Oh, where to start. Let's go with a few facts:
Waste: In 2007, more than 200 billion liters of bottled were sold worldwide and more than 80 percent of those were littered or trashed--not recycled. Which is why we have a plastic garbage patch the size of Texas in the ocean.
Energy: Those bottles required the energy equivalent of approximately 50 million barrels of oil for manufacturing alone. That's enough petroleum to power 1.8 million automobiles a year. This doesn’t include the energy used to transport them, or bottles made from natural gas.
Health: Ironically bottled water isn't nearly as regulated as tap water. And certain plastics leach bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, into liquids.
Money: Bottled water costs up to 1900 times more than tap.
Whether you are motivated by waste reduction, saving energy, personal health, saving money, or all of the above, switching to a reusable water bottle makes a considerable difference.
Buy reusable water bottles and fill them with tap.
Consider the materials of the reusable bottle. You want something durable and that can be easily washed. Stainless steel and glass are safe and can be put in the dishwasher. Be wary of unsafe plastics and lined metal bottles; the lining can sometimes contain BPA.
If you’re concerned about contaminants in your water or don’t like the taste of what’s running from your taps, install a filter.
Great for lunches on the go! This reusable 8 ounce water bottle is made of 100 percent recyclable, BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic and made in the USA.
