As landfills across the world are continuing to grow seemingly endlessly, it is starting to become evident which plastics are causing the most issues. One of the most blatant issues is that of the plastic water bottle. The plastic water bottle is not biodegradable, it is produced by fossil fuels, and it creates plastic pollution. Plastic water bottles can sit in landfills, undegraded, for up to 1000 years, and single use plastic adds 8.8 million metric tons of plastic to our oceans every year. Wildlife can also be potentially harmed by the toxins released by the plastic and wildlife can mistake plastic pieces as food, causing an array of health complications. A majority of these plastic bottles are created using PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which is produced using oil.
However, there is a growing, more sustainable option to the issue of bottling water in plastic: boxed water. Boxed water is 100% recyclable and instead of consisting of plastic PET packaging, it is made using 75% paper. The paper that makes it up is taken from sustained and well-managed forests. In addition, the transportation of Boxed Water (where the containers are shipped flat) also creates far lower levels of carbon dioxide emissions than bottled water transportation; twenty-six trucks’ worth of Boxed Water can fit for every one truck of bottled water!
Recently, multiple companies selling Boxed Water have arisen, including Boxed Water is Better, Just Water, ReThink Water, and Flow. Many of these companies are also careful to derive their water from responsible sources. In addition, these corporations are taking the initiative to begin other eco-friendly projects. In example, Boxed Water Is Better is launching an initiative called Coastal Cleanup to pick up litter from beaches. This particular company has also launched a Retree Project, where they have the goal of planting one million trees in five years. It is evident that the environment's health is of great importance to these corporations.
Although no form of single-use water packaging is completely beneficial for the environment, Boxed Water is a healthy step towards the right direction. Especially because of how profitable the industry is, with a $24 billion market in the U.S., signs of the production of convenience water does not seem to be nearing an end anytime soon. However, it is always important to use reusable water bottles and tap water when possible. Not only does it leave a smaller ecological footprint, but tap water also contains nutrients that are beneficial to our health. If we can each individually remind ourselves to drink water in a eco-friendly manner, the world will be a little closer to sustainability.
Questions:
1. What are some ways you can reduce the single-use plastic you use on a day-to-day basis?
2. Do you think there is a future in Boxed Water?
Sources:
29 comments:
There are countless ways to reuse single-use plastic. I think even plastic water battles can be reused for up to a couple of weeks. Also, eating less packaged food, that contains plastic covering or materials, is beneficial for the environment and the body. Personally, I think Boxed Water is a quick-fix solution: although it looks promising and has a better appeal than using plastic, paper might become the new plastic as not all components of the Boxed Water are biodegradable. Furthermore, deforestation can increase with the demand of paper, leading to more detrimental environmental effects(forest fires, less carbon storage, etc.). But, a solution is a step towards progress, so for the time being, Boxed Water can be effective until better, long-term ideas can take form.
Yes I do believe that boxed water is a great step in the right direction because it is cutting down plastic bottle pollution. But I believe that rather than boxing up water, the world should make a goal to increase the acces of healthy water globally so there would be no need for bottled or boxed water. Instead people could refil their reusable containers in a convenient and healthy manner. There has been a global conversation about this for years but today there are still problems like the ones you have mentioned here that do not look like they are getting better or even closer to being resolved. We must increase the acces to cleaner water around the world so we can completely eliminate the need for plastic bottles.
I believe boxed water wouldn’t do much in a way because that would be a lot of cardboard waste. If we don’t use plastic something else would be a problem in the world, but in other cases it would be good if we use plastic and cardboard equally. The best way to reduce on single plastics are probably to recycle correctly and maybe using less containers. You can also clean the containers and reuse it at home or use them for planting plants and giving it water.
I think there are various ways to reduce single use plastics, like using resusable bags for grocery shopping and using reusable water bottles. However, while boxed water might be a step in the right direction, it may not necessarily be a good long term solution— this is similar to the plastic vs. paper bag debate. Just because something isn’t plastic does not necessarily mean it’s better. Both materials have their pros and cons and its important to find a solution that is entirely sustainable.
