Reduce, reuse, and recycling have always been the mantra for greener living and reduced carbon emissions. For example, people may regularly reuse water bottles to make the planet greener and keep themselves healthier, as drinking 3 liters daily has many health benefits.
Generally, we all might feel that reusing plastic bottles is a great way to make the world greener. However, it is essential to be aware of the downside of this; it could do more harm than good to your body.
Here are the dangers of reusing plastics:
Plastic bottles could interfere with sex hormones. Independent mentions how some of these bottles are made from plastics containing Bisphenol A (BPA), a controversial chemical used in manufacturing. Dr. Marilyn Glenville of Good Housekeeping, explains that chemicals in some plastic bottles can affect ovulation, increasing the risk for hormonally-driven problems. Examples include breast cancer and endometriosis.
Reusing plastic bottles could raise bacterial concerns. Very Well Fit describes how the fundamental safety concerns about reused plastic water bottles are the bacteria in the bottles once they have been opened. Although bacteria usually comes from your hands and mouths or dirt that comes in contact with the bottle, it could also come from cracks that the bottle can develop. Treadmill Reviews also indicate that over 60% of germs found on water bottles can make people sick.
Plastic bottles could affect your digestion. Business Insider reports that researchers from Arizona State University measured how much of particular antimony — the plastic used to make water bottles — the bottles released. If plastic bottles are used repeatedly, ingested antimony can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
It could cause diseases. Pennsylvania State University explains how these plastics may contain Bisphenol A (BPA), and based on studies using animal subjects, BPA can cause health problems such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. AZO Cleantechnotes that BPA chemicals mimic the effect of estrogen, which could lead to breast cancer. Also, AZO Cleantech mentions how some brands contain microplastics — little pieces of plastic less than 5mm long. This means that “you could be drinking plastics and all of the chemicals are in it,” according to Pennsylvania State University.
According to One Green Planet, chemicals from plastics bottled could reduce fertility in women, lead to premature labor, and potentially cause defects in newborn babies. Science Daily also explains that BPA can be passed from a mother to her offspring during pregnancy and cause changes in the gut bacteria of offspring. According to WebMD, gut bacteria help us process food and affect our immune system. Changes in gut bacteria can be tied to diabetes, obesity, depression, and colon cancer risks.
So, what can we do to avoid this?
It’s simple — don’t reuse bottles made from plastics. Good Housekeeping recommends that individuals never reuse disposable bottles. Instead, recycle the bottles or invest in a refillable bottle if you want to be environmentally aware.
By using a refillable bottle, you help save the planet from using water bottles that may end up in landfills or oceans while preventing any harmful chemicals from being consumed. In addition, refillable water bottles are a great money saver. According to Case Western Reserve University, the average person spends around $260 a year on plastic water bottles. Crazy right?
In the long run, a refillable bottle can help you save hundreds of dollars. But that’s not the only reason why you should switch over. Compared to a plastic water bottle, a refillable bottle can keep your drink cooler, more fashionable, and more personalized for your liking.
