Our relationship with the Earth is becoming more and more tenuous each year. As we use and throw away more resources, we have a greater effect on the delicate ecosystems around us. One of the most critical threats facing the environment can be attributed to an innocuous everyday item— the plastic water bottle.
By replacing the single use plastic water bottle with highly efficient water filtration solutions, home and businesses can drastically cut down on waste.
The Water People can help you achieve any sustainability goal you have set. Our vast range of water filtration products are suitable for many industries and domestic settings.
The rise of plastics
Plastic was invented as a superior material to hold water and other liquids. Over the decades plastic production began to increase to astronomical levels, leading to the crisis we're facing today.
Plastic is taking over our oceans and environment, It’s estimated that plastic refuse now makes up between 60 and 90 percent of the world’s total rubbish. That equates to around 270 million tonnes of plastic thrown into landfills and entering our oceans every year.
Water wars and wastage
The impact of plastic water bottles isn't only environmental, it's social. In the 1980's, corporations began to sit up and take notice of a new product opportunity, where they could profit off one of the world's most abundant, but most important resources—water.
Companies marketed bottled water as 'fresher, cleaner and healthier' alternative to tap water. But in reality, bottled water is often sourced from land purchased from vulnerable communities, exploiting poverty for the gain of greedy multinational corporations.
Bottled water is one of the greatest marketing strategies of all time. It is literally thousands of times more expensive that water from municipal sources, and features little to no greater health benefits.
There are many other concerns around plastic water bottles:
- Companies make plastic water bottles using a synthetic chemical called PET which is unsafe to drink.
- Bottled water production around the world is often unregulated and prone to corruption.
- Impurities in local and imported bottled water can range from heavy metals to nitrate.
- Only 9% of plastic water bottles are ever recycled.
Attitudes to plastic today
Today, we are more educated and informed than ever before when it comes to making choices. This has led to increased ethical consumption and consumerism.
However, this isn't enough. In fact, general plastic production is actually set to increase by 40 percent over the next decade. Individuals, families,, communities, businesses, and corporations all need to work together to take a stand and help the environment—not just for ourselves, but for the posterity of the world we know.
Cutting down on your bottled water use is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. It's good for us, and it's good for the Earth. Here are some great ways to cut down on your plastic water bottle usage.
1. Use a refillable bottle
Whether you're at work, in the car or at the gym, keeping a refillable bottle with you is a great alternative to using plastic water bottles. Changing your behaviour through consider plastic use is an easy way for everyone to cut down on pollution.
Modern refillable water bottles are an excellent solution for people on the go, or for those with more sedentary lifestyles. There are plenty of benefits:
- Refillable bottles come in greater capacities, encouraging you to drink more water.
- They are designed and manufactured with no harmful PET or BPA plastics that can affect water quality.
- They are hardier and more resistant to damage than single use plastics.
- Multi-use bottles often come in a range of shapes and colours.
2. Invest in a water system
The best way to use your new filtered water bottle is to keep it topped up with chilled, filtered water. No matter where you live or work, you can have all the purported benefits of bottled water for a fraction of the price.
Professional water specialists like The Water People can install or provide you with a water filtration system that works for you, without the plastic water bottle pollution. It's a healthier, safer and more cost effective way to get the water you want.
3. Get your workplace on board
Is your workplace looking at becoming more eco-friendly? An excellent way to kick start change in the workplace is by bring in small changes, such as bringing in a refillable bottle only policy.
With the right water system, it's easy for any workplace to become more eco-conscious and keep staff hydrated too. Our water filtration systems can support any workplace, from small gyms, to sprawling university campuses. It's all about finding a solution that delivers filtered water fast, efficiently, and without the waste.
Contact The Water People
The impact of plastic water bottles is huge, but the changes we can make to remedy this environmental issue don't have to be. Try taking some small steps today, to improve the planet for tomorrow.
The Water People is dedicated to helping you find more sustainable choices when it comes to water consumption. Our team are experts in their field, and are ready to recommend the perfect solution to meet your sustainability goals.