Seven Steps to Solving Bottled water

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Why is bottled water so popular?

Obviously, we can understand why water itself is so popular since it is one of the most basic needs for every person’s survival.

But why is bottled water so popular?

Bottled water was originally contained in glass and grew in popularity in the 1700’s when Europeans and Americans began bottling natural mineral water for therapeutic use. Eventually, in 1973, plastic PET bottles introduced a far cheaper way than glass to bottle all types of carbonated and uncarbonated drinks.

Nowadays, bottled water is available in practically any store. Its convenience makes it an easy choice for people who travel or who are frequently on-the-go. People also may purchase large packs of bottled water to drink at home because it helps them track their hydration, or they like the taste, or they see it as a safer, cleaner option than their own tap water.

Perhaps it is that last point that has accelerated the use of bottled water since it provides a safe solution for millions around the world that still lack clean sources of drinking water. Bottled water is also a recommended element of emergency preparedness plans since water sources can become compromised by natural disasters and other crises[1]. However, bottled water is also being consumed in the U.S. and other developed countries at alarming rates even when local water sources are reliable[2].

So, what is the big problem with bottled water (specifically water packaged in plastic)? And what can we do about it?

1. Understand Plastic Waste

The introduction of lightweight plastics into the beverage industry created unforeseen consequences that we are still uncovering and trying to remedy to this day.

Plastic PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most common type of plastic used for bottled water. These bottles have an extremely short lifespan because they can only be used once and then are discarded. While they are “recyclable,” tons of plastic bottles are still tossed into regular trash and end up in landfills, incinerators, or oceans. In the U.S., even when plastic bottles are collected for recycling, less than 30 percent is made into new plastic products[3]. A huge amount of collected plastic is either exported out of the U.S. or still sent to landfills and incinerators.

PET water bottles are one of the most common and easiest plastics to recycle (next to HDPE), yet bottling companies are still producing new bottles from virgin plastic, using nonrenewable fossil fuels. Think about this for a moment. Companies are using more resources and more energy to package and transport a product that most consumers already have in their homes, and this practice is leading to plastic piling up in our trash.

2. Understand Plastic Toxins

The manufacture, use, and disposal of plastic is also spilling toxins into our environment. All plastic-making involves some amount of toxic chemicals, whether these are the basic components, additives, or byproducts of plastic.

Some types of plastics, such as #2 HDPE and #5 PP, use fewer toxic components and have a more stable polymer matrix (plastic structure) that prevents chemicals from leeching out. However, factors such as heat and UV light will weaken and/or degrade this matrix. At certain levels of heat and sunlight and over a certain length of time, toxins can eventually leak out into food, soil, and water. (That’s why you must take care not to use your plastic bottles near too much heat. For example, don’t leave them in the car on a hot day or use them in the microwave.)

Plastic can take several centuries to decompose in landfills. For example, a single PET bottle can take up 450 years to break down! And we’re not talking about biodegrading either (when bacteria and fungi turn stuff back into their natural substances), rather the plastic breaks up into tiny particles, called microplastics, that persist in nature.

When plastic gets into oceans, the results are even more dire[4]. Researchers have found that large pieces of plastic can absorb pollutants from the water. Then, due to increased exposure from sunlight, they can decompose in as little as one year, releasing all those toxins and more back into the water. Both plastic trash and microplastics are placing great harm on all sorts of sea life, and plastic pollutants are even migrating into seafood destined for the human food supply. How ironic that the very same product meant to provide people with clean, safe drinking water is contaminating oceans, lakes and waterways around the globe.

3. Drink from Your Home Tap

Nearly everyone in the US and other developed countries already has a free and clean supply of water from their faucets. Save yourself some money by drinking water from your home tap. If you are unsure about the quality of your water, get it tested first.

If your tap water is unsuitable to drink and you have the means to fix it, try investing in a filtration system, water purifier, water conditioner, or water softener for your whole home. You might consider a water delivery service that provides you with a water dispenser and 5-gallon refills. Or you might go smaller scale and purchase only a filtration kit for your kitchen faucet, or a refrigerator water filter, or a filter pitcher. Look into what fits best for your situation and budget.

If you’re on-the-go regularly, search out trustworthy public drinking fountains, gas stations or restaurants to get water refills in your reusable bottle. Or, you might like to buy a portable purifier bottle to sterilize your water from anywhere. Learn about UV light sterilization bottles here.

4. Choose Reusable (and Plastic-Free)

Once you have a good source of water at home, consider if you’ll need reusable bottle(s). Of course, you can use drinkware, mason jars, and bottles you already have at home, but if you want something more portable, you can shop for eco-friendly products. The most widely available, reusable bottles will be made of plastic, stainless steel, or glass, but you can find copper and silicone options, too. Shop the Wealhouse Store for our assortment of silicone bottles.

