Why should you carry a reusable water bottle?
Using a reusable bottle is a good idea, healthy, practical, cost-effective, and satisfying habit. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of our top seven reasons for carrying a reusable water bottle.
1. Reduce the amount of waste generated by single-use plastic bottles.
In the United States alone, billions of single-use plastic water bottles are discarded each year. That’s 35 billion dollars per year. These figures are staggering, and given that less than 10% of plastic thrown in bins in the last 40-50 years has been recycled, it’s no surprise that plastic bottles are filling landfills and our oceans. These plastic bottles are produced in a highly polluting manner, and they biodegrade extremely slowly, taking millions of years to degrade naturally in the environment. When you think about it, the entire life-cycle of these bottles, from production to disposal, is highly harmful to the environment. And for what, a bottle designed to be thrown away? It doesn’t make any sense.
By opting for a reusable bottle, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint and contribute considerably to reducing plastic waste. Consider how many single-use bottles a person could consume in a year to consume the recommended eight cups of water per day! To give you an idea, one water pitcher filter, which typically lasts about 2-3 months, can replace up to 300 standard 16.9 oz—disposable bottles. With a refillable bottle and a good water filter, you can save millions of disposable bottles from the landfill each year.
2. Reusable bottles are healthier for you.
Single-use plastic bottles not only harm the environment, but they can also harm your health due to chemicals leaching into the water stored inside of these bottles. Disposable plastic bottles are typically made of PET (poly terephthalate) plastic, which has been shown to leach antimony into the water, increasing storage time and temperature. The release of Antimony trioxide from PET plastic water bottles is a significant source of exposure and is dangerous to human health.
3. You have complete control over what goes into your bottle.
Furthermore, despite advertising claims, there are no guarantees about where the water in any “brand name” of single-use water bottles comes from. According to a Food & Water Watch report, 64 per cent of bottled water in the United States comes from municipal tap water sources. This means that people are getting duped into paying exorbitant prices for water that they can get for free from their sink. In most cases, bottled water is not safer than tap water unless you live in an area with high pesticide runoff or in a home with lead pipes. In the United States, tap water is subject to stricter regulations than bottled water. You have the freedom to choose where your water comes from when you use a reusable bottle. We recommend using a good water filter or refilling your bottles at a nearby filtered water dispenser. If you’re fortunate, you will have a water well on your property or access to a nearby freshwater spring! Water is so vital to our health; it’s best to learn about the potential risks in your community’s tap water before purchasing a filter. You should ensure that you are filtering for any specific hazards to your area. The advantage of tap water is that your city is required by law to inform you of any potential impurity in the water supply, which bottled water companies are not required to do. We don’t recommend refilling your bottles with water directly from the tap unless you live in a spotless environment. Depending on your needs, water filters range from charcoal filtration stand-pitchers and sink-mountable filters to reverse osmosis filters that can purify water for an entire house.
4. Save money on water and drinks when you’re out and about.
Another point is that using a reusable water bottle is significantly less expensive than purchasing single-use water bottles. Bottled water can quickly become costly, costing the average American around $200 per year. On average, a single reusable bottle costs $30-$50 and will last you for years of use. The price of bottled water covers the cost of plastic bottles. A gallon of bottled water costs approximately $9.50, nearly 2,000 times the price of tap water in most cities. By carrying a reusable bottle, you can save money on coffee and tea while out and about. Most coffee shops in the US will give you a small discount if you bring your refillable bottle, cup, or mug. Furthermore, if you frequent local coffee shops, the baristas will undoubtedly get to know you (and your preferred order) better!
5. A single bottle will last you for years.
If you’re anything like us, you value sustainability, minimalism, and zero-waste goals. Because our possessions are fewer in number, we can more clearly identify what is important to us and take good care of them to ensure their longevity. A reusable bottle is more than a bottle; it is your constant companion. The more it is used, the more personality and character it develops, and it can be maintained for years.
6. Select the bottle that best meets your requirements.
This leads to why carrying a reusable bottle is beneficial: you can select the best bottle for your needs. Instead of mindlessly purchasing disposable water bottles and to-go paper coffee cups, take a moment to consider what you need daily, as well as your personal preferences. Some people, for example, prefer the taste of beverages served in a glass, including not only water but also coffee, juice, or smoothies. Others may choose to keep a cup of coffee warm for hours in a stainless steel insulated mug or bring cool water with them when hiking. Having your perfect bottle by your side will make staying hydrated and drinking your favourite beverages throughout the day more enjoyable.
7. Keep track of how much you consume.
Tracking your daily water intake can help you stay hydrated, especially if you’re physically active. Instead of drinking from single-use bottles and tossing them when they’re empty, a reusable bottle can help to keep track of how much water you drink.
You can track the number of times you refill your bottle throughout the day and know exactly how much water you have consumed if you know the size of your bottle!
