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How to be More Sustainable With 5 Simple Habits
For anyone asking the question ‘how to be more sustainable’, we’ve got some practical tips for you. Becoming more sustainable and living a more sustainable lifestyle may seem like a difficult task. You might be imagining your life without takeaway coffees and fast food or adding up the price of shopping for organic produce. Fortunately, becoming more sustainable can be simpler than you think. You don’t need to make changes to every part of your daily routine at the same time. That said, some small lifestyle changes will go a long way. With that in mind, we’ve put together a selection of easy to adopt habits that will make a surprisingly large impact on your carbon footprint. How to Be More Sustainable: 5 Simple Habits Below, we’ve outlined five simple habits that will help you live more sustainably in your daily life. It’s also useful to understand what sustainability means and why it’s important. If you’d like some more tips on how to live more sustainably, check out the FLASKE Blog. You’ll find lots of advice on how to be more sustainable at home, on the go, and at the office. Use a Reusable Water Bottle Ditching plastic is one of the best things you can do to be more sustainable in your daily life. Disposable water bottles are one of our pet hates. Not only are they a waste of non-renewable resources and a waste of your hard-earned money. But single-use plastic bottles are also bad for health and toxic to the planet. Instead, buy a BPA-free reusable water bottle and take it everywhere you go. There are many places around cities where you can refill a water bottle throughout the day, so you won’t need to buy a disposable bottle again. Save your leftovers Food waste is another common problem, particularly in western societies. Two of the easiest ways to reduce food waste are to store your foods correctly and stop throwing out leftovers. Instead, store any leftover foods from dinner in an airtight container so that you can enjoy them the next day. If you want to be more sustainable and inspire others to do the same, you could even take your leftovers for lunch on workdays or send your kids to school with an insulated lunch box. Additionally, you can try buying food when you need it rather than making one big shop each week. That way, your fruits and vegetables won’t go mouldy before you get to enjoy them. Also, you can find out where your local food bank is and how to donate to them. Or, consider composting in your garden or use a worm bin if you live in an apartment. Walk & Cycle More Greenhouse gas emissions from cars and other road vehicles are one of the biggest contributors to climate change. What’s more, air pollution is a major problem in urban areas and areas close to major roads. Therefore, the most obvious way to be more sustainable is to avoid driving as much as you can. You may not be able to give up your car completely, but you can try walking or cycling anywhere within five to ten miles. And take public transport instead of driving a private car whenever possible. Bring Your Own Coffee Cup Take away cups and food containers were among the top ten most littered items in the Ocean Conservatory’s 2019 International Ocean Cleanup. That’s shocking when you consider how easy it is to bring your own reusable coffee mug when you want a coffee to go. Getting into the habit of taking an insulated coffee cup for your morning commute isn’t just good for the planet. It’s also good for your wallet. You can save money by making your favourite beverage at home. Additionally, some cafes’ offer discounts to customers that bring their own travel coffee mug. If you don’t already have an insulated travel coffee mug, you can order one today with your name on it! Eat Mindfully To know how to live more sustainably, one of the most important things you need to learn is that the food you eat has a big impact on your carbon footprint. The energy and resources, such as land and water, used to produce, package, and transport foods means that everything you eat has a hidden carbon footprint. Therefore, to live more sustainably, you’re going to need to look a little more carefully at how and where your food was produced. But you can also consider what goes on your plate. Let’s use vegetables grown in greenhouses as an example. These require water and nutrients, just like any other vegetables. But they also need extra energy to regulate temperatures inside the greenhouse. Similarly, imported products must be packaged, often in single-use plastic containers, and transported by road, ship, or plane. All of which will require fossil fuels. Simple habits, such as checking food labels, buying locally, eating seasonal vegetables, eating less meat, and avoiding foods in plastic packaging, will help you live more sustainably. How to be Sustainable Living more sustainably is something that we should all try to do. Although it’s not an overnight process, most people can easily become more sustainable by adopting a few simple habits. Ditching disposable plastics, reducing food waste, and choosing your foods carefully will make a surprisingly big impact! For more tips on how to live more sustainably, subscribe to the FLASKE Blog or visit the FLASKE Collection to view our range of eco-friendly products.
