Art likes to reuse plastic bottles to carry water when he goes jogging. It's because they're lighter to carry and smaller in size.
When mom had her digestive issues I noticed that these bottles were a great size for him to use. I looked under the bottle and saw it had the #2 rating for HDPE.
I was nervous because you often see water bottles that advertise no BPA. But I didn't even know what BPA was that could be leached from plastic into your drink. I just looked it up. It's bisphenol A and linked to disruptions in the endocrine system which regulates your hormones.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/is-it-safe-to-reuse-plastic-water-bottles
...High-density polyethylene (HDPE). If your bottle displays a “2,” the plastic is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a more sturdy, durable plastic. This makes it a good material for detergent bottles, soap bottles, and gallon-size liquid containers...
...Concerns with type-2 plastics (HDPE plastics). If you happen across a water bottle marked with a “2,” you can reuse it as long as it’s washed well and not cracked or otherwise damaged. This type of plastic is a low risk for chemical leaching....Plastic Bottles and Bacteria GrowthPlastic bottles can harbor harmful bacteria, which is why most manufacturers recommend you use them only once. In truth, bacterial growth in water bottles is a much bigger concern than chemical leaching.
Bacterial growth can happen quickly from the ordinary use of touching your mouth to your bottle. Even unfinished beverages left at room temperature can have startling bacteria growth throughout the day. It’s best to reuse plastic water bottles sparingly and wash them thoroughly because germs spread so quickly.
Whether you want to reuse plastic water bottles for convenience or to help the environment, you might be better off choosing a reusable stainless-steel or glass bottle instead...
OK, So I've washed them out thoroughly and will wash them carefully after each use.
Granted, maybe I'm saving too many plastic containers around the house. I keep trying to reuse things instead of sending them to recycling or landfills.
My son-in-law did once mention to me that perhaps... uuuummm... I could be overdoing it a bit. 😁
I have diligently recycled plastics for years only to hear how much of it ends up in landfills anyway. I use pyrex for leftovers now and some canning jars of various sizes, which are great because you can get replacement caps in -- plastic!
ReplyDeleteHave you noticed that plastic containers (especially water bottles)are getting thinner and thinner and cap height shorter and shorter? Near impossible to open and at the very least too inconvenient to bother with.
I do agree with your son in law. If you have a whole storage area just for empty plastic containers, neatly contained as they are, you may have a bit of a problem.
Hubby belongs to an organization where a group of members volunteer once a month at a soup kitchen. They are always looking for containers with lids for clients who take food to go and plastic grocery bags to carry it in. I'm thrilled that my discards can be used (at least once) more.
ReplyDeleteWe are guilty of harbouring too many plastic bottles too!
ReplyDeleteThe world has gone plastic mad. It's hard to resist.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get many plastic containers that would be suitable for drinking anyway. We do get a few that are great for sending leftovers home with guests and we save them in a cabinet drawer until such an occasion arises.
ReplyDeleteKay, I found this post interesting... not that I reuse a lot of plastic bottles, but we do drink bottled water. I've always wondered about whether it was Ok to use the leftover water in the bottle when left somewhere in the house - the next day. I know not to use any left out in the hot car due to plastic leakage, but never thought much about using it in the house. However, you may be right about bacteria from your own mouth growing there - if not refrigerated after use.
ReplyDeleteI reuse a few plastic containers, and the heavier water bottles. I haven't checked which types the are.
ReplyDeleteI don't carry water bottles. Maybe I should drink more water but I don't seem to want more water.
ReplyDeleteYou just made me rethink reusing my pint sized plastic water bottle.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time throwing anything away and I also have a lot of bottles and containers saved up for who knows what.
ReplyDeleteI've begun to just toss my yogurt containers into the recycling, though it pains me to do so. There is a limit to what my cupboard will hold!
ReplyDeleteI use my Yeti mug for water (keeps everything cold!) but it would be too heavy for Art to take on a run. It's tough to find the balance between saving too much and throwing away useable items. I haven't found it yet!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my square 500ml FIJI water bottles. (They're recycled, BPA free.) I'll get 6-packs, or the 24-pack from Sam's and use them to get my 2 liters of water into me throughout my day. They are light enough to take to work. The size and shape fit better in most car cup holders. I rinse and clean them and reuse them until I get tired of that set, then get new ones. I've kept up to 15 bottles for cold water in my fridge. They're easy to grab for cold water while at home too. And the hibiscus label on the bottle makes me think I'm in Hawaii! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder to drink some water. I am feeling rather dehydrated. And they say if you feel thirsty, it's actually too late? Hmmm...
DeleteBeing dehydrated can cause vertigo...Linda B
DeleteOhhh…. That’s why my friend’s doctor recommended she drink Liquid IV.
DeleteOops! It’s me. Kay
DeleteThanks for this great information. I'll look at some plastic stuff I might be able to reuse, at least once or twice. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm unfortunately using disposable ones too often
ReplyDeleteI favour one of my reusable bottles. Fits nicely into a side pocket of my backpack.
ReplyDelete