NEVER DRINK OUT of Plastic Waterbottle AGAIN!

Published on March 3, 2024

For regular readers, this one is going to be a real shocker, I recommend wherever possible to limit drinking from plastic waterbottles wherever possible. Plastic watterbottles, are the most common form of microplastic consumption.

What we need to know about Microplastics in Bottled Water:

An average of 10.4 microplastic particles >100 μm in size per liter. .
Including smaller particles (6.5–100 μm), the average increased to 325 microplastic particles per liter.
Contamination ranged from 0 to over 10,000 microplastic particles per liter.

Okay, what do these numbers mean? More importantly, why do they matter?

Microplastics as Grains of Sand in a Water Jug

Imagine pouring yourself a litre of water and discovering that it contains 10 tiny grains of sand.

Each grain represents a microplastic particle larger than 100 micrometres—about the width of a human hair.

While a few grains of sand in a large jug might seem insignificant, consider that you drink multiple liters of water daily. Over time, these grains accumulate, much like sand piling up in an hourglass.

The Scale:

Low Microplastic Count (e.g., 5 particles per liter): It’s like having 5 tiny grains of sand in your liter of water—a barely noticeable amount, but still present.
Moderate Microplastic Count (e.g., 10.4 particles per liter): Now, there are about 10 grains of sand in each liter you consume. Over a week of drinking 2 liters daily, that’s 140 grains—enough to feel gritty if held in your hand.
High Microplastic Count (e.g., 50 particles per liter): This equates to 50 grains of sand per liter. Drinking this water daily would accumulate over 700 grains a week, forming a small pile.

Chemical and Microplastic Exposure gets Worse With Sun Exposure

Sun light, breaks down the plastic chemicals in bottles, leading to the release of nasty chemicals including

lkanes (Can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation when inhaled or in contact with skin)
Alkenes (Potentially harmful when inhaled, may cause respiratory irritation)
Alcohols (Acelholds) (Can irritate the skin and eyes, and may cause central nervous system depression when inhaled or ingested)
Aldehydes (Irritates the respiratory tract and can be toxic if inhaled, ingested, or in contact with skin; some are carcinogenic)
n-Hexadecane (Possible carcinogen, may cause skin and respiratory irritation)

Sunlight breaking down plastic releases these chemicals, which can pose various health risks when humans are exposed to them.

Heavy Metal Leaching

Sunlight exposure can cause heavy metals to leach into the water, deteriorating its quality. A study examining three plastic bottle brands found:

Iron (Fe) (Excess can cause gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, and can be toxic in high amounts)
Manganese (Mn) (Overexposure may lead to neurological issues, including symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease)
Chromium (Cr) (Certain forms, like hexavalent chromium, are carcinogenic and can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation)
Aluminum (Al) (High levels may contribute to neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease)
Cadmium (Cd) (Highly toxic, can cause kidney damage, bone loss, and is a known carcinogen)
Zinc (Zn) (In excess, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and interfere with copper absorption, leading to anemia)
Lead (Pb) (Toxic, even in small amounts, leading to neurological damage, developmental delays, and various organ dysfunctions)
Arsenic (As) (Highly toxic and carcinogenic, causes skin, lung, and bladder cancers, and can lead to other serious health issues)
Nickel (Ni) (Can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and in higher amounts, respiratory issues and potential carcinogenic effects)

Need More Convincing?

So, What Can We Do About It?

Now that we’ve scared the living daylights out of you (sorry not sorry), let’s talk solutions. Because let’s face it, we all need to drink water, but we don’t need to drink plastic soup.

Ditch the Plastic, Embrace the Reusable Time to break up with plastic water bottles. It’s not them, it’s… well, actually, it is them. Invest in a high-quality reusable bottle made of stainless steel or glass. Your body (and the planet) will thank you.

💰Buying Tips: Avoid Plastic Liners 💰

Generally speaking, high-quality stainless steel water bottles do not have plastic linings. This is one of their main selling points and health benefits. However, there are a few things to be aware of:

Pure Stainless Steel: Most reputable stainless steel water bottles are made of food-grade stainless steel (usually 18/8 or 304 grade) without any interior lining. These are considered the safest option.
Potential Plastic Components: While the body of the bottle may be pure stainless steel, some bottles might have plastic components in the lid or cap. It’s worth checking these parts to ensure they’re BPA-free and made of food-grade materials.
Coated Bottles: Some lower-quality or cheaper “stainless steel” bottles might have an interior coating, which could be plastic-based. Always check the product description or contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure.
Insulated Bottles: Double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottles are popular for keeping drinks hot or cold. These typically don’t have any lining between the walls, but it’s always good to verify with the manufacturer.
Bamboo or Other Exterior Coatings: Some stainless steel bottles have exterior coatings for aesthetics or grip. While these don’t typically affect the interior, it’s worth ensuring they’re non-toxic.

