Plastic is an easy go-to for transporting anything from lunches, to water, to other drinks. However, as convenient and user-friendly as plastic may be, there are those who are looking for alternatives that are greener and eco-friendly.

While plastic is recyclable, there have been concerns about the footprint it leaves behind on a grander scale. Today, there are an estimated 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in the ocean and what is not recycled takes over 1000 years to decompose. This makes a good case for expanding water bottle material options and looking into alternatives that may be friendlier.

Glass

While this is a fragile material, glass is uncompromising, keeps drinks tasting great, maintains its original integrity, and stays colder longer out of the refrigerator than plastic does. It is also infinitely recyclable and maintains its quality every time it is remade.

Ceramic

While not new, by any means, ceramic is not as prevalent in the market place either. This is an age-old, eco-friendly style of bottle that behaves similarly to glass with its sturdiness and the ability to keep colder longer. However, ceramic containers are heavier to carry than glass and can be fragile; but with new developments in technology, they aren’t as unwieldy as before and often have wraps that reinforce them so they don’t shatter.

Stainless Steel

Newer stainless steel bottles are lined so there is no metal taste in the liquids they hold. Stainless steel keeps water and all other drinks cold even longer than glass. Metal is a natural temperature conductor, so if it takes on something cold, it will keep it cold, and if its contents are hot, they will stay hot.

Plant Based-Plastics

Some plant-based bottles themselves are edible as well as biodegradable. While no one may want to actually eat them, it’s good to know they are safe, don’t impart the same chemicals as other bottles might, and are a new, effective product on the market.

Boxed Water (or Paper Bottles)

This new trend with beverages available in boxes (like wine tetra packs or paper coconut water bottles) has created a unique market. The share it occupies is small right now, but as these grow in popularity there may be more and more on the shelves. Because they are paper, however, they have a limited lifespan – but are 100% recyclable.

Reusable bottles

Other than the paper products, all of the above containers are reusable, plastic included. The most economical and green way to transport drinking water for personal use is in reusable bottles. Getting ones that are sturdy and easy to clean is the most economical solution.

Conclusion

Both glass and ceramic, while are more prone to breakage than plastic, come in designs that protect the actual bottle. They are very cost efficient, come in tons of unique designs, and are good alternatives to disposable plastic bottles any day. If the customer is looking for something a little sturdier, stainless steel is also an excellent choice.