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Top Ten Eco-Friendly Living Tips
Whether you're going green to save money, improve your health, or help the environment, every step towards eco-friendly living is a step in the right direction. If you're new to the concept of eco-friendly living, then you might not know where to start. Don't be discouraged. Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is a journey that will take time to adjust to. Here are ten eco-friendly living tips to help you on your way. Top Ten Tips for Eco-Friendly Living Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is not as hard as you think. Use these ten easy eco-friendly living tips to become more sustainable in your daily life! Ditch Single-use Plastic Look around your home. Take note of how many single-use plastic items you see. Single-use plastic is everywhere, especially in our kitchens, but reducing your dependence on single-use plastic is easier than you might think. Bringing a reusable cotton tote when you go shopping and purchasing loose fruits and veggies will significantly reduce the plastic in your home. You can also stop buying bottled water. Instead, take a reusable water bottle everywhere you go. Buy Eco-Friendly Living Products Everything you buy has a carbon footprint. If you want to adopt eco-friendly living principles, you'll need to start shopping more carefully. Try searching for environmentally conscious companies that sell eco-friendly living products, such as reusable water bottles and plastic-free cleaning products. Other eco-friendly products to look out for include natural toiletries and alternatives to single-use plastics. Repair, Reuse, Recycle You've probably heard of the Three R's before, but do you use them in your daily life? When something is broken, take it to your local repair shop before putting it in the trash. And, if something can't be fixed, can you find another use for it? Can you upcycle it? Remember that recycling is an energy-intensive process that should be a last resort. So, always repair and reuse before recycling. Drive Less If it's possible to travel by public transport, carshare, cycle, or walk, do so instead of driving. You can reduce your environmental impact by driving less or switching to an electric-powered vehicle. People who live on public transport routes or near a city centre may not need a car at all. Alternatively, choose a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle when you need to drive. Make sure you inflate the tyres properly and reduce your speed to the optimum level for your car. Reduce Food Waste In developed countries, we waste millions of tonnes of food every year. Aside from wasting your money, throwing out tons of food leads to increased greenhouse gases released from landfill sites. Storing fresh produce correctly can help you reduce the amount of food you waste. So can a set of reusable food storage containers. Try putting your leftovers from dinner into a reusable food pot and eating them for lunch the next day. Eat Less Meat You don't have to switch to a 100% plant-based diet to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle. But reducing the amount of meat on your plate, particularly red meats, is one of our eco-friendly living tips. It's no secret that animal agriculture is highly unsustainable and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. What's more, regularly eating low-quality meats isn't great for your health. Taking meat off the menu a few days a week will help to keep the planet clean and your body healthy. Switch to Renewable Energy Renewable energy is now widely available and highly affordable. Switching to a 100% renewable energy supplier may save you money and help you live more sustainably. Plus, if you own your property, installing solar panels on your roof lets you benefit from free electricity! Shop Locally Clothes, food, electronics, or other items, the closer to home you buy your products, the fewer miles they will have to travel. Transporting food and other commercial products increases their carbon footprint. So, support your local economy and buy locally produced goods whenever you can. Say No to On-The-Go Plastics Like reducing the single-use plastics in our household, eliminate the single-use plastics that you use away from home. Saying no to disposable plastics can be challenging, but it's easy if you're organised. Remember to travel with a refillable water bottle and take an insulated travel coffee mug whenever you want a takeaway coffee. Bring your own reusable bag, buy snacks in recyclable packaging, or sit to eat instead of getting a takeaway. Also Read: How to tackle waste with your morning coffee routine. Grow Your Own Growing fruits and vegetables at home is a rewarding way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. If you have a back garden or an allotment, you're already set to grow! Growing your own food isn't limited to homeowners though. Anyone living in an apartment or renting a flat short-term can try growing herbs, shallow-rooted veggies such as spring onions, lettuce, and leeks, or fast-growing fruits like strawberries and raspberries. All you need is some window boxes, hanging baskets or small pots. Want more tips and advice for eco-friendly living? Why not subscribe to the FLASKE Blog so that you don't miss out on our eco-friendly living tips and sustainable product updates.