Reusable Plastic Bottles

Benefits: Reusable plastic bottles are the cheapest water bottles on the market. They’re lightweight and moderately durable, leave no bad taste, and come in an assortment of shapes and colors. Overall, they are a common method to replace single-use plastic bottles.

Drawbacks: A big downside to reusable plastic bottles is that most are still manufactured from new plastic. Let’s face it – at some point in time, your plastic water bottle is going to wear out, get cracked or broken, or get too old. Unless you have a plan to recycle it, you’re still adding to the pileup of plastic without remedying the waste problems.

Tips: If you choose to go the route of a reusable plastic bottle, make sure it’s either #2 HDPE or #5 PP as these will be the safest for your beverages and you. You should never refill #1 PET plastic bottles as they will be more likely to leach chemicals into your water. Avoid any polycarbonate or mixed plastics that contain the toxic chemical BPA. And I must mention the bioplastics (plastics made from wheat straw, sugarcane pulp, corn starch, or potato starch) as these seem to be a viable choice if you want a more sustainable, nontoxic, and biodegradable plastic bottle.

Stainless Steel Bottles

Benefits: Stainless steel bottles are great option if you are looking for something durable that can last a LONG time. They are corrosion and heat resistant, do not leach chemicals, and are 100% recyclable.

Drawbacks: They are a more expensive option. Some people do not like the metal taste that they leave in the water, and some may be allergic to the nickel or other metal components.

Tips: Select only food-grade stainless steel to prevent corrosion. If you are avoiding plastic, look for stainless steel, bamboo, or silicone covers with rubber or silicone gaskets. (Although, I have yet to locate many stainless-steel bottles – or glass bottles for that matter – that do not have some plastic piece in the lid).

Glass Water Bottles

Benefits: Glass is made using the abundant resource of SAND. Glass leaves a better taste than stainless steel and is entirely non-toxic. Bottle glass is also endlessly recyclable, but is often recycled at a lower rate than stainless steel.

Drawbacks: Glass is fragile and nonbiodegradable. This means if you happen to shatter your bottle (broken glass is not recyclable), the shards will sit in the waste dump for thousands of years, if not forever. The hazardous nature of broken glass is also why it is prohibited in and around some public recreational areas, such as parks, playgrounds, and pools. Lastly, it can be the more expensive than our other two options, in terms of capacity (fluid ounces) and lifespan (breaking).

Tips: You might like to look for bottles that come with silicone sleeves which can protect them from breakage. Like stainless steel, most glass bottles come with plastic, stainless steel, or bamboo lids, and it’s hard to avoid small plastic parts in the lid. However, if you’re looking for glass bottles with absolutely no plastic, search “Love Bottle” at EarthHero.com.

5. Recycle Plastics Properly

It is important whenever you do drink any bottled beverage that you recycle the container responsibly. Most bottles made of plastic or glass can be placed in your curbside collection or in public recycling bins. Bottles must be empty, but it is usually unnecessary to rinse them.

Previously, consumers were supposed to remove the plastic caps from bottles before recycling, but this method is becoming outdated.[5] Now it is best practice to crush plastic bottles and replace the caps before recycling.

If there are metal caps, on the other hand, these should be removed. Because these small pieces can get lost in sorting machinery, it is recommended to collect metal lids in a metal can and crush the sides in on the can before placing it in the bin.

As recycling policies vary from location to location always check with your own local recycling depot for proper disposal procedures.

Water Filters

I must make one final note about recycling. Used water filters from pitchers, refrigerators, and faucet systems can and should be recycled, too. Some manufacturers, retailers, or local collection bins might accept these, or you might decide if one of the following programs works well for you:

Terracycle’s and Brita’s free recycling program for Brita filters

Terracycle’s Zero Waste Box for household filters, including water and air filters

6. Support Clean Water Initiatives

Did you know that about 2.2 billion people around the world still do not have access to “safely managed” drinking water (2017)[6]? We can reduce the world’s reliance on bottled water by providing people with clean, accessible water where they live.

There are dozens of non-profit organizations working to bring safe, affordable drinking water to urban and rural communities, in the U.S. and abroad. Do your research. Donate to, or even volunteer with, one that shares your values and aims. Here’s a short list to help you get started:

7. Support Ocean Cleanup

Did you know that around 8 to 14 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans EVERY YEAR[7]? Ocean plastic, including large pieces and microplastic, has already accumulated to an estimated 150 million metric tons! As discussed above, this is a huge environmental and health crisis.

Some of us will work to eliminate the need for single-use plastics by helping to provide clean water in vulnerable communities globally, and some of us can support efforts on the other end through ocean cleanup programs. Check out these organizations to see how you might help:

Finals Thoughts

As researchers continue to explore new recycling technologies and search for true biodegradable solutions (e.g. plastics that can fully decompose in sea water), we must remember that the problem is bigger than any type of material.

Ponder this: “A change in behavioral propensities to over-consume plastics, discard, and thus pollute, needs to be promoted to the fullest.[8]”

We cannot leave it all up to others.