Other than plastics water bottles, plastics bags like ziploc bags and shopping bags increases single-use plastic waste. One way to reduce shopping bag waste would be to place an extra price on customers if they use plastic shopping. When I visited Austin many years ago, one grocery store required that shoppers paid extra for a plastic bag. I agree that Boxed Water is a good step in the right direction, but it probably is not a permanent solution.
There are many ways to reduce single use plastics, such as the obvious reusable grocery bags, water bottles and cups, but also the more unexpected, such as reusable ziplock bags, unpackaged hair/body lotions, shampoos, etc, and more. I think there is definitely a way to reduce our personal impacts, it just needs a conscious awareness of what we are using. I also think boxed water does have a future as long as they market it properly, and make it convenient for people to use.
I drink a lot of coconut water and it is always packaged in those boxes but I hadn't realized the significance or reason for this. The change from plastic bottles to boxes so clearly has a great positive environmental effect and has no negative effect on consumers. While it may be more expensive for producers, large numbers of consumers can push for boxed water to become a market norm. I believe that simply educating people about this simple alternative will be greatly beneficial. Hopefully, we can see some change in the market in the next decade. We need to bring more attention to the brands that are making this effort.
One way that I personally try to reduce my plastic footprint is by using a refillable water bottle. I use this half gallon hard-plastic bottle (64oz) which I drink about one to one and a half a day. This jug-like container is similar to a hydro flask, which when refilled even once, is better than using multiple plastic bottles. I recommend everyone to invest in one of these jugs rather than keeping boxes and containers of the countless plastic bottles manufactured.
I strongly agree with Tej. I think using refillable water bottles(hydro flask) can reduce the amount of plastic waste. In fact, plastic bottles contain plastic fibers, which is the same thing as drinking plastic. Boxed Water, however, is one of the ways to reduce the amount of waste. However, that can lead into deforestation and potential wildfire. In conclusion, refillable water bottles not only reduce waste from single-use plastic, but also you can avoid consuming plastic fiber.
With environmental change a significant subject of conversation, single-utilize plastic has been a hotly debated issue as of late. In spite of this additional emphasis on reusing and reuse, the measure of plastic discarded develops constantly. The normal American discards an expected 185 pounds of plastic for each year. What makes it to the reusing container doesn't in every case really get reused.
Cotton balls: Washable bamboo and cotton cushions are incredible choices to single-use forms, and you can get them in mass for less to abstain from running out before you've had the opportunity to wash the pre-owned ones.
Antiperspirant: Removing dangerous synthetics from antiperspirant has been a well known pattern for quite a while, yet even characteristic antiperspirant holders utilize plastic. Decide on a fluid or stick antiperspirant in a glass compartment that can be reused effectively.
Floss: One of the more costly swaps on this rundown is silk floss. Changing to a glass compartment can have any kind of effect, regardless of whether you flip among silk and plastic floss embeds. Water picks are additionally an incredible long haul choice for those hoping to deal with their teeth and the earth simultaneously.
Some ways I can reduce using plastics to a day-to-day basis are using metal straws, reuse containers for storing leftovers, using a water bottle to drink water instead of plastic water bottles. Just overall awareness of the use of plastic can reduce waste because at home, school, and restaurants there is plastic everywhere that can be preserved and used effectively. I think that boxed water has a promising future if they market effectively, but if there is a more effective, long term solution then I feel as if it should be replaced.
I thought this article was very interesting and never knew how eco friendly boxed water is. I do not think plastic water bottles are a necessity and it would be great if many other people were informed about boxed water and made a switch to it. Plastic pollution would decrease and our environment would be in a better state. Some ways to reduce plastic pollution is to use metal straws or buy a reusable water bottle also.
One way to help reduce the mount of plastics I use would be to get a reusable water bottle. Some that come with water filters can last you up to a month and equal 300 water bottles. Another way would be to use reusable containers in order to reduce the amount of plastic bags used. Considering boxed water’s sizable presence in the U.S. market already and its eco friendliness I think that it does have potential to help the environment, although I do think that the best way to reduce plastic and other resource use would be to simply get water from a reusable water bottle.
No, I do not believe boxed water has a future due to the fact that its mostly made from paper. Yes, it does solve the issue with plastic pollution, but if we were to completely changed and collected all of the plastic water bottles brand to paper bottles, it would introduce another problem to the environment in terms of cutting down a huge amount of trees just to manufacture a boxed waters. I think the best way we could go around the problem with plastic pollution is to recycle correctly and be consistent with it.