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Eco-Friendly Ways To Store Baking Supplies And Alternatives To Single-Use Plastics
In a world full of 'instants' and 'convenience', avoiding the use of plastics can be very challenging, especially in your kitchen. The kitchen can be one of the most notorious places of the house for excessive plastic use, food waste, and storage. Yes, plastics are convenient, but they are not the most suitable option. If you are into baking, you may have experienced trouble storing baking supplies and equipment in an eco-friendly way. But, you can swap some of your baking and kitchen items with reusable ones such as the best silicone bundt pans and start or continue living a sustainable kitchen-life journey. Here are some ways to get you started. Easy, Eco-friendly Ways to Store Baking Supplies Fill your drawer with containers or make a tackle box. Fill your pull-out drawers with reusable containers and organize your baking supplies and ingredients such as flour, sugar, chips, and so on. You can also make a tackle box with lots of shallow divided layers that's perfect for storing small jars for your sprinkles and other ingredients. Stash cookie cutters in a cookie jar. Instead of rummaging through piles of cookie cutters, put them inside a cookie jar or a transparent container so you can easily spot them whenever you need them. Line cupcake liners in a Mason jar. For easy access, line up your cupcake liners in a Mason jar, so you can easily see and check their patterns and avoid buying the same one over again. Practice open shelving. This may be the easiest, cost-effective, and most eco-friendly way of storing your baking supplies. All your tools such as your whisks, spatula, measuring cups hang below with hooks. This way, you can easily see and reach out to the tools you need while baking. Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics in the Kitchen Ditch Plastic Wraps For most bakers, plastic wraps are a must in the kitchen. It keeps the food fresh and can wrap around baking supplies or accessories very easily. But did you know that you can ditch plastic wraps and use a handy alternative instead? The reusable beeswax wrap is a new trend that is perfect for your sustainable living. It wraps pretty much anything like a plastic wrap would. It is organic, washable, reusable, and, most of all, biodegradable. Plus, it comes in various sizes. Invest in Reusable Silicone Baking Supplies When it comes to baking, a reusable mat or a roasting sheet is ten times better than tin foil or parchment paper. Non-stick silicone baking accessories like the best silicone bundt pans are reusable, easy to use, and can last for years! Ditch Plastic Baggies Plastic baggies such as sandwich bags may come in handy for packing snacks and keeping leftovers, but there's a much more rewarding and convenient alternative to it. Re-sealable silicone bags are the perfect alternative for plastic ones. It's also the best way to introduce the importance of sustainable living to your children. Invest in Glass Containers Ditch your cheap plastic containers and replace them with tempered glass ones. Glass containers are non-toxic, food-safe, and recyclable and can keep your food fresh and clean even inside the fridge. They are also lightweight and have easy-seal features. Most of them are also microwavable and dishwasher safe. Conclusion Breaking the plastic habit, especially in the kitchen, may be a lot easier said than done. But you can start living a sustainable life by adopting some manageable baby steps, such as replacing single-use plastics with a more eco-friendly alternative. Try to find something that works best for you and slowly but surely, integrate it into your life. Also see, 5 Plastic-free alternatives, for more eco-friendly food storage solutions or order your zero-waste food pot from the FLASKE Collection!
