Four good reasons to switch plastic water bottles for a reusable alternative

THE metal water bottle has become a symbol of the green lifestyle, and its success continues unabated. Indeed, this market is flourishing, and uses are diversifying. If you haven't yet made the switch, here are four good reasons to grab yourself a reusable water bottle!

If you've already ditched disposable plastic bottles for a stainless steel water bottle, which never leaves your side, then you're not alone. In fact, some 54% of French people reportedly use one daily, according to a survey conducted in May 2022 by OpinionWay for the reusable water bottle brand Gobi.

Using a refillable bottle is an eco-friendly habit that's easy to adopt. And while the concept isn't really new, the idea seems to be getting more and more popular. A recent report from market researchers at Grand View Research even states that the global reusable water bottle market, valued at $8.64 billion in 2021, could grow by 4.3% each year from 2022 to 2030.

So, if you haven't already got yourself a trusty refillable metal water bottle, here are four reasons why you should!

You'll cut down on plastic waste

According to a report published in 2019 by the NGOs Earthwatch Europe and Plastic Oceans UK, plastic bottles topped the list of most commonly found consumer-related plastic items found in European freshwater environments. Each year, more than nine billion liters of bottled water are consumed in France, making it one of the top five countries with the highest consumption of plastic bottles worldwide.

It could be better for your health

Research published in July 2022 by the NGO Agir Pour l'Environnement revealed the presence of microplastics in seven out of nine plastic bottled waters analyzed, all marketed by major brands in France (Vittel, Evian, Badoit, etc.). In total, 78% of the waters tested in this study contained microplastics. The 33 cl "Vittel Kids" reportedly even contained up to 121 microplastic particles per liter!

This could be a potential health hazard, especially since some people hang onto their plastic bottles for several days. However, this is not necessarily a good idea, as you risk ingesting the microplastics they contain over a long period of time -- even if the harmful impact of potential contamination with these particles on human health has yet to be proven.

In any case, it's wise to avoid keeping a plastic water bottle for too long, if you don't want your container to become a hive of bacteria! And since you're already in the habit of not throwing bottles in the trash immediately, why not go one step further and pick up a reusable metal version instead?

You'll be trendy, rather than a has-been

This is evidenced by the strong success of certain US brands, such as Hydroflask or Hydrojug, which offer XXL-sized water bottles that Generation Z is crazy about, reports The Guardian. But whatever the brand, be careful not to fall into the trap of consumerism, buying so many bottles that you don't know what to do with them! That would prove counterproductive.

You don't have to fill it with plain water

Before leaving home, a quick turn of the tap is all it takes to fill up your reusable water bottle. But if you don't feel like drinking plain water, you can always mix things up by adding sparkling water or even your morning coffee, if you opt for an insulated water bottle, that is. These can also be handy for keeping beer cool, for example, whether it's for a picnic in the park or for an after-work drink with coworkers.