For World Environment Day this year, people around the world mobilized to #BeatPlasticPollution. One of the biggest ways we can contribute is by drastically changing our beverage purchasing habits and investing in a reusable water bottle!
We use on average 50 billion disposable plastic bottles per year, and that number keeps growing with the rising temperatures due to climate change, and with our increasing population.
If you think about how much plastic is actually being recycled, it’s quite alarming. Plastic takes centuries to break down and it never really goes away–it breaks down into microplastics that end up in our soil, washed into oceans, eaten by sea animals, and eventually end up on our plates and in our bellies. Yes, I am nearly 100% certain we have some percentage of plastic in our body at any given point in time because of our addiction to plastic.
So what can we do about it as consumers? Well, for one, we can change our purchasing habits. Understandably it’s not easy to change one’s lifestyle overnight, but one relatively simple swap that you can do is invest in a reusable water bottle. There are some common questions I’ve encountered since investing in eco-friendly, reusable water bottles:
What if I don’t like the idea of a metal bottle because I don’t want my drinks to taste like metal?
Buy a stainless steel water bottle so you don’t get that metallic taste, OR invest in a durable glass water bottle. I have two stainless steel water bottles and my water (hot or cold) doesn’t have any funky taste!
But all my friends use disposable plastic water bottles…
You can set the trend! It was a big trend at my grad school for everyone to be using reusable water bottles or coffee tumblers. You’re not only helping the environment, but you can be unique by buying one that fits your personality and style 🙂
Is it worth the investment?
YES! It’ll save you lots of money in the long run from having to keep purchasing plastic water bottles or buying drinks at the local shops when you have a handy water bottle at your disposal. You are also investing in lowering your carbon footprint by not supporting plastic factory production or purchasing plastic bottles that contribute to the plastic pollution crisis.
I’ve seen some stainless steel bottles go for over $40. Can I get one that’s more affordable?
There is always a bargain wherever you’re willing to look. Visit any store that has a kitchen section and you’ll find an array of reusable water bottles (plastic BPA-free, glass, stainless steel) to choose from. My personal recommendation is the d.stil water bottle which I received in my Summer CAUSEBOX subscription because some of their proceeds go toward Water.org, an organization that works to increase access to safe water and sanitation for people all over the world!
What other reasons do you have that helped you make the switch to reusable water bottles? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
For an ongoing series on the struggles to find sustainable packaging, check out my Medium series here.
*This is not a sponsored post.*
A Healthy Blueprint 