The two main means of reducing single-house plastic in my family include reusing plastic containers and using a reusable water bottle for everyday use. About a million plastic bottles are bought each minute so making this switch to a reusable water bottle is quite significant. While the paper is a great alternative to plastic, heavy usage of these materials can be detrimental to the environment and animals. Soon there will be paper pollution too(people will throw away Boxed Water just as they throw plastic bottles). Furthermore, BoxedWater is rather pricey with a listed price of around 2 dollars for a 16-ounce bottle whereas one could get water in a plastic bottle for slightly cheaper. It is not a smart choice for a consumer.
While boxed water may not be the best option for a sustainable future and will not solve all problems regarding water, it is a huge step in the right direction. These companies are bringing awareness to the increasing pollution and pressing environmental dangers from plastic water bottles. When I first saw boxed water in a store, I was confused and decided to look it up to see what it was about. When I saw that it was meant to help reduce plastic pollution, I quickly realized how much harm and damage plastic bottles caused, so I got a reusable water bottle. There are so many ways to reduce plastic pollution if we think about what we use and refrain from using single-use plastic.
Some ways that I can reduce my single-use plastic use on a day-to-day basis include using reusable water bottles and reusable grocery bags. A water bottle is something that I use every single day and using a reusable water bottle instead of plastic water bottles will drastically reduce the amount plastic I waste. Additionally, every time I go grocery shopping, I end up bringing home four to six plastic bags and by switching to reusable grocery bags I will drastically reduce the amount of plastic I waste.
One way I can reduce my plastic use is by using reusable bags when going grocery shopping. I feel that I use the most amount of plastic when going grocery shopping and using reusable bags can prevent that. I certainly think there is a future in Boxed Water as its positives completely outweigh the negatives. The average consumer gets the same experience of drinking water from boxed water and also helps the environment. Overall it is a win-win situation.
One way I reduce plastic is by using a metal water bottle. If we can reduce using plastic water bottles then we can better preserve the Earth. I think boxed water has a future in today’s world. It has many benefits to the environment. Boxed water is the same thing as drinking water from a plastic water bottle, but the boxed water is more environmentally friendly. In conclusion, boxed water is a step in the right direction to save the Earth.
One way that I reduce using plastic is carrying a metal/reusable water bottle. My family rarely buys bottled water because we all use reusable containers. I use my metal water bottle everyday and only drink water from reusable containers. I think that Boxed Water is a step in the right direction to save Earth because it is more environmentally friendly than plastic water, but in order for Boxed Water to have an impact and really save the earth, more people have to recognize it and use it. Boxed Water must become more known and used around the world in order for there to be a change.
There are many different ways to reduce using plastic in my life. I use a majority of plastic products when I pack my lunch for school. Instead of using plastic bags, I can switch to containers and Tupperware that will not only help the environment, but will last longer. Although it takes just a few extra seconds to wash these containers out each day, it is worth it if it helps the environment overall. Another way I can reduce using plastic is through using my water bottle more often. I have a rather big water bottle that I carry around school, but when it gets to the weekend I can sometimes get lazy and switch to a plastic water bottle because it is easier for on-the-go. However, this is hurting the environment so I need to make a change. Instead of using plastic water bottles I can make it a habit to take my water bottle everywhere I go, even if it takes more time to fill it up and carry it around. I think boxed water has a future beaus it is already so popular. Many people use boxed water to help keep the environment safe and healthy. In fact, many celebrities are sponsored by boxed water so it is more well known around the nation and even around the world. In just a few decades I am hopeful that boxed water will be the only choice so that our environment does not face the risk of further pollution.
I have reduced using plastic in my life by not buying any plastic water bottles at all in my house. I always reuse metal water bottles and i feel like this helps the environment a lot because just one family will use a lot of bottles of water in a year and i think that one by one if families convert to a more environmentally friendly water source. I think that in the near future as the problem in our oceans and environment due to plastic water bottles become more noticeable, boxed water will soon come and replace all plastic water bottles, providing us with a cleaner earth.
