Plastic water bottles have become a scourge on the planet. They pollute the ocean with plastic. Their plastic debris kills birds, turtles and other wildlife. This forces us consumers to spend more money than we should on something as simple as water. And they rob the local people of their own source of drinking water. They must follow the path of the dodo – and become extinct!
TradeMachines.com, a company that helps businesses buy used machinery and equipment instead of brand new (which helps save money and natural resources), has put together one of the best infographics that I have ever seen What impact do plastic water bottles have on us and our planet?, Here are some of the key elements of a graphic. I hope you’ll visit TradeMachines.com to see the infographic in its entirety. Then, share it with your friends, family and social media communities. Thank you!
Say no! for plastic water bottles
The oil used to make plastic water bottles can run 1 million cars for 12 months!
Plastic water bottles pollute oceans and endanger birds and wildlife.
Don’t miss: “If we don’t stop destroying the oceans it will be impossible to find Dory.”
Plastic water bottles are not being recycled in sufficient quantities.
What is the matter? Water in plastic bottles does not taste any better than tap water.
What should you use instead?
There are so many alternatives to plastic water bottles now that there is almost no excuse for buying bottled water unless there is a fear of pollution in your community.
We’ve identified your five best options here:
Then, remember to take one View full graphic And share it widely. People have become so accustomed to buying bottled water that they forget to consider its effects. You can help by using reusable bottles yourself and educating others.
Thanks to trademachines.com for sponsoring this post. As always, our editorial opinions remain our own.
10 questions in your mind for Kicking the Plastic Water Bottle Habit:
- How To Choose the Perfect Reusable Water Bottle?
Identify Your Needs: Consider factors like size, portability, insulation (keeps beverages hot or cold), durability, and cleaning ease.
Explore Material Options:
Stainless Steel: Durable, lightweight, good insulation, some dishwasher safe.
Glass: Eco-friendly, BPA-free, can be fragile, may not insulate well.
Tritan Plastic: Lightweight, BPA-free, some dishwasher safe, may not be as durable.
Match Your Lifestyle: Athletes might prefer a leak-proof bottle with a sports cap, while office workers might choose a stylish bottle with a straw. - How To Clean and Maintain Your Reusable Water Bottle?
Wash daily with warm soapy water after each use. Pay attention to the lid and any crevices.
For deeper cleaning, use a baking soda and vinegar solution or a specialized bottle brush.
Let your bottle air dry completely to prevent mold growth.
Deep clean with a hot water rinse periodically, especially if using for sugary drinks. - How To Make Tap Water Taste Great?
Fruity Infusions: Add sliced fruits like lemons, berries, or cucumber to your bottle for a refreshing twist.
Herb Enhancements: Experiment with herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary for a subtle flavor boost.
Water Filter/Pitcher: Invest in a filter or pitcher that removes chlorine and other impurities for a cleaner taste.
Sparkling Options: Use a reusable carbonating bottle to add fizz to your tap water. - How To Make Reusable Water Bottles a Habit?
Keep your bottle filled and readily available in your fridge, car, or bag.
Set reminders on your phone to refill your bottle throughout the day.
Download refill station apps to locate water refill stations on the go.
Invest in a stylish and functional bottle you’ll enjoy using.
Involve your family and friends in the switch to reusables. - How To Find Refill Stations While Traveling?
Utilize apps like Refill or TapMap to find refill stations near your travel destination.
Many airports, train stations, and public buildings offer free water refill stations.
Ask restaurants or cafes politely if you can refill your bottle with tap water. - How To Talk to Friends and Family About Plastic Waste?
Lead by example and share your personal efforts to reduce plastic water bottle use.
Offer information and statistics about the environmental impact of plastic bottles.
Focus on the positive aspects of reusable bottles – saving money, convenience, and health benefits.
Suggest trying reusable bottles together and offer tips for getting started. - How Plastic Water Bottles Pollute Our Oceans?
Explain the journey of a plastic bottle: from production, consumption, to disposal.
Highlight the issue of littering and improper waste management leading to plastic bottles entering waterways.
Describe the breakdown of plastic into microplastics, their ingestion by marine life, and the resulting harm to ecosystems.
Include visuals like infographics or videos to illustrate the impact. - How To Calculate Your Plastic Water Bottle Footprint?
Estimate the number of plastic water bottles you consume daily, weekly, or monthly.
Provide a simple online calculator or formula to determine the total plastic used.
Expand on the environmental impact by converting plastic usage to equivalent resources used (e.g., gallons of water for production). - How To Organize a “Ditch Plastic” Campaign in Your Community?
Partner with local environmental organizations or schools to raise awareness.
Organize events like a “ditch plastic” challenge or a community clean-up focused on plastic waste.
Promote the campaign on social media and local news outlets.
Connect with businesses to encourage them to offer refill stations or discounts for reusable bottles. - How To Advocate for Improved Tap Water Quality?
Research your local water authority and their water quality reports.
Understand common concerns about tap water quality and potential solutions.
FAQs:
Millions of plastic bottles are discarded every year. Due to poor waste management and littering, many end up in landfills or rivers, eventually reaching the ocean. These bottles break down into microplastics, which pollute the water and harm marine life. Animals can mistake microplastics for food, leading to starvation, internal injuries, and even death.
Yes, plastic bottles and their debris pose a significant threat to wildlife. Birds and animals often mistake bottle caps for food or get entangled in plastic rings, leading to suffocation, injuries, and even death. Sea turtles, for instance, can mistake plastic bags floating in the water for jellyfish, a common prey item.
Absolutely! Bottled water can be hundreds of times more expensive than tap water. The cost of the bottle, transportation, and marketing all add up, making bottled water a far less economical choice. Studies have shown no significant difference in taste or quality between tap water and bottled water in most developed countries.
In some cases, yes. Bottled water companies can exploit local water sources, leaving less water available for communities that rely on it for drinking and sanitation. This can be especially concerning in areas with limited water resources.
Recycling plastic bottles requires proper infrastructure and sorting processes. Unfortunately, not all areas have the facilities or resources to handle plastic recycling efficiently. Additionally, some types of plastic used in water bottles are difficult or impossible to recycle.
In most developed countries, tap water undergoes rigorous treatment and testing to ensure its safety for consumption. If you’re unsure about your tap water quality, contact your local water authority. Many cities also provide online reports detailing water quality testing results.
There are numerous eco-friendly options available! Opt for a reusable metal or glass bottle. These are durable, long-lasting alternatives that eliminate the need for constant disposal. For additional filtration or improved taste, consider using a water filter or purifier for your tap water.
Convenience is a major factor. Bottled water is readily available and requires no planning. Additionally, some people mistakenly believe bottled water is healthier or tastes better than tap water, despite this often being untrue.
The power lies in your choices! Switch to a reusable bottle and carry it with you throughout the day. Encourage others to do the same. Educate yourself about the issue and share information with friends, family, and on social media. You can also support organizations and campaigns promoting the benefits of tap water.
Share informative articles like this one, infographics, and social media posts to raise awareness about the environmental and economic impact of plastic water bottles. Encourage discussions on sustainable alternatives and the importance of making informed choices.