Do you drink bottled water? And we’re not talking about the 5 gallon bottles, we’re talking about the 16oz plastic bottles of water. If so, you’re not alone. Every year, Americans use approximately 50 billion plastic water bottles.
While bottled water is convenient, there are many reasons why you may want to cut it out of your life. In addition to the environmental impact, here are a few other things to keep in mind:
1. It’s Not Much Different Than Tap Water
Many people assume that bottled water is of the highest quality, but this isn’t always true.
Depending on the type you buy, you may end up with something very similar to the water that comes from your faucet.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, approximately 25 percent of bottled water is no different than what you can get from any faucet in your home.
2. It’s Expensive
Sure, you can purchase 40 bottles of water for a few dollars at your local big box store, but you’re still overpaying when you take into consideration what you’re getting.
Even though you’ll spend more upfront to install a water filtration system in your home, you more than makeup for it in the long run.
3. Plastic Water Bottles Aren’t Always Recycled
Most people believe that the majority of plastic water bottles are recycled, but this isn’t typically the case.
Some estimates note that roughly 80 percent of plastic from these bottles goes to waste. This plastic waste results in a massive impact on the environment.
4. It Can Harm Your Health
Did you know that chemicals in the plastic have the potential to leach into the water you drink? These chemicals may not sound like a big deal if you only drink bottled water every now and again, but imagine what it’s doing to your health if you make it a habit.
For example, some plastic water bottles contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical linked to serious health concerns such as heart disease.
If you have concerns about drinking bottled water, it may be time to find an alternative.
For example, Kinetico is known for its long list of water filtration products. With one of these drinking water systems installed in your home, your need for bottled water won’t be nearly as great.
