Welcome back to the 12 Days of Sustainability – Day 3! Similar to our Day 2 hero the thermal mug we have…reusable bottles!
While a variety of different types of plastic cups exist, they all take a considerable amount of energy and resources to produce, and the aftermath of the disposal of them creates an even larger environmental burden.
According to WWF-Australia, plastic cups on average take 450 years to decompose – that’s almost half a millennium all that plastic remains polluting our planet.
Unfortunately, the sad reality is that a great majority of these drinks are served in single-use cups that ultimately wind up in the oceans, landfills, and otherwise polluting our beautiful planet. So, how can we alleviate our environmental impact without giving up our much beloved coffee? One of the most effective ways to cut down our carbon footprint while still enjoying our favorite beverage is by replacing single-use cups with reusable ones.
Let’s dive in!
Protect marine life
About 100,000 marine mammals like whales and seals die per year due to plastic waste. Among the leading causes of death is inflammation of their abdominal tissues because of indigestible plastic. Some animals mistake plastic for food, so even a plastic cap unconsciously thrown out can kill an animal.
This is why it’s vital that you recycle whatever you can, and that includes drinking bottles. Even when you’re not using a tumbler for drinking anymore, there are different ways you can repurpose drinking bottles because of their durable stainless steel materials.
In addition, there are reusable bottles that include a sports cap with a straw, so you won’t have to throw away straw each time you drink.
Minimize environmental pollution
Among the main benefits of reusable water bottles is that you can contribute to reducing plastic waste. Due to the resistant properties of reusable water bottles, you can use them for several years to store liquids, letting you make a difference in reducing waste.
- Cut down on oil usage: The United States uses over 17 million barrels of oil to produce more than 50 million plastic water bottles yearly. If we cut down plastic bottle usage by 50 million, that amount of oil can power 190,000 houses or fuel 1.3 million cars for a whole year.
- Decrease carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere: The production of plastic bottles releases 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. An extreme amount of carbon dioxide can heat the earth quickly. When you use reusable water bottles, you can help slow down this process.
- Reduce landfill waste: Since the mass production of plastic in the 1950s, 60% of the total produced ended up as garbage. Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, causing 38 billion bottles to pile at landfills every year. Shifting to reusable bottles can contribute to the solution.
Promote healthy living
Water is an essential element for humans to survive. It hydrates the body to deliver oxygen to the brain, regulate temperature, transport nutrients, aid digestion, and flush out waste. However, toxins from plastic may quickly leach into hot water. When you pour hot tea or coffee into a plastic water bottle, you may prompt an infusion of toxic byproducts.
Studies show long-term advantages of reusable bottles for people’s health. Besides, you can disinfect reusable water bottles, ensuring your drink is free from bacteria and mold.
- Save the body from toxic chemicals: Despite water coming from pristine aquifers and going through high-end filters, the water can still absorb chemicals from plastics. Single-use plastics may contain Bisphenol A or BPA, an endocrine disruptor that may affect human reproductive systems. Hydro Cell bottles are BPA-free, saving your body from polymers and other synthetic compounds.
- Prevent microplastics from entering the body: An analysis of 259 bottles in 9 countries shows that 93% of bottled water contains microplastics. These plastic particles can enter the body’s protective tissues, blood, and organs. While microplastic is evident in soil and water, using reusable bottles can minimize the risk of microplastic contamination.
- Enjoy infused water: With or without an infuser, you can put fresh fruits or herbs in a reusable water bottle to increase nutritional benefits and add flavor.
What are some of your favorite ways to #gogreen and
benefit our environment during the holidays?