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All You Need to Know About Reusable Water Bottles
Unfortunately, we don’t always have a ready supply of drinking water when we’re away from home, so water bottles are a necessary part of daily life. As a solution to on-the-go hydration problems, disposable water bottles have infiltrated society and become the norm. The problem is that, although plastic water bottles are technically recyclable, the majority are not actually recycled. Of the estimated 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic produced globally (as of 2018) since the 1950s, only 9.5% was recycled. Approximately 12% was incinerated, and a whopping 79% is sitting in landfill (Royal Statistical Society, 2018). But, as the world becomes more and more conscious of the impact of single-use plastics and plastic pollution, reusable water bottles offer an environmentally-friendly alternative. Nowadays, taking a reusable water bottle everywhere you go is just as necessary as putting on a pair of shoes when you go for a walk or and wearing a winter jacket when it’s snowing outside. So, in this post, we’re going to answer some of the common questions you might have about reusable water bottles. Your Reusable Water Bottle Questions Answered What are reusable water bottles made from? You can buy reusable water bottles made from a range of materials, including BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, aluminium, or glass. Plastic reusable water bottles are usually the cheapest, but we don’t recommend them because they pose the same environmental and health problems as single-use plastic bottles. Although evidence is inconclusive, there is also some discussion about whether large quantities of aluminium in drinking water can be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, we think the best reusable water bottles are made from food-grade stainless steel or glass. Can reusable water bottles be recycled? That depends on which material the bottle is made from. Reusable water bottles made from metal materials, such as stainless steel and aluminium, as well as glass, are 100% recyclable. However, you may need to check how and where to recycle them with your local recycling services. Is it safe to use a stainless steel water bottle? Low-quality stainless steel water bottles can present potentially toxic lead levels (found in the sealing dot in the base) as they age. That’s why we only recommend using metal bottles made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel. High-quality and food-grade stainless steel bottles are completely safe to drink from. Stainless steel is a non-toxic metal that doesn’t leak chemicals, even as it ages and even when heated. Therefore, stainless steel water bottles don’t require liners. How long can you keep water in a stainless steel bottle? Assuming that the bottle is clean, water can stay good inside a stainless steel bottle for months. Perhaps longer, depending on the purity of the water you’re filling it with. However, if you don’t clean your water bottle, it’s better not to store water in it for more than a few days as bacteria can develop. Are reusable water bottles hygienic? Absolutely! Providing that you clean your reusable water bottle regularly. What’s the best way to clean a water bottle? Cleaning a reusable water bottle is easy. Just use regular dish soap and warm water. A bottle brush will be useful too. When your bottle needs a deeper clean, mix a little baking soda, vinegar, or bleach with boiling water and let it soak before washing with warm water and dish soap. Are reusable water bottles dishwasher safe? Only some reusable water bottles are dishwasher safe, so you should always check the brand’s website. FLASKE bottles are not dishwasher safe. How long do reusable water bottles last? If you buy a high-quality stainless steel bottle and care for it properly, it can last all your life! Are reusable water bottles allowed on aeroplanes? Yes, the bottle itself is allowed on aeroplanes, but you’ll need to empty it before going through airport security. Fortunately, many airports have fountains where you can refill a water bottle before boarding your flight. Alternatively, you can ask the staff in an airport cafe to refill your bottle. Are reusable water bottles good for the environment? Reusable water bottles help you cut down your use of single-use plastics and therefore help to minimise plastic waste, minimise plastic pollution, and minimise the demand for the raw materials needed to make plastic. Reusable water bottles are great for the environment! How much do reusable water bottles cost? Prices vary depending on the quality of the materials, the brand, and any additional features. Most 500 ml insulated stainless steel water bottles cost between €20 and €40. That’s a huge saving when you calculate how much you’re already spending on single-use plastic bottles. How long do drinks stay hot/cold in insulated reusable water bottles? If you’re commuting to the office most days or like spending time outside during cold winter days and hot summer months, an insulated reusable water bottle might be a wise investment. Insulated water bottles have a double-wall design that maintains the temperature of hot or cold beverages. The amount of time that drinks stay hot or cold will depend on which bottle you buy because not all brands are equal. FLASKE bottles can keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, although exact times can vary depending on external temperatures. To keep drinks hot for longer, remember to preheat your bottle with boiling water or precool it with cold water or ice before filling it with your chosen beverage. Can I personalise a reusable water bottle? Of course! Firstly, you can find water bottles in an endless range of colours and designs. A FLASKE bottle comes in a variety of matt or metallic colours as well as a unique range of patterns; you can check out the FLASKE Collection. Secondly, you can personalise a reusable water bottle with your name. Or, engrave the bottle with a friend, colleague or family member’s name to make a memorable and eco-friendly gift. Are reusable water bottles for kids? Everyone needs to drink water and say hydrated; kids are no different. That’s why reusable water bottles are great for kids. You can put one in your child's school back; that way, you’ll know if your child is drinking enough each day. Additionally, giving your child a reusable water bottle will help teach them about the importance of reducing plastic waste and living a healthy lifestyle. The best reusable water bottles for kids are leak-proof, BPA-free, and available in several colours that kids will love. Which Reusable Water Bottle is Best? The best reusable water bottle is the one that suits your lifestyle, personality, and budget whilst minimising your environmental footprint. Reusable water bottles made from 100% recyclable materials, such as stainless steel or glass, from an environmentally-conscious retailer, are always the best! Choose a reusable water bottle from the FLASKE Collection today! You’ll receive it in 100% recyclable packaging tomorrow. And, we’ll donate 650 litres of clean drinking water for every FLASKE sold.
