Are Glass Water Bottles Safer Than Plastic Ones?
About 1.2 million plastic bottles are consumed per minute and only 9% are recycled. Imagine how much waste is produced by the other 91% that are not recycled! Therefore, eco-conscious consumers are looking at more suitable alternatives to drinking water on the go by considering more eco-friendly options to minimize the environmental impact.
Glass water bottles are emerging as alternatives, but are they the best? Let us look at the best options to determine which bottles are safe for drinking water.
Which Bottles are Safe for Drinking Water?
The good news is that many bottle options are available for drinking water. However, that does not make your decision much easier because you have to consider many factors.
For this purpose, let us look into the market's two most common water bottle options: glass vs. plastic water bottles.
Glass Water Bottles
Glass water bottles are among the top options in the reusable water bottle category. Glass is famous for storing food and for drinking water for a reason.
Pros of Glass Water Bottles
Glass is among the safest materials for water bottles since it is non-reactive. It won't cause harmful chemicals or toxins to leach into the water, making the water you drink safer and chemical-free. Using glass water bottles ensures the purity of the water keeping it free from various health risks.
Speaking of retaining water purity, glass does not retain the flavors of other beverages, ensuring you can enjoy your water untainted with a freshness of taste. A glass bottle will suit you if you prefer the purest taste of water.
Sustainability is another primary characteristic of a glass water bottle. This material is highly recyclable and sustainable, allowing it to be utilized in many different ways, reducing the environmental impact. It is a good option for anyone who wants to contribute to conservation and minimize environmental waste.
Meanwhile, glass water bottles, particularly those made from borosilicate glass, are known for their exceptional durability. This material is resistant to damage, especially cracks and scratches. It can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.
Finally, glass water bottles are easy to clean. Glass is a non-porous material that is easy to clean and maintain in pristine condition. It also helps to prevent odor and bacterial growth. Most glass bottles are dishwasher-safe, making them easier to clean after use.
Cons of Glass Water Bottles
While there are many upsides to glass water bottles, there are also a few downsides you must know about. Glass is a fragile material that is susceptible to damage. You must be extra careful when handling these water bottles to avoid dropping or mishandling them.
Glass bottles are also heavier than plastic bottles. They can be less convenient to carry around, particularly if you’re always on the go. And since the material is fragile, it can limit the portability of this water bottle as they are vulnerable to rough handling and other extreme conditions.
Finally, glass water bottles are more expensive than plastic bottles due to the material cost and the processing of the glass material.
Plastic Water Bottles
Pros of Plastic Water Bottles
Plastic bottles are undoubtedly popular because of their many advantages. Plastic is incredibly lightweight and portable, making it a suitable choice to pack water for travel, outdoor, or daily use. Compared to glass water bottles, plastic is more resilient to damage. If you are using a thicker plastic material, it won’t break easily.
Another advantage of a plastic water bottle is its affordability. It is more accessible to a broader range of consumers because of its affordable price.
Cons of Plastic Water Bottles
Despite the advantages of plastic water bottles, they have a few drawbacks you must consider before buying them.
One major drawback of using plastic water bottles is their environmental impact. They are the most significant contributor to plastic waste globally, with almost half the annual plastic production designed for single-use only. The lack of sustainability is the primary concern for anyone who wants to use plastic bottles since it is an increasing problem and a pressing environmental concern worldwide.
Aside from contributing to global plastic waste, chemical leaching is another concern with using plastic water bottles. Plastic bottles contain the harmful chemical known as BPA, which can get mixed into the water. Exposure to this chemical can pose various health risks for humans. Exposure to heat and prolonged use can cause the release of this toxin into the water, which makes it harmful to drink.
Plastic bottles are also poor at retaining the flavor and odor of water and other beverages. As a result, using plastic bottles to store other drinks can affect the purity and taste of the water.
What is the Safest Water Bottle to Use?
Glass water bottles have the edge over plastic water bottles as they offer many water drinking benefits. Glass is a safer option than plastic, but you must be aware there are other options available.
A stainless steel water bottle is one example. It is considered safe and reliable for drinking water since it is a non-reactive material, like glass. It does not cause the leaching of harmful chemicals since stainless steel materials are BPA-free. It suits you and the environment since you can reuse those bottles and not have to buy them repeatedly after every use.
Stainless steel bottles are also durable, and they last for many years. If you invest in one, you can easily clean them to ensure you can reuse the bottle again without affecting the quality and taste of the water.
You can find many BPA-free plastic bottles, which are a healthier alternative to conventional plastic bottles. But there is no guarantee that they are entirely chemical-free. Please research before buying any water bottle to ensure that it is considered the safest option. Read the labels carefully to ensure the quality of the materials used. Moreover, consider factors such as ease of cleaning, durability, and lifestyle to find the best bottle for drinking water.