Healthy Alternatives to Using Plastic Bottles

by Rudrajit Chakraborty Digital Marketing Expert

The negative effects of plastic bottles on the environment are far-reaching in its scope. Plastic bottles are harmful because they are non-biodegradable. It takes more than an average human life for a plastic bottle to decompose naturally. Even then, most plastics are never fully decomposed. They remain on this planet for years to come. Plastic bottle tops are not recyclable and often end up at the bottom of the ocean.

Studies say that around the world, a million plastic bottles are bought every minute. With such huge amount of plastic bottles being used, it is very difficult to recycle and reuse each of these bottles. As a result, most plastic bottles end up in landfills or in the ocean. This type of plastic water bottle pollution also affects marine animals who mistake this plastic waste for their usual food and die of suffocation or intestinal occlusion.

Plastic bottles are among the most commonly used products in our daily life. In our homes, plastic bottles are typically used to store liquids such as water, soft drinks, milk, cooking oil, medicine, shampoo, and many more items. The most common type of plastic bottle is PET bottles. PET plastic bottles are commonly used to package mineral water, aerated drinks, juices, sodas and the like. The reason why plastic bottles are so widely used is that they are convenient. Plastic bottles are lightweight and easy to store. But the negative effects of plastic bottles on the environment overshadow any advantage it may have.

Of the huge number of plastic bottles used all over the world, less than 15% of them are properly recycled. The rest of them end up in landfills, lying there for years and years, seeping dangerous chemicals into the ground. The most effective way to stop this type of plastic water bottle pollution is to use alternative products other than plastic.

By bringing a change in our daily lifestyle, we can stop the use of plastic bottles in our homes. Some easy alternatives are:

Aluminum

Water bottles made of aluminum are a good alternative to use in place of plastic bottles. They are lightweight and can be easily carried. Make sure that your aluminum water bottle is lined with a polyester protective film so that no harmful elements are released into the contents. Hence, there is no risk of bacteria proliferation.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is very resistant to rust, chemicals and high temperatures which makes it a very stable material. Stainless steel bottles are BPA free and thus, a healthy option to store drinking liquids. Stainless steel bottles can be vacuum sealed and insulated which keeps the liquids hot or cold for at least 12 hours. They are great for camping or other long distance travels.

Glass

While the price of glass water bottles is a little on the higher side, they are 100% recyclable. These can be reused for separate purposes and it participates in the circular economy cycle. Glass bottles are heavy and not travel-friendly.