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Best Reusable Water Bottles for Kids
If you're a parent and you're concerned about the environment, there are probably some questions that you want answering. Are reusable water bottles for kids sustainable? How much do they cost? What bottles are BPA free? What are the best water bottles for kids? What can I put in a reusable water bottle? Let's answer some of those questions. Currently, single-use plastic bottles are one of the most littered items on the planet. They regularly turn up in beach clean-ups, block waterways and fill landfill sites even though they are technically recyclable. Teaching kids to refill a plastic-free water bottle is a stepping stone for teaching the future generation about environmental issues and the importance of minimising plastic waste. Eco-friendly water bottles for kids don't just provide peace of mind for eco-conscious parents; they’re useful too. The best reusable water bottles for kids are leak-proof, condensation-proof, difficult to spill and easy to clean, which is sure to save you some time and give your washing machine a break! There are many more reasons to buy an insulated reusable stainless steel water bottle for kids, to start with: Stainless steel water bottles are BPA-free and protect kids from the potentially harmful chemicals found in plastics. They help to reduce pollution from plastic waste and teach kids to adopt sustainable habits. They will keep your kids' drinks at the right temperature. A personal water bottle can encourage kids to drink more water and stay hydrated, improving mental clarity, energy levels, and concentration in the classroom. It will save you money in the long-term. Your kids will love the cool FLASKE bottle designs! At FLASKE, we're as dedicated to minimising plastic waste as we are to providing practical alternatives to single-use plastic. FLASKE's water bottles for kids are made from top quality stainless steel that's safe for your little ones to drink from. Our bottles are also leak-proof and condensation-proof so you can pack one in your kid's backpack without fear of soggy sandwiches. Because our stainless-steel water bottles are easy to clean, you fill them with anything from water to your child's favourite fruit juice. Plus, FLASKE offers a selection of child-friendly water bottles that your kids will be proud to show their school friends. Take a look. FLASKE’s 5 Best Reusable Water Bottles for Kids FLASKE Rainbow Bottle Series We know that kids like to be different and the FLASKE Rainbow Series caters to all. Your child can choose their favourite colour reusable water bottle, from baby pink to sea blue and sunshine yellow to chilli pepper red. Plus, our Rainbow Series bottles come in three different sizes; 500 ml, 750 ml, or 1000 ml, and all 500 ml bottles are compatible with FLASKE's sports lid and carabiners. FLASKE Camouflage Bottle Series (500 ml) Where are the kids? Out playing soldiers in the garden again? An army-inspired camouflage bottle would be the perfect piece of kit for their next top-secret mission. The 500 ml FLASKE Camouflage bottles are ideal for boys and girls. They’re the right size to keep kids well hydrated while out on an adventure and also compatible with FLASKE’s sports lids so it’s easy to drink on the go. FLASKE Wild Bottle Series (500 ml) Whether your kids’ climb trees like Mowgli from The Jungle Book or they're just inspired by nature, these jungle-themed water bottles are sure to bring out their creative side. Better yet, the unique designs are unlikely to get mixed up with other bottles in the classroom, so you can be sure that your kid will bring it home at the end of the school day. FLASKE Zebra Bottle (260 ml) The Zebra bottle from our Wild Series is the best reusable water bottle for toddlers. Its small size makes it easy for little hands to hold. Meanwhile, the funky Zebra print is a popular choice for animal lovers. Plus, the Zebra bottle is compatible with the FLASKE sports lid, so your toddler can drink from the bottle like a Sippy cup instead of lifting it. FLASKE Personalised Water Bottles for Kids If you really want to make your kids bottle unique, why not personalise it with their name. FLASKE offers laser-engraving on a selection of bottles, including all reusable water bottles in the Rainbow, Match, Deep and Gradient Series. FLASKE's child-friendly features Aside from the colourful designs and unique prints, you’ll