One of the most simple lifestyle switches we can make is to reduce the amount of plastic water bottles we use. 

Remembering our reusable bottle has become second nature for many, like our reusable bags. Not only do we know this switch is good for the planet, it’s a big money saver too. Fill up at home and take the water with you instead of buying a new bottle every time you are out and about. 

This switch can also extend to your other drinking habits too, helping make things even more sustainable.

Reusable Water Bottles

Make sure everyone in your household has a reusable drinking bottle, there are so many designs now from metal to plastic from simple through to super jazzy, you can get one to suit your needs from both high street and online retailers. 

There are a large range of reusable bottles on the water bottle market, however, Al Ain have taken a new initiative to launch a 100% plant based bottle which is 100% recyclable in a bid to reduce plastic waste in the UAE.

Straws

Help to reduce one of the biggest blights on our ocean and eliminate plastic straws, try paper ones instead or if you want to go a bit further you can buy a metal one that is truly sustainable and will last for years. You can now get different thicknesses for smoothies or milkshakes, keep it close at hand and you’ll set a sustainable example to your friends and family too. Or go that one step further and buy one with it’s own cloth bag to take out and about.

Reusable coffee cup

You now have your reusable water bottle, do you have a reusable hot drinks container? Another sustainable switch that avoids containers and lids heading to landfill. Plus you get the bonus of a more insulated drink, staying hotter for longer and protecting your hands too. 

Reducing plastic with at home drinks

It’s not just when out and about that we can help reduce our plastic use, while we know it’s not just for children, have you considered your fruit juice cordial bottles? At the very least, make sure you choose bottles that are recyclable or even better, made from recycled plastic. Could you buy a bigger bottle and split it into a smaller container for everyday use. Avoid buying smaller, one-drink products such as fruit shoots or Capri-sun for example. Reducing the number of bottles produced is a good step in the right direction.  We love that Robinsons juice bottles are all made from 100% recyclable plastic. Innocent are also doing great work towards making their bottles out of recycled plastic, currently they are made from 50% recycled plastic and 15% plant plastic.

Buy glass bottles where possible

Keep an eye out for glass bottles instead of plastic when it comes to purchasing drinks, either out and about or from the supermarket. Some brands use plastic for the bigger bottles to make the container weigh less, with no difference in product or price opt for glass where you can. Many brands are making the move towards glass or at least moving away from virgin plastics. Make sure you support the brands that are making the right steps. 

Reducing the amount of cordial you use

It’s not only a good thing for the planet to reduce the amount of cordial bottles we use but it’s probably also not a bad thing for the family to cut down on sugary drinks too. We all know that children have no concept of how much cordial they need in their drinks, especially when it comes to double strength juice! An easy way to reduce the amount of juice you are using (and the amount the kids are drinking), is to make up a batch of juice each week in a container and keep it in the fridge for the kids to help themselves – then you can keep the juice bottle safely out of their reach! This will help reduce the amount you are using. 

Involving the whole household in reducing waste is a great way to inspire everyone, always remember to crush your plastic bottles before adding them to your recycling to save space and make life a bit easier for the recycling team, kids will love helping with this task! 

Quick drink switches

1. Buy a reusable water bottle
2. Buy glass bottles and reduce single portion bottles
3. Buy a reusable coffee cup
4. Buy reusable straws