It’s no secret that our modern world prioritizes convenience over many other factors. Unfortunately, this is often the case when it comes to sustainability and what’s best for the environment.
There are few places where this is more obvious than it is when it comes to clean drinking water and the bottled water industry. Single-use bottles of water are a billion-dollar industry and are still the go-to option for many people when they are thirsty.
But is bottled water safe? Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of bottled water for the environment.
Pros and Cons of Using a Refillable Water Bottle
Refillable water bottles are one of the best options for reducing environmental impact. However, as useful as these bottles are, they aren’t perfect. What are the pros and cons of refillable water bottles?
Pros
- Better for the environment: Refillable water bottles are used again and again. You empty and refill them instead of tossing the bottle into the trash. Reusing the same bottle decreases the accumulation of plastic in landfills and oceans.
- Lower cost: You can usually buy a single-use plastic water bottle for $1 or $1.50. A reusable bottle will usually cost you $10 or more, so initially, you’ll pay more for the reusable bottle. But what happens after you’ve refilled your bottle ten times, usually in just a few days? Suddenly, your reusable bottle costs less than ten single-use bottles of water! Using a refillable water bottle costs less over time, usually a short time, than a single plastic bottle of water.
- More convenient: Refillable water bottles are convenient. You grab your bottle in the morning, fill it up, and carry it with you all day. You never need to worry about finding a place to buy water throughout the day.
- Improved health: Carrying a refillable water bottle with you tends to make you drink more water. Having water with you means you don’t need to run to the store for water. Your drink is just with you all day, increasing your likelihood to sip on water throughout the day and improving your health and well-being. Having a bottle of water with you at all times helps you ward off the symptoms of dehydration.
- Customizable: You have endless options for choosing the best water bottle. There are plenty of styles, colors, sizes, designs, and more, so you can pick the exact bottle you need for every occasion.
Cons
- Initial investment: As mentioned earlier, the initial cost of a refillable water bottle is more than what you’ll pay for a single-use plastic water bottle. The good news is you can make this cost up within a few days with your refillable bottle.
- Maintenance: With a single-use plastic bottle, you don’t need to worry about cleaning or taking care of it. You drink it and toss it in the garbage. That’s the appeal of the bottle – use it and get rid of it. With a refillable bottle, you’ll need to wash it daily and ensure it doesn’t develop any leaks. Some people don’t want to deal with the hassle despite the benefits.
- Weight: In addition to washing the bottle, you’ll need to carry it with you. If you want to be hands-free or not carry anything with you, having a refillable bottle can be inconvenient.
- Not always permitted: Sometimes, you won’t be allowed to use a refillable bottle. This is an unfortunate fact of life. Event organizers want you to spend money buying water bottles once you’re onsite, so they don’t allow you to bring water in from outside. Sometimes, you can’t even bring in an empty bottle to refill. These situations are gradually changing as more people realize the detrimental effects of single-use plastics on the environment. Still, the improvements take time, and it will be a while before you can carry a water bottle to every event.
What Is the Impact of Single-Use Plastic on the Environment?
The most important thing people can know about single-use plastics is their environmental impact. Even if they offer easy access to clean drinking water, they pollute the environment. Plastic takes centuries to break down.
These bottles just sit in landfills and waterways, posing a risk to marine life. Manufacturing these bottles also damages the environment by contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural resources.
How Can Quench Buggy Help You Reduce or Eliminate Your Use of Plastic Water Bottles?
Quench Buggy portable water stations offer a sustainable option that helps you curb your reliance on single-use plastic water bottles. Our stations offer convenient access to clean, filtered water—all you need is a refillable water bottle!
With Quench Buggy, people can enjoy the convenience of on-the-go hydration without contributing to plastic pollution. By embracing these portable water stations, individuals and organizations take a significant step towards preserving natural resources and safeguarding the planet for future generations.
It’s also a great way to ensure everyone drinks enough water during an event. This is especially important for crowded outdoor events during hotter summers.
If you’d like to learn more about reducing your use of single-use plastics or you’d like to speak to someone about renting a Quench Buggy, visit our website.