Plastic is one of the most convenient packaging materials. It is easily available and can be moulded into various shapes to meet demands. Almost every industry uses some form of plastic be it for packaging, storage or transportation. Bottled water may seem like a convenient option especially when there is no clean drinking water source at hand. But for an everyday office goer, carrying water from home in an environmentally friendly bottle is a better option. Read on to find out why.

1. Plastic water bottles are not sustainable

Once used and discarded very few plastic water bottles are actually recycled properly. A lot of these bottles are carelessly discarded in landfills that are bursting at their seams. These then take several years to decompose, meanwhile contaminating soil and groundwater. In addition, the packaging used for transportation of these bottles contains more plastic. Fuel goes into transportation further increasing the carbon footprint.

2. Interference with hormones

Compounds like Bisphenol -A (BPA) release chemicals like estrogen and are potential hormone disruptors. They are known to block and mimic hormones and prevent them from functioning normally. Washing and re-using plastic bottles breaks them down into smaller particles which then easily leach into water, food or drinks stored in them. These estrogen mimicking properties could potentially lead to weight gain in women. 

3. Potential Toxins

Substances like DHEA, phthalates, BPA, Dioxin etc. are known to cause various kinds of cancers in both men and women. When plastic is exposed to the UV rays of the sun, it leaches chemicals into the stored water. Drinking this water day after day is definitely not a healthy.

These toxins can have negative outcomes on foetal development such as low birth weight. For school going children, this can interfere with brain development and cognitive skills.

Better Alternatives

It would be better to carry your own water from home. For one thing, it is cost effective and environmentally friendly. Make sure that you boil and filter your drinking water to prevent any contamination. Carry this water in glass, copper or stainless-steel water bottles. These can be washed well and don’t leave behind any pesticide residues, making cleaning them easier. Stainless steel and copper bottles are harder and do not break easily. They are also better choices when it comes to storing hot water or beverages since unlike plastic, they do not break down and release toxins into your drink. Glass bottles can be carried in a sleeve to prevent them from any breakage or damage.

It is also important to reduce, re-use and recycle for a healthier planet. Bottled water is not very strictly regulated and, in some cases, can just be tap water that has been bottled, re-sealed and is now being sold at a higher price. It is important to realize these factors and choose safer options for our health and the environment.

References

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4. Bosque, T. (2018). Plastic Water Bottles Can Release Cancer-Causing Toxins | Ban the Bottle. Retrieved from https://www.banthebottle.net/articles/plastic-water-bottles-can-release-cancer-causing-toxins/
5. Causes, C., Prevention, C., Treatments, C., Drink, F., Spices, H., & Edition, A. et al. (2018). Is it REALLY Safe to Drink Bottled Water?. Retrieved from https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/is-bottled-water-safe/
6. Disposable water bottles - Canadian Cancer Society. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/reduce-cancer-risk/make-informed-decisions/myths-and-controversies/disposable-water-bottles/?region=on
7. Do plastic bottles or food containers cause cancer?. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/cancer-controversies/plastic-bottles-and-food-containers
8. Episode 1, Series 2, Trust Me, I'm a Doctor - Can plastic water bottles cause cancer? - BBC Two. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3JYPnFyHfjDB0jTJFSw97ms/can-plastic-water-bottles-cause-cancer
9. Lite, S. (2018). 5 Ways Your Plastic Bottle May Be Poisoning You - Green Clean Guide. Retrieved from http://greencleanguide.com/5-ways-your-plastic-bottle-may-be-poisoning-you/
10. Plastic Bottles Release Potentially Harmful Chemicals (Bisphenol A) After Contact With Hot Liquids. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130092108.htm
11. Tips to reduce your exposure to BPA. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331
12. World Cancer Day: Here's why you should stop drinking water from plastic bottles. (2018). Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/world-cancer-day-heres-why-you-should-stop-drinking-water-from-plastic-bottles/articleshow/62759194.cms