find a selection of child-friendly accessories for FLASKE's water bottles. A durable flip-up sports lid will make it easy for kids to drink from any of our 260 ml or 500 ml water bottles and minimise mess at the same time. You can also replace lost lids instead of buying a whole new bottle. Additionally, in case FLASKE's range of designs and name engraving isn't quite enough, your child can personalise their bottle even more with a lightweight carabiner in the colour of their choice. Children's eco-friendly water bottles are practical and stylish, but, most importantly, they teach the next generation to live more sustainably. Why not let your kid choose their favourite FLASKE Bottle and start saving the planet today?
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8 Reasons to Take A Reusable Water Bottle Everywhere
Whether you're going on vacation, working out at the gym, organising a summer picnic, or just going about your daily life, there are many benefits to taking a reusable water bottle everywhere you go. Reasons to ditch single-use plastic water bottles and start carrying a reusable stainless steel water bottle range from concerns about the amount of plastic already polluting the oceans to concerns about plastic bottle toxicity. There's even a financial benefit when you ditch disposable bottles and refill a reusable water bottle instead. I used to buy bottled water all the time. Since buying a reusable stainless steel water bottle, I never drink bottled water unless it's absolutely unavoidable. Here are some of the most persuasive reasons to take a reusable water bottle everywhere. 8 Reasons to Take a Reusable Water Bottle Everywhere To Reduce Plastic Waste Billions of single-use plastic bottles are produced every year and only a small percentage of them are recycled. Even plastic waste that is recycled can only be reused a certain number of times as the fibres degrade. Therefore, most of the world's plastic waste ends up in landfill sites or in the oceans where it leaches chemicals, pollutes soil and harms wildlife. In the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup, over 1.9 million plastic bottles were collected from coastal areas worldwide, making plastic bottles one of the most common everyday items that pollute the oceans. To Protect Yourself from Toxic Chemicals It's no secret that plastic contains chemicals. Although plastic bottles may be okay to use when new, disposable bottles leach toxins when they become old, damaged or exposed to hot temperatures. That's why you should never reuse a single-use water bottle. The extent to which plastic bottles are responsible for health issues is still disputed but chemicals, such as BPA, have already been linked to infertility, hormone imbalance, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Nowadays, most people know to avoid BPA, but many people are unaware that several popular bottled water brands still contain significant amounts of microplastic. To Improve Your Overall Health Aside from toxic chemicals, taking a water bottle everywhere will remind you to drink more water. With a reusable water bottle in your bag, you'll be able to drink without the hassle of finding a shop or vending machine and paying out every time you feel thirsty. People who carry reusable water bottles are more likely to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated can elevate your cognitive and physical health by improving your focus and digestion, minimising headaches, clearing your skin, speeding up muscle recovery, and more. Also Read: Stay Hydrated: refill a reusable water bottle To Track How Much You Drink A reusable water bottle doesn't just encourage you to drink more water; it also helps you keep track of your daily consumption. If your target is to drink two litres of water every day, you only need to refill a 500 ml water bottle four times and make a note when you do. Likewise, during or after exercise, the right-sized reusable water bottle can prevent you from over or under hydrating. It's much easier to keep track of your daily water intake when drinking from a bottle instead of a glass. To Promote Plastic-Free Living If you're already aware of plastic problems and you're trying to reduce waste, then a reusable water bottle is an easy first step. Additionally, taking a reusable water bottle everywhere you go will help promote plastic-free alternatives to your friends, family, co-workers, or anyone who