In a world increasingly concerned with environmental issues, we’re all familiar with the 3 R mantra: ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, encouraging us to improve our sustainability and reduce waste reducing our consumption, reusing what we can, and recycling as much as we can, what we can’t reuse.

Following this line of thinking, it’s tempting to reuse that single-use plastic water bottle you bought at the corner shop last week. It feels like a small, eco-friendly choice resulting in one less bottle in the trash, right?

Unfortunately, reusing single-use plastic water bottles is more dangerous than you think.

Chemical leaching time bombs

Single-use plastic water bottles are typically made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. This is a lightweight, flexible and inexpensive material. It is for this reason it is the go-to for many beverage companies. However, it is also designed for one-time use meaning – it degrades rapidly. When you reuse these bottles, especially after they’ve been exposed to heat or sunlight, chemicals are released. The more exposure a bottle has to heat the more chemcials leach into your water. Chemicals such as, antimony (left) a lustrous grey metal or metalloid. Phthalates, used to make the plastic flexible. Consumption of these chemicals can cause nausea, dizziness, organ damage, hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues.

Breeding grounds for bacteria

In addition to their chemical dangers, reusing single-use plastic bottles turns them into perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. The narrow necks and soft plastic of these bottles make them difficult to clean. As you drink from the bottle, bacteria from your mouth transfer onto the bottle’s rim and inside the cap. Combine that with moisture, and you’ve got a cozy environment for bacteria to thrive. A recent study found that reused plastic water bottles can harbour 40,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. The consequences? You could be exposing yourself to a host of illnesses, including gastrointestinal infections and food poisoning.

Structural [dis]integrity

Another often overlooked issue is the physical degradation of the bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are not designed to be durable and over time, they develop tiny cracks and abrasions that are not visible to the naked eye. These micro-cracks are difficult to clean, so not only are they harbouring bacteria they are also weakening the bottle’s structure, increasing the likelihood of it breaking or leaking.

Furthermore, when a bottle begins to degrade, it may start to emit a poor taste or smell. By the time you notice these signs, you have already been drinking a cocktail of microplastics, chemicals, and bacteria for days.

The safer alternatives

Instead of reusing these hazardous containers, consider investing in a high-quality reusable bottle made from materials like stainless steel or glass. These alternatives are not only are better for your health, they also help reduce the overall demand and consumption of single-use plastics. Just make sure you clean them regularly!

By making the switch, you’ll not only protect your health and you wallet, but also, contribute to reducing plastic waste. A high-quality reusable bottle can last for years, providing a safer, more sustainable way to stay hydrated. Your body – and the planet – will thank you.