🔥🔥 Pro Tip: When shopping for a stainless steel water bottle, look for terms like “18/8 stainless steel,” “food-grade stainless steel,” or “304 grade stainless steel.” Also, check for certifications from organizations like NSF International, which tests products for safety and quality. 🔥🔥

To be absolutely sure, you can:

Read product descriptions carefully
Check the manufacturer’s website for detailed material information
Contact the company directly if you have any doubts

Remember, reputable brands are usually transparent about their materials and construction methods. If a company is vague or unwilling to provide this information, it might be best to look for alternatives.

By choosing a high-quality, pure stainless steel water bottle, you can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics and potentially harmful chemicals often associated with plastic bottles

Filter Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Kind of Does) Get yourself a good water filter for your tap water. It’s like having a bouncer for your H2O, keeping out the riff-raff (aka microplastics and other nasties).

When shopping for water filters, especially to tackle those pesky microplastics, keep these key points in mind:

Know Your Enemy: Different filters target different contaminants. For microplastics, look for filters with very fine pore sizes (1 micron or less) or consider reverse osmosis systems, which are generally most effective for microplastic removal.
Certification is Key: Don’t just trust marketing claims. Look for filters certified by reputable organizations like NSF International or the Water Quality Association (WQA). These certifications ensure the filter does what it says it does.
Practical Matters: Consider your budget (both initial cost and ongoing filter replacements), ease of installation, and maintenance requirements. The best filter is one you’ll actually use consistently.
Environmental Impact: Think about filter lifespan and recyclability. Longer-lasting filters mean less waste, and some manufacturers offer recycling programs for used cartridges.

Remember, no single filter removes everything. If you’re serious about water quality, consider getting your water tested to know exactly what you’re dealing with. This will help you choose the most effective filter for your specific needs.

🔥🔥 Pro Tip: Multi-stage filtration systems often provide the best overall performance, combining different filter types to tackle a wider range of contaminants. Just be sure to factor in the cost and complexity of maintenance before making your choice. 🔥🔥=

Avoid the Sun Like a Vampire (For Your Water Bottles) If you must use plastic bottles, keep them cool and in the dark. Treat them like you’re hiding them from the sun in a witness protection program.

What To Do When You have to Drink out of Plastic Waterbottle

Look drinking from plastic water in un avoidable and we are all going to be drinking from plastic waterbottles, hopefully a few times per year. Hopefully alot less after reading this article!!

While it’s best to minimize use of plastic bottles, there are some practical steps you can take when you have to use them. Here’s a brief guide:

Most plastic products, including water bottles, feature a recycling code symbol—a number inside a triangle made of three chasing arrows. This symbol is usually located on the bottom or the side of the bottle. The number inside the triangle indicates the type of plastic used:

#1 PET or PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Common in disposable water bottles.
#2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Used in some reusable bottles; safer and more durable.
#3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Avoid; can leach harmful chemicals.
#4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Found in some squeeze bottles; considered safer.
#5 PP (Polypropylene): Used in reusable bottles; resists heat and is safer.
#6 PS (Polystyrene): Avoid; can leach styrene, a possible carcinogen.
#7 Other: Mixed or unknown plastics; may contain BPA or other harmful substances.

Check the bottled date: Choose bottles that are as fresh as possible. Older bottles may have leached more chemicals into the water.

Use quickly: Once opened, consume the water as soon as possible and avoid refilling plastic bottles.

Look for BPA-free labels: While not a guarantee of safety, it’s a step in the right direction.

Squeeze test: If the bottle is excessively flexible or leaves marks when squeezed, it might be leaching more chemicals.

Opt for glass or boxed water when available: These are generally safer alternatives to plastic bottles.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and may your microplastic consumption be as low as your hydration levels are high! Remember, every sip from a reusable bottle is a small victory for both your body and our planet. Let’s raise a glass (a non-plastic one, of course) to a future where clean water doesn’t come with a side of plastic particles.

Miles