Still Drinking From Plastic? Here's 3 Ways You Can Do Better
September 29,2021
Not only is bottled water costly to the environment, but it is also costly to your wallet.
In the United States alone, Americans consumed approximately 14.4 billion gallons of bottled water in 2019. The sad news is that many of these bottles make their way to landfills or in our waterways.
Further, it’s been calculated that the average American buys an average of 167 disposable plastic water bottles, costing around $266 annually. With the average life span around 75 years old, you could theoretically save over $17,000 in a lifetime by using a reusable water bottle and tap water.
We all have to acknowledge just how plastic is having a damaging effect on the environment. As individuals, we can make a significant difference by choosing alternatives to plastic bottles.
Here are three alternatives to bottled water:
1. Tap water
In the United States, tap water is tested rigorously and regularly, making it entirely safe for human consumption and a better alternative to bottled water.
Buying bottled water is 2,000% more expensive than easily accessible tap water, not to mention bottles require 2000 times more energy during manufacture. Drinking tap water is better for the environment and better for your wallet!
Bottled water is a business. The Natural Resources Defense discovered that many corporate beverage companies sell bottled municipal water at a high price when it’s just tap water in expensive packaging. Many companies are taking advantage with great marketing; however, the focus on the convenience of bottled water is removed if you use a reusable water bottle with tap water.
Overall, tap water is an excellent alternative. It is incredibly inexpensive, better for the environment, and convenient.
2. Biodegradable materials
Switching to a bottle (or membrane?) sourced from biodegradable materials are a better alternative as they take three to six months to decompose as opposed to hundreds of years for plastic. Although not the greatest alternative, the difference is still staggering, and of course, it’s more beneficial for the environment to ditch plastic bottles for biodegradable water bottles.
Biodegradable water bottles are evolving thanks to companies like Cove who have produced a 100% biodegradable water bottle and label with non-toxic materials. Another company leading the market is Ooho who has developed an edible water bottle!
Currently, scientists are experimenting with alternatives to plastic, such as using mushrooms or sugar combined with carbon dioxide to create a biodegradable water bottle. However, there are many biodegradable water bottles widely available as an alternative to plastic.
3. Reusable Water Bottles
You can easily purchase reusable water bottles from many retailers. They are often made from different materials such as ceramic, glass, and stainless steel. The great thing about reusable water bottles is that they can last for many years, and if you choose a glass bottle, you can recycle it with ease!
When deciding on a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic water bottle, it’s worth considering that a reusable bottle takes fewer materials to produce. It also replaces the plastic entirely that would have been used in manufacturing while reducing the plastic burden on oceans, streams, landfills, and other places where plastic waste settles.
Final word -
Bottled water is something that we should avoid, if possible. Studies show that each bottle leaks harmful chemicals while slowing decomposing over many years. The decomposing toxins can cause a variety of health issues dangerous to humans. The common thought with bottled water is convenience; however, taking the time to purchase a reusable water bottle or biodegradable water bottle and refilling it with tap water reduces the convenience while saving the planet.
Make the switch, save the planet, and use alternatives to bottled water.
