Water is the beverage of choice for many people worldwide. And most people in the modern world drink bottled water regularly. But there’s a problem.
Experts have found that only about 9% of all the plastic ever made (worldwide) has been recycled. And as for water bottles specifically, it is estimated that 60 million plastic water bottles end up in landfills every single day here in the US. With numbers like these, it is no wonder that many people are wondering how to use fewer plastic water bottles.
Here are a few ideas that can make a huge impact.
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
One of the best places to start is to carry a reusable water bottle to use when dining out, shopping, or traveling. There are many high-quality non-plastic water bottles on the market today. Many make use of materials like glass, aluminum, cork, and bamboo, making them a much more sustainable alternative to plastic.
Buy a Water Filter for the Home
Another option for those who don’t like to drink tap water is to either install a water filter directly to the tap itself or to buy a pitcher or tank that has a built-in water filter. Some water filtration systems can even be installed on the house’s main water line, ensuring that every drop of water that enters that home’s plumbing system is filtered.
Try Homemade Sodas and Sports Drinks
Countertop soda machines can be purchased to make homemade soda at home. A variety of syrups can be used to make every flavor imaginable.
Non-carbonated drinks can also be made at home. Most grocery stores sell concentrated juice drinks and sports drinks in powder or syrup form that can be mixed with tap or filtered water. These can be mixed up at home, chilled in the refrigerator, and then used to fill that reusable water bottle when heading out for the day.
Shop for Plastic Alternatives
Many restaurants, convenience stores, and cafes now offer pure drinking water sold in glass bottles or paper boxes that are similar to a carton of milk or orange juice. These may not be a perfect solution, but they are certainly more sustainable than plastic bottles.
Cutting down on plastic water bottles doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply making a few changes like using a water filter at home and carrying a reusable water bottle can greatly reduce the amount of plastic that goes into landfills daily.