, but some worry about the long-term health effects of drinking microplastics. These invisible particles carry chemicals and will affect human health in ways we don’t fully understand yet.
Beyond the Bottle: Tapping into Tap Water
S’well the Original Bottle 25oz is made from food-grade stainless steel and designed to keep drinks cold for 48 hours and hot for 24 hours. $50
Most likely, the tap water in your home is to drink and is continuously undergoing rigorous testing to meet safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you’re unsure or worried about taste or impurities, you can use resources from the EPA to read your local water provider’s annual quality report or contact your local health department.
If it’s the taste of your tap water that turns you off, filters can be your best friend here. A good water filter can remove the elements that make your tap water taste off. Whether it’s a pitcher filter or a faucet attachment, you’ll be surprised how much better your water can appeal to your taste. To avoid exposing yourself to microplastics, choose a steel or glass filter. You can also add slices of cucumber, lemon, fresh mint leaves or berries to infuse your water with a refreshing taste.
When out and about, know that public water fountains and refill stations are also safe and undergo the same rigorous testing and filtration systems as the tap water in your home. Utilizing these resources are designed to help you stay hydrated and are all part of building a zero-waste lifestyle.
Invest In The Right Reusable Bottle For You
Klean Kanteen 27oz Reflect with Bamboo Cap is made from 90% recycled stainless steel and designed to be leak-proof. $35
Picking a reusable water bottle is your first step to stop purchasing plastic water bottles. Different materials offer unique benefits. Stainless steel bottles are very tough and keep drinks cold or hot for hours. Glass bottles give you a pure taste, but they can break more easily. BPA-free plastic bottles are light and strong, but there are concerns about exposure to chemicals, even if they’re BPA-free. Weigh these pros and cons to find your perfect match.
Look for other features too. A wide mouth is easier to clean and fill with ice. Some lids are better for sports, while others prevent spills in your bag. Think about insulation if you like your water icy cold. Choose a bottle that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
One tip to ensure that you’ll always have a reusable water bottle with you is to invest in several so you can have one in your car, bag, or at work. It’s easy to grab a plastic bottle when you’re busy or forget your reusable one. But this tip ensures you’ll always have a reusable bottle with you. Staying prepared is key to ditching single-use plastics for good.