Staying hydrated is essential for our health. However, have you noticed the most disgusting objects you will find lying around on a hike are plastic water bottles?
Plastic bottle is one of the main sources of pollution which is constantly destroying our planet. The production itself makes a huge negative impact on the ecosystem. According to recent statistics, 1 million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute.
Each plastic bottle releases dangerous chemicals into the environment and takes up to 1000 years to decompose, the struggle is real! Plastic bottles end up floating in the ocean, on the beach, in landfills, in other words: EVERYWHERE! Plastic bottles are consumed by the fishes, sea turtles, sea birds and other mammals of the ocean.
Burning plastic also releases deadly toxins. By simply inhaling the fumes of burning plastic, you are exposed to serious health hazards such as cancer and reproductive malfunctions.
Following those negative aspects, we have made a small list especially for you trekkers, climbers, travelers, and adventure enthusiasts on how you can STOP using plastic bottles for a healthy environment.
Buy a reusable water bottle – filter system is optional
Instead of buying a bottled water every now and then you can simply save the money and buy a reusable water bottle which is definitely more durable. Depending on the region in which you are trekking, you can easily refill your reusable water bottle using a nearby stream (make sure you get an advice from a local if the water is drinkable).
Recycle
If you have recently used a plastic bottle, just don’t throw it directly into the bin. You can still use it again...in a completely different way! There are multiple creative and fun ways to recycle plastic bottles. Here are a few creative ideas on how you can still use your plastic bottles:
i. Pen Holder
ii. Decoration
iii. DIY Sprinkler
iv. Lamp
v. Charging Dock
vi. Piggy Bank
vii. Plant
viii. Watering Can
ix. Snack Storage
Help clean the environment
Definitely we are not going to pick-up used plastic bottles on trek to bring back home for recycling (causing our backpack to be heavily loaded which can be a discomfort) but the least we can do is to pick them up and throw them in the nearest bin. This simple and easy gesture will definitely make a good impact on the environment in the long run.
Spread the word
Last but not least, another simple way of reducing the use of plastic bottles is to make other people aware of the negative effects on the environment.
By following this lifestyle, you are not only making the environment a better place to live but you are also saving thousands of rupees by simply using a reusable water bottle.