Plastic pollution is a topic we have previously discussed, but for today’s tip of the week we are focusing a bit more on the plastic bottle problem specifically. For example, tap water and bottled water are comparable in terms of safety, yet many Americans purchase plastic bottles of water and serve it at their homes anyway. This wasn’t always the case. Read more about the history and about the plastic pollution crisis in general in our recent blog.
Luckily in the past 15 years or so, reusable water bottles have become a new trend, but perhaps we can reassess how good we are at using those reusable water bottles. Just because people have one, doesn’t mean people have stopped buying plastic water bottles. After all we’re dumping 10 million tons of plastic in our oceans annually.
And not only are plastic bottles bad for the environment from a trash standpoint, they also leach hormone-like chemicals so they're also bad for our personal health. Even reusable plastic bottles leach chemicals. So when purchasing a water bottle, make sure it's made out of stainless steel or glass. Try to find one that uses the least amount of plastic possible. Or better yet, find a plastic free option that also removes one pound of trash from the ocean.
We know it's not always convenient to bring reusable water bottles and takes some planning ahead, but here are some tips about how to Just Say No to plastic bottles:
- Purchase a reusable water bottle you like and that you find comfortable to carry.
- Consider purchasing a home water filter to remove more contaminants that can be found in tap water.
- Always refill your water bottle before you leave your house.
- When it feels safe to you, use water fountains when you are in public and run out of water instead of buying bottled water.
- Having a party? Consider asking guests to “bring their own cup” or purchase compostable options.
If you still have any concerns about drinking your tap water, check out the EWG’s Guide to Safe Drinking Water
to help set you up for success.
Ready to take action?
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