Step into any grocery or convenience store, and you’ll see aisles lined with plastic water bottles. Small 8-, 12-, and 20-ounce bottles are sold individually and in bulk. One-liter (33.8-ounce) bottles fill shelves and coolers, while large jugs — one gallon, two gallons, even 2.5 gallons — are stacked and ready to go. All of them are designed for short-term use, then tossed.
A visitor from another planet might assume this is Earth’s main source of hydration, not realizing that nearly every home already has water flowing freely from the tap.
Buying single-use bottled water has become a cultural norm. But it’s a habit we can break, and there’s a better, smarter way to stay hydrated.
The Real Cost of Single-Use Bottled Water
Single-use plastic water bottles are everywhere, and they’re undeniably convenient. But the convenience comes at a far greater cost than most people realize.
Americans purchase around 50 billion plastic water bottles every year. That’s about 13 bottles per person each month. Most are used once and tossed. And even when we recycle, only a small fraction actually gets turned into something new.
The Environmental Cost of Plastic Bottles
Most bottles end up in landfills, waterways, or as litter. While it may take 400 years or more for a plastic bottle to degrade, it never truly decomposes. It simply breaks down into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which pollute oceans, soil, drinking water, and even the air we breathe.
Health Concerns: Microplastics in Bottled Water
Microplastics have been detected in bottled water worldwide. Some studies suggest that bottled water can contain twice as many microplastics as tap water. These particles may carry health risks, especially when combined with chemicals commonly found in plastics like BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, and PFAS — “forever chemicals” linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. It’s clear: the bottle isn’t always better.
The Financial Cost of Bottled Water
Bottled water is expensive over time. A single 16.9-ounce bottle of water can cost anywhere from $1.45 to over $4.00, adding up to hundreds of dollars per year for individuals and much more for families or offices. Even if you can afford it, wouldn’t that money be better spent elsewhere, like investing or supporting a favorite cause?
The Environmental Toll of Production
It takes more than water to make bottled water. In fact, producing a single plastic bottle requires about three times as much water as it holds. The manufacturing process also burns fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.The solution isn’t better plastic bottles. It’s breaking the habit.
How You Can Reduce Single-Use Plastic Water Bottle Use
Fortunately, you don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to make a difference. Even small changes can reduce the number of single-use plastic water bottles that end up in landfills and oceans. It’s about progress, not perfection.
Here are a few swaps to consider:
• Filter your tap water at home. If you buy bottled water for better taste or safety, consider switching to a filtration system. You’ll enjoy cleaner water without the plastic waste and save money in the long run.
• Use a refillable water bottle. It’s the simplest, most effective way to avoid buying bottled water. Choose one that fits your lifestyle. Many types of water bottles are available, including those made of stainless steel, glass, recycled aluminum, and compostable plastics. Make it your daily companion.
• Keep a reusable bottle with you. Keep extras in your bag, your car, or at work so you’re never without a hydration option.
• Refill before you leave the house. A quick refill before heading out can keep you from reaching for bottled water on the go.
• Skip the bulk packs. Those 24-pack cases might seem convenient, but they pile up fast in both waste and cost. A reusable setup pays off quickly.
• Create a DIY hydration station. Set up a bottleless water cooler at home or work, with clean cups or water glasses nearby. When it’s easy and accessible, people are more likely to skip single-use plastic bottles.
• Say no to promotional plastic water bottles at events. Cheap swag often gets tossed after one use.
• Invite friends or coworkers to join you. A collective effort is more fun and makes a bigger impact.
Reducing plastic bottle waste doesn’t just help the environment. It’s better for your health and your wallet, too. And when it comes to hydration, filtered water is one of the smartest switches you can make.
Why Filtered Water Makes a Difference
Single-use water bottles may seem convenient, but the water inside them isn’t always as pure as you’d expect. Plus, 64% of bottled water in the US is just filtered municipal water — nothing fancy, despite the premium price. Why not just DIY at home? Now that’s convenient!
Filtered tap water provides a safer, more sustainable alternative. Brio’s wide range of products, including bottleless coolers, undersink filtration systems, and whole-house filters, makes it easy to enjoy clean, fresh-tasting water without relying on plastic bottles.
Check Out These Brio Solutions:
• Bottleless Coolers are connected directly to your water supply and include built-in filtration. That means on-demand hydration without the plastic waste.
• Undersink Filtration includes compact Single Housing Filtration Systems and Tankless Reverse Osmosis Systems that remove a wide range of contaminants.
• Whole House Filtration Systems are ideal for families who want clean, filtered water at every tap. It’s not just for drinking. It’s for showers and washing too.
• Brio UV-C Disinfection Lights can provide an additional layer of protection in someBrio systems. The ultraviolet sterilization reduces bacteria and pathogens, such as E.coli and Giardia.
With a Brio system in place, you can fill up your favorite reusable bottle and skip the single-use plastics entirely.
A Simple Step Toward a Cleaner Future
Small, mindful choices can make a big difference, and they don’t have to be complicated. Start with just one, like filtering your water and skipping the single-use plastic bottles. Small changes add up, and you can always build from there.
Looking for a smarter way to hydrate? Explore Brio’s eco-friendly options to find the water filtration system that’s right for you.
