The average person in the U.S. goes through an estimated 167 plastic water bottles per year. This means that the entire country uses over 50 billion plastic water bottles on an annual basis. Plastic is recyclable, but less than one-quarter of water bottles used in the U.S. are actually recycled. The vast majority of plastic water bottles are sent to landfills, where they can cause significant damage to the environment. Use a reusable water bottle instead of contributing to the plastic problem. You can do your part to protect the environment by drinking water out of one of these eco-friendly alternatives:

Glass Reusable Bottle

Glass is 100% recyclable and it can be recycled over and over again without losing its quality. For this reason, glass is known as one of the most eco-friendly materials. A glass reusable bottle is also much easier to keep clean since it can be washed in the dishwasher alongside plates, cups, and other utensils. However, it is heavier and more expensive than other eco-conscious options, so keep this in mind when choosing the right reusable bottle for your lifestyle.

Stainless Steel Reusable Bottle

Another option is a stainless steel reusable water bottle. Steel looks more sleek and sophisticated than glass, which is one of its many benefits. It also is not nearly as fragile as glass, so it is ideal for people with active lifestyles who don’t want to worry about breaking their bottle. Some stainless steel bottles are even insulated, meaning they keep the liquid hot or cold for a long period of time. This is perfect for people who plan on taking their bottle with them to work, the gym, or anywhere else they need to be.

Although there are many benefits to choosing a stainless steel reusable bottle, there is a downside as well. Stainless steel must be washed by hand because it is not dishwasher-friendly. If you don’t want to spend time hand washing your bottle, this isn’t the right choice for you.

Plastic Reusable Bottle

Perhaps the most popular alternative to plastic water bottles is a plastic reusable bottle. It may not seem logical to replace plastic water bottles with a plastic reusable bottle, but it actually makes perfect sense. The plastic that is used to create reusable bottles is more durable than the material used to create disposable bottles. As its name suggests, plastic reusable bottles are tough enough to withstand repeated use. As a result, this type of bottle is far more eco-friendly than a plastic disposable bottle. Be sure to choose a hard plastic bottle as opposed to a soft plastic bottle, which is not as durable. 

Plastic is one of the more affordable eco-friendly materials, which could explain why it is so popular. It is also a lightweight material, so these reusable bottles can easily be carried with you throughout the day.

There are countless alternatives to using multiple plastic water bottles per day. By purchasing an eco-friendly reusable bottle, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment.