Why You Should Ditch Plastic Water Bottles For Good
Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution
It’s July - lets go plastic free!
We’ve all used plastic water bottles. They’re convenient and easy to grab on the go. But have you ever stopped to think about what they’re really doing to our planet? It’s time to have a little chat about why it’s high time to ditch the plastic and go fully eco. Plus, We’ve got some eco water bottle recommendations for you at the end!
The Environmental Nightmare of Plastic
First off, let’s talk about the fact that plastic bottles never really disappear they just get ever decreasingly smaller, until they become invisible to humans. Many plastics end up in landfills, but many end up in the countryside, in rivers, in the soil and in our food chain, causing harm to wildlife.
And the production cost for all this plastic? It’s an energy hog, requiring fossil fuels for both manufacture and transport around the globe. Not great for our already stressed-out climate.
Then there’s the ocean. Millions of tonnes of plastic waste end up there each year, creating massive pollution. Sea creatures often mistake these plastics for food, which can be deadly. The plastic that washes up on our beaches is only a fraction of what lurks in the ocean.
And don’t even get us started on microplastics. As these bottles and other plastics break down, they turn into tiny particles that pollute our water and sneak their way into our food. It seems almost impossible to find a place not affected microplastic pollution.
Here in the HLH ranger team, we undertake a new seasonal sport The Great Nurdle hunt - each year looking for those tiny and deadly plastic pellets on beaches, very hard to spot with the naked eye, but there non the less causing harm to people and planet. Found out about Nurdles and Nurdle hunts here:
Human Health Hazards
When plastic water bottles get warm, they start to release toxic chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your water. These chemicals can start to mess with the body’s hormone regulation (this is called endocrine disruption) and even increase cancer risks.
And did you know that microplastics are now even showing up in human placentas!?
Here at High Life Highland our Ben Nevis Visitor Centre has been leading the way. We have stopped selling bottled water in the shop altogether to help combat the increasing issue of plastic pollution on Ben Nevis. Selling only reusable bottles. Since implementation this has had a really positive impact on the area, reducing plastic bottle waste both on the mountain and in the River Nevis.
High Life Highland have also signed the Nature, Climate and Health Charter, demonstrating our organisation’s commitment to the environment and recognising a healthy planet keeps us healthy too.
Individuals can sign too - read more about it here:
Types of Alternative Water Bottles
Continuously purchasing bottled water is akin to throwing money away, whereas investing in a environmentally friendly reusable water bottle is far more economical over time.
So, hopefully now we’ve sold you on why should you switch to an eco water bottle. But what should you replace plastic with?
We have researched some alternative types of reusable water bottles available and their other benefits:
Stainless Steel Bottles
Durability: Long-lasting and robust.
Insulation: Many have insulation properties that keep drinks cold or hot for extended periods.
Brands include: Hydro Flask; Klean Kanteen; Ocean Bottle; Sigg
Photo by personalgraphic.com on Unsplash
Glass Bottles
Purity of Taste: Does not impart flavours to the water.
Eco-Friendly: Fully recyclable and made from natural materials.
Brands include: Lifefactory; Soma; Bluewater
Photo by Laura Mitulla on Unsplash Collapsible Silicone Bottles/Water Bags
Portability: Space-saving when empty.
Lightweight: Ideal for hiking and travelling.
Brands include: Neon Cactus; Stojo; kiprun; newthinking
Plant Based Bottles
Lightweight: Ideal for hiking and travelling.
Material: 100% sustainable/biodegradable
Brands include: S*Wheat ; SmartShake (Eco-bottle)
Switching to an eco-friendly water bottle is a small change that makes a big difference. You’ll help reduce plastic waste, protect the environment, and even save a bit of cash in the long run. So make the switch today. Choose an eco water bottle and join the movement towards a greener, cleaner future.
Sign Up for Plastic Free July®
Will you be part of Plastic Free July® by choosing to refuse single-use plastics? Sign up and join millions of people around the world who are making a difference.
Visit the Plastic Free July® Website to learn more and sign up.
Take the Challenge: Commit to reducing your plastic use for the month of July and beyond.
Share Your Journey: Use #PlasticFreeJuly to share your progress on social media and inspire others.
