Plastic water bottles are a huge problem for the environment. They can take up to 1000 years to decompose, and they often end up in our oceans, which is harmful to marine life. That’s why you must reduce your use of plastic water bottles.
Did you know that Americans used more than 50 billion water bottles last year? It is alarming! Not only do these plastic bottles pollute our environment, but they also contain hundreds of harmful chemicals. They are the biggest source of pollution in the world’s oceans, killing 1 million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals each year.
This problem could be solved if we all make an effort to reduce plastic water bottles consumption. Here are 20 tips on how this could be done:
Table of Contents
1. Get a reusable water bottle
The best way to reduce plastic water bottles is to opt for reusables instead. There are plenty of durable and easy-to-use models out there, which you can find in any store. On the other hand, you could also reuse your plastic bottles if they are BPA-free, clean them thoroughly, and get a reusable bottle that you can fill with tap water.
2. Use glass or aluminum containers to store your filtered water
Refillable plastic bottles are bad for the environment, so don’t reuse them if they contain harmful chemicals. Glass and aluminum are much safer alternatives, but keep in mind that not all types of plastic containers are safe.
3. Stop buying single-use bottles, and buy a pack of reusable bottles instead
Single-use plastic water bottles should be avoided altogether since they contain harmful chemicals that could leach into your drink. Keep multiple reusable bottles at work, school, or in the car, so you have access to clean filtered water whenever you need it.
4. Reuse your old plastic bottles for household purposes
Please don’t throw your empty plastic water bottles away; reuse them for household purposes instead. You can make them into vases, flower pots, plant containers, travel mugs, waste bins, storage boxes for kitchen supplies, small toys, and makeup brushes holders… the possibilities are endless.
5. Use a filter to purify your tap water
If you can’t get rid of your bottled-water habit but need a way to purify the local drinking water, try getting a faucet-mounted or under-sink filter. They are not expensive and will make sure you have safe, filtered water at all times.
6. Don’t use your water bottle as a straw
Straws are another major source of pollution, and they’re primarily used for beverages! If you must use a straw, opt for a reusable one that you can wash after each use. Otherwise, skip the straw.
7. Get a reusable sports bottle instead of buying single-use bottles
Sports water bottles are essential for workouts and fitness activities, so get rid of your plastic version for good. There are plenty of durable alternatives at affordable prices that will last you several years if properly cared for. Just make sure they’re BPA-free.
8. Get a filter for your shower head
You currently spend 10 to 20 minutes in the shower. In all that time, you’re inhaling some contaminated water. To avoid this issue, get a filter for your showerhead and have clean filtered water at all times. As a bonus, installing one of these is usually an easy and affordable job.
9. Reduce your daily water intake to reduce plastic waste
This seems like a no-brainer, but the more you drink, the more plastic bottles you will need to buy regularly. So try reducing your daily amount of water by half and see how that helps cut down on dirty bottles.
10. Buy reusable straw to avoid single-use ones
Plastic is the enemy, but so are one-time-use items like paper and plastic straws. If you can’t get rid of them completely, opt for reusable options instead. There are plenty of durable, affordable reusable straws at your local stores.
11. Carry a reusable bottle when going to an event
Instead of going to a movie, sports event, or other activity and carrying a disposable plastic bottle all the time, buy a durable container that can hold at least 32 oz. of water. That way, you’ll have access to safe, filtered water no matter what!
12. Don’t let your kids carry disposable water bottles around
Kids love to carry small plastic water bottles but think about how many they go through daily. Instead of letting them carry single-use items, please encourage them to get their reusable bottle and fill it up when they get thirsty.
13. Make sure you recycle your empty plastic bottles properly
If you do have to use single-use plastic bottles for whatever reason, don’t throw them in the trash. Instead, make sure you recycle them properly. Most supermarkets offer a bottle recycling service to bring empty plastic bottles and get a discount on your next purchase.
14. Get a reusable water flask instead of buying bottled drinks
Instead of buying bottled drinks every time you’re thirsty, why not invest in a reusable water flask instead? You can fill it up with filtered water before leaving your home and stay hydrated throughout the day.
15. Use glass jars for storing leftovers
Replace plastic food containers with glass alternatives, which are way more durable and cheaper too. Plus, you can easily wash them with just soap and water.
16. Opt for powdered or canned milk instead of plastic-bottled varieties
Plastic bottles are not just used for beverages. Many brands use them to package their dairy products, especially milk. If you can’t get rid of this habit, pick up some powdered or canned milk instead. They’re way better for the environment and will save you a lot of money too.
17. Choose eco-friendly shampoo bottles instead of the plastic ones
Shampoo companies are great at targeting their customers with fancy packaging, but have you ever thought about how much waste it creates? Switch to a more sustainable shampoo brand and opt for eco-friendly shampoos that come in glass bottles or cardboard packages instead.
18. Use a reusable glass straw for your morning coffee
You probably drink at least one cup of coffee daily, right? If you do, try to use a reusable glass straw instead of the plastic ones they provide at most cafes.
19. Make your laundry detergent from old plastic bottles
If you’re looking for a reason to get rid of all those old plastic bottles, this might be it. You can make your laundry detergents from them and use that instead of store-bought products. All you need is baking soda, soap (both liquid and powder), and essential oils. Do google recipes for more details on how to put everything together, or follow this tutorial.
20. Use a large water bottle as a cheap humidifier
Humidifiers are great for winter, but the ones you can buy at the store are quite expensive. Luckily, you can make your humidifier with a large water bottle or container, baking soda, and eucalyptus essential oil. Just mix everything in a bowl, pour it into your plastic bottle, put the lid back on, and place it in your room overnight.
FAQ’s
Q: How do I get started?
A: You can start reducing your plastic waste today, but you might need to get rid of old habits first. Try starting with small changes like using reusable straws instead of disposable ones before moving on to bigger things like switching to eco-friendly shampoo brands. Once you get used to making better choices without sacrificing too much, you’ll be able to tackle larger problems.
Q: How much money can I save?
A: If you’re buying one or two items at a time, it may not seem like you’re saving much compared to how much you spent initially. However, this is the seed that will grow into something bigger if you stick with it. In the long run, you’ll be able to save a lot of money by not buying all that stuff you don’t need in the first place.
Q: What if I still have plastic bottles?
A: If you still have some plastic bottles on your desk or in your living room, it’s fine. Just make sure you recycle them properly when you’re done with them. You can also swap your disposable plastic bottles for reusable ones.
Q: What if I don’t like drinking tap water?
A: If you’re used to drinking bottled water, it can seem weird having to change your habits overnight. In this case, try switching from plastic bottles to reusable ones for a week or two before trying out something different.
Q: Will implementing these changes cost too much?
A: This depends on how much disposable plastic waste you have in your home. If you’re replacing your disposable straws with reusable ones, then there won’t be any costs involved at all. However, if you’re switching to eco-friendly shampoo brands or DIY cleaning products, you might need to invest a little bit of money to get started.
Conclusion
If you are looking to reduce the number of plastic water bottles you buy, a few strategies could help. We’ve put together this guide with 20 tips for reducing your reliance on bottled water. The first strategy is one many people know about but often forget-carrying around an empty reusable bottle! This can be either metal or glass and should fit in your purse or bag without too much trouble. Another tip would be to keep some reusable cups at work so when coworkers ask if anyone wants coffee, they have their own mug handy instead of just reaching into the communal pot with disposable cups. Perhaps one of these ideas will get rid of those pesky plastic bottles once and for all!
