Warning: The following Earth Day infographic may shock you. I can’t even wrap my head around the numbers. Americans currently use 8.3 BILLION water bottles a year. And despite how easy it is to recycle, 2 out of 3 plastic bottles end up in the landfills or ocean. Take a look at the infographic below. Which water bottle facts stand out to you?
My family is not perfect when it comes to anything, even recycling. But recycling is really one of the easiest ways we can Go Green at home. SOMA’s Earth Day infographic made me stop and think about my personal water bottle habits, and how my family can do better.
Our good water bottle habits: Every family member uses a refillable water bottle. We are going to use a SOMA water filter and carafe system. SOMA is a natural, sustainable way to drink pure water. Their 100% biodegradable filters fit into shatterproof glass carafes that look stylish in your home. Plus, when you drink Soma water, you will be supporting charity: water.
Another good habit: My kids take refillable water bottles to school instead of plastic water bottles. I’m sure that saves hundreds of bottles per year.
I shamefully admit…we have some bad water bottle habits: We often buy water bottles for road trips/vacations. It’s convenient for times when we don’t have easy access to a water source, but there has got to be a more eco-friendly way to bring water with us. Do you have any helpful suggestions for me?
What are you family’s water bottle habits? Do you use refillable water bottles? Do you filter your water at home? What do you think about the SOMA water filters and carafes?
Ari T. says
Those are scary statistics! Even with most communities having a recycling program, the fact that so many bottles still end up in landfills is unfortunate. We almost always re-use our water bottles (if they are disposable) and then recycle them after 1-2 reuses. Road trips can be tricky, maybe it’s easier to either fill up reusable bottles at rest stops, take a huge jug of water with you along with cups, or collect the water bottles throughout your entire trip so you can recycle them when you get home.
Nicole says
Hi Ari, Thank you for your suggestions about water bottles on road trips. I may have to try bringing a refillable jug along with us next time we travel and see how that works out. -Nicole
Maryann D. says
I can’t even believe the amount of water bottles used each year. I do filter my own water, but this carafe looks wonderful to try also.
Our Family World says
I try really hard to not use water bottles. But I admit that we do still use them for when we are running around. But we always recycle them properly
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Our fridge has a built in filter. We do still use some bottled water.
Stefani Tolson says
I sometimes have a bad habit with the water bottles too. My kids take re-usable bottles to school.
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy says
I had no idea about these stats. We stopped using disposable plastic bottles last year. I cannot tell you how much money we saved and how much better it is for the environment.
Kerri says
I try my best to use reusable bottles. I cannot believe how many plastic bottles are used. Scary stats!