One way we can reduce the single-use plastics is to preserve plastic bags from grocery stores. In my household, my family keeps all the grocery bags in one bag so that we can reuse them. This is very efficient because we can use plastic bags to carry our sack lunches, pick up after our pet’s poop, or use them for trash cans. I do not see Boxed Water overcoming plastic bottles because it is much more expensive. In our society, especially Flower Mound, people would pay for something cheaper than something that is environmental friendly. Online, you can buy a 24 pack of Ozarka water for around $10. If you want to buy a 24 pack of the same sized Boxed Water, it costs around $45. Due to these prices, I do not see Boxed Water doing any better than Ozarka.
On a day-today-day basis, I use almost no single-use plastic as I bring a reusable metal water bottle to school every day and all the cutlery I eat with is not single-use plastic. However, when grocery shopping or storing foods, I believe we as a society should reduce the use of plastic grocery bags and Ziplocs or other plastic storage methods. Already, when either my mother or I go grocery shopping we try to not use grocery bags and instead bring a reusable sack to hold the foods. Additionally, when storing foods in the pantry or fridge we always use glass bowls instead of plastic bags. In my opinion, I do not see a future in Boxed water due to its inconvenience as people would need to buy a large amount of them. Rather, I believe the market for reusable water bottles will continue to grow such as the ongoing trend of highschool students using hydro flasks.
There are many things that we can do to reduce our single-use plastic consumption. For one we can start to bring metal bottles around with us more often. By doing this, we can greatly reduce the amount of plastic bottles that are being consumed. Another thing that we can do is being more conscious of how we use grocery shopping bags. Just because the bags are meant to serve one purpose doesn't mean that they have to be used for one purpose. I know a lot of families use left over plastic bags to pick up their dog poop. It's a start to a solution. Of course, we can just stop using plastic shopping bags all together and start to normalize bringing your own bag to the grocery store.
Questions:
1. What are some ways you can reduce the single-use plastic you use on a day-to-day basis?
2. Do you think there is a future in Boxed Water?
Single-use plastic can be reduced by a ton by simply investing in long term objects. Plastic water bottles can be reduced by purchasing a metal water bottle. Plastic bags can be reduced by simply buying a reusable bag. Plastic forks can be replaced by simply purchasing metal or permanent utensils. Most things that are plastic can be reduced by just making one time purchases that can reduce the one time use of plastic materials we use everyday. Buying bulks of one time plastic is also a huge problem just due to the fact that it increases the efficiency and laziness of people being able to grab a bottle and go instead of waiting a couple of seconds to fill a bottle.
Single-use plastic can be reduced by a ton by simply investing in long term objects. Plastic water bottles can be reduced by purchasing a metal water bottle. Plastic bags can be reduced by simply buying a reusable bag. Plastic forks can be replaced by simply purchasing metal or permanent utensils. Most things that are plastic can be reduced by just making one time purchases that can reduce the one time use of plastic materials we use everyday. Buying bulks of one time plastic is also a huge problem just due to the fact that it increases the efficiency and laziness of people being able to grab a bottle and go instead of waiting a couple of seconds to fill a bottle.
Some ways I can reduce the single use plastics I use on a daily basis is by purchasing long lasting products. For example, instead of using styrofoam plates, if I use glass plates then I can easily reduce the amount of plastic I use of a daily basis. Furthermore, with a metal water bottle, I am keeping plastic water bottles out of the landfills. I think there is a massive future in boxed water since the amount of plastics we use everyday is truly damaging to the environment. In other words, I believe boxed water is the future.
I think switching from plastic water bottles to boxed water is a great step in the right direction in terms of reducing plastic waste. After all, when it comes to disposable materials, almost anything is better to use than plastic. However, I think the best option for reducing the use of single-use plastic is just switching to reusable materials when possible. For example, I can stop drinking out of plastic water bottles and start actually using the reusable water bottle I have. I can also stop using plastic grocery bags and use my own bags to carry stuff in if I need them. Another thing we can do is just stop using stuff we really don’t need in the first place. For example, instead of using metal straws instead of plastic straws, maybe we could just stop using straws? Of course there are a lot of people who actually need them, and in those cases obviously keep doing what you need to do… but Maybe one day technology will be advanced enough that we never have to use disposable materials at all but for right now I think the best thing we can do as people is just stop using some plastic things and switch over to reusable options instead.
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