Plastic water bottles have become a habit in our lives. When we leave home, to the office, to the gym or while traveling, we carry water in plastic bottles. It is quite popular because it is easily available and lightweight. However, these plastic bottles are a threat to our health, a danger to nature and a huge waste of money.
About 50 billion plastic water bottles are used every month in the United States alone. On average, each citizen uses 13 bottles per month. Considering health, environmental and economic issues, experts recommend stopping the use of plastic bottles.
They recommend using reusable water bottles. The Verywell Fit report highlights the impact of using plastic bottles every day on our health and the environment.
1. Risk to health
The biggest danger of plastic bottles is the release of chemical elements. Studies have shown that repeatedly used
plastic bottles release substances called bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates into water, which can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body.
In the long term, these can reduce fertility, disrupt thyroid function and hinder the normal growth of children. The rate of release of these chemicals increases even more when bottles are stored in hot water or in hot environments, such as in a car.
Researchers have even found hundreds of chemicals in water stored in reusable plastic bottles, many of which are harmful to human health.
2. Role in Environmental Pollution
When you drink a bottle of water, you may not think about where that bottle goes. Most bottles end up in the soil or ocean water. About 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year.
And these bottles don't decompose completely even after 450 years! Sea turtles, whales, and birds mistake them for food and eat them, causing internal injuries, infections, or death.
In addition, bottles are made from petroleum-based polymers, which require a huge amount of fuel and energy. From making the bottle to reaching the store, every step has a carbon footprint.
3. Barriers to sustainable living
Stopping the use of plastic bottles means you have taken a step towards an environmentally friendly lifestyle. By using just one reusable water bottle, you can get by with one instead of using hundreds of bottles a year.
If you want, you can get a bottle that has an infuser—which makes water tastier and healthier. This small step will help you reduce energy consumption, protect marine life, and create a livable world for future generations.
4. Financially beneficial
Many people buy one-time water bottles when they go out. If you buy 10 water bottles a month, it will be a good amount of money. However, for this money, you can buy a strong, beautiful, and reusable water bottle.
You can save more money by buying a filter. If you keep a water filter at home and a reusable water bottle, you will get safe drinking water at a low cost even when you go out.
5. Many benefits in use
It is difficult and expensive to go out and buy a water bottle every time. However, if you have a reusable water bottle, you can fill it up yourself anywhere.
If you feel like you can't refill your water, then buy a bottle with a built-in filter. It is capable of purifying any water. And if the bottle is insulated or stainless steel, the water will stay cold for hours.
Plastic water bottles are harmful to our health, terrible for the environment and a waste of our money. Nowadays, experts advise using reusable water bottles. It is good for health and the environment. At the same time, it saves money.
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