It is vital for us all to drink water and stay hydrated, but have you ever wondered if the water you’re drinking is safe? There are many ways to filter tap water, yet many decide to drink bottled water in plastic bottles. Sometimes bottled water is easy to grab and travel with, but there are many other alternatives than drinking from plastic.
It may seem harmless to drink bottled water, but there are numerous reasons why you should avoid plastic containers and move to safer alternatives that are also more earth-friendly.
Contents
The Plastic Gets Into Your Food From The Containers
According to a few pieces of research, humans consume a minimum of 74,000 molecules of plastics per year. The majority of them are from food containers. According to a study, Microplastics chip off and then get into our food, responsible for 30% of the plastic consumption from those foods. And there is a possibility that we might be consuming more than 200 particles in a week, and there are only one thing responsible for it, plastic bottles or food takeout containers.
For avoiding plastics, you can purchase porcelain or a glass container. Before buying any container, look if it’s dishwasher and microwave friendly and made from a reliable brand.
It’s not only the takeout containers but the plastic bottles too. When left in the sun, the microplastic particles get into the water, making it unfit for consumption.
Microplastics Are Harmful
Everybody is consuming plastics, and the plastics likely stay inside our bodies. Researchers have discovered that microplastics can cross the tough membrane, which secures the brain’s bloodstream from foreign bodies. They are considered carcinogenic to humans. The plastic might even trouble pregnant ladies as the plastic slips down into the placenta to the fetuses.
Such particles release a chemical called phthalates into our bodies; they are concerned with the hormones which can deteriorate the fertility of both women and men. The utilization of phthalates is banned in bottles, toys, and formula.
Safe Plastics Are Non-Existent
Phthalates and plastics also consist of various chemicals, like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and bisphenols S, F, and A (BPAs, BPSs, and BPFs).
Such chemicals relate to weak immune systems, cancers, organ issues, and developmental delays in children. Particularly, Bisphenols have proved to affect the endocrine and also connect to obesity. Studies show that bisphenol increases the threat of miscarriage in pregnant ladies.
You might have noticed that the plastics present in the grocery items like bottles say that it’s BPA-free. In some cases, it might be true, but still, be aware because many companies have found an alternative to BPA. A BPA-free tag is not trustworthy. You cannot trust plastic with your health. The only suggestion to keep yourself healthy and safe is to use porcelain or glassware.
These Containers Are Harmful To The Environment
We are mounting the world with plastic trash. Humans have produced eight billion tons of trash. And the saddest part? Only 10% of it has been recycled.
There is a lot of plastic around us, and due to that, we inhale 10,000 minuscule particles per year. Plastics in your oceans and rivers, not the visible garbage we throw, but also the micro-world which reaches our water and food sources.
Even recycling is of no help. Researchers discovered that recycling could get harmful chemicals into other materials, which means that our best alternative is to stop making plastic containers. But how do we do that? By not purchasing those containers.
How Can You Help?
These days the number of plastics we use, there are no signs of slowing down its production, even with all the adverse effects. But if you want to make an effort, you can start a trend and start living a healthy life.
- Drink Water From Glass Or Reusable Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Plastic is the primary culprit, so why not replace it with something safer. It’ll be best if you purchase copper water bottles; they are beneficial in many ways.
- Shift The Takeout To Ceramic Or Glassware
It’d be best if you shifted the contents of the container away from the plastic, as fewer microplastic particles get into your food.
- Do Not Put The Plastic Into Heat (Microwave Or Dishwasher)
Putting it in heat might trigger the shredding of plastic, which might get into your food, making it unhealthy for consumption without you knowing it.
- Clean Your House Regularly
There is a lot of plastic in the environment. And this plastic merges with dust and makes its way into our homes, which would get into our system and harm us. Cleaning the house will help in keeping the house and the air dust-free.
Conclusion
Water, which comes into plastic bottles, has the most plastic compared to any other beverages. The plastic which sheds into the water is thinner than hair.
Now, as the summer is approaching, let’s make a point to carry stainless steel bottles/flasks/tumblers because they are safe for the environment and safe for you as well. By acquiring healthy habits, you will save yourself and your environment from all the harm.
