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Affordable Sustainability: Plastic Water Bottle Waste

Plastic water bottles have become a part of modern life. They’re convenient, portable and readily available. Unfortunately, though, their convenience comes at a cost. 

According to a report published by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, more than one million bottles of water are sold every minute worldwide. Around 85% of these bottles, which can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, will end up as waste, the report claims. 

Plastic water bottles do a job on the wallet, too, with the average American spending $266 a year on these ill-packaged beverages. But reducing your usage is easy. Here are five ways to reduce plastic water bottle usage.

1. Invest in a reusable water bottle

One of the easiest ways to reduce your plastic water bottle usage is to invest in a reusable water bottle. They’re durable and easy to carry around.  You can find a reusable water bottle in many varieties and styles.

2. Use water filters

Another way to reduce your plastic water bottle usage is to invest in a water filter, ensuring that your tap water is clean and safe. There are different types of water filters available, such as pitcher filters, faucet filters and under-sink filters. Shop around until you find one that fits your needs and budget. With clean water available at home, you won’t have to depend on bottled water to stay hydrated. 

3. Carry your water bottle with you

Take your water with you. Everywhere. This way, you’ll have clean water to drink wherever you are. Most workplaces provide filtered water for their employees, so you can always refill it during the workday. 

4. Say no to plastic water bottles

It isn’t easy to break the plastic water bottle habit, but you can do it! Consciously turn down offers for bottled water while at various venues and events. When asked if you’d like a bottle of water, politely decline and explain that you’ve brought your own. If you’re the one hosting an event, serve water in pitchers instead of distributing plastic water bottles to all your guests. 

5. Support businesses that reduce plastic water bottle usage

When choosing a restaurant, café or hotel, look for those that offer tap water or water in reusable glasses or bottles. Additionally, you can support businesses that offer incentives for using reusable water bottles, such as discounts or free refills. Supporting businesses that reduce plastic water bottle usage is a great way to create a demand for sustainable practices. 

Reducing plastic water bottle usage can have a significant impact on the environment and provide extra wiggle room in your budget, too. Use the tips outlined here to change your drinking habits and do one for the environment.

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