sees you using it. Before long, reusable stainless-steel water bottles will be the social norm and disposable bottles a thing of the past. To Save Money It's also important to note that reusable water bottles are lighter on your wallet in the long term. A 500 ml FLASKE Bottle costs just under €30. With the correct care, one bottle can last a lifetime. Comparatively, if you buy bottled water every day, you're probably already spending at least €30 every month. Even if you reuse disposable bottles (which you shouldn't), you're still going to save money by buying a high-quality stainless steel water bottle. Because Water Tastes Better in Stainless Steel Water Bottles Because you can't safely wash a plastic bottle with hot water, it's very easy for bacteria and bad odours to accumulate inside a plastic bottle, reusable or not. On the other hand, food-grade stainless steel is completely safe to wash with dish soap and boiling water so you can clean your bottle properly after each use. Additionally, because high-quality stainless steel is corrosion and rust-resistant, you don't get a metallic taste to your water. Because It Looks Better Than a Plastic Bottle For some people, style isn't important; for others, it's everything. Whichever group you fall into, you'll probably agree that reusable water bottles with unique prints, a huge range of colours, matt or metallic finishes, is much cooler than a transparent plastic bottle with a flimsy label. Several FLASKE Bottles are even available with name engraving so you can personalise a reusable water bottle. Also Read: 10 coolest FLASKE reusable water bottles to buy online Take Back Control With A Reusable Water Bottle Hopefully, you're convinced by these eight reasons to buy a reusable water bottle and take it everywhere. Whether you're motivated by environmental issues, health concerns, financial savings, or you just want something more stylish for your office desk; there are several benefits to using a reusable water bottle instead of disposable water bottles. Don't waste time; take a look at the FLASKE Collection, order your favourite bottle and start using it the very next day!
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Everyday Items That Pollute Ocean and Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Are you ready to reduce your carbon footprint and work towards a cleaner planet? Start by learning which are the most common plastic items found in the ocean, then eliminate them from your day-to-day life. Plastic is produced in millions of tonnes worldwide every year, but the ocean is already swimming with plastic waste. Floating garbage patches are an obvious problem. What’s less obvious are the concentrated areas where microplastics float beneath the ocean’s surface; the plastic soup that pollutes the sea and endangers sea life. Yet, the easiest way for us to understand the plastic waste problem, without sailing out to sea, is by looking at the plastic items found in the ocean coastlines. 6 of the most common plastic items found in the ocean in 2019 The Ocean Conservatory recorded the quantity and types of everyday items found in the 2019 International Ocean Cleanup. Here are six items that made it into the top 10 trash found in the ocean. Food Wrappers Most people shop in supermarkets. Unfortunately, most items on the supermarket shelves are heavily packaged in non-recyclable and non-biodegradable materials. Especially imported perishable goods which need extra packaging to protect them on the long journey from a foreign farm to a local shop. Food wrappers aren’t just ugly; they also pose a threat to wildlife and sea life which often ingest tiny plastic parts as the wrappers break down. Eco-friendly alternative: You can minimise damage by buying foods without packaging, like loose fruits and vegetables, instead of packaged goods. Bring reusable bags and insulated food pot to farmers markets and zero-waste stores if you have one in your area. When you can’t avoid food wrappers, opt for foods in reusable containers, such as screw-top jars or pots, or foods that come in recyclable or recycled packaging. Although it’s not yet widely available, some food and snack companies now package their products in compostable packaging, just do a little research and shop with care. Alternatively, you could prepare your foods and snacks at home and take them with you in a reusable insulated food pot. Also Read: 5 foods to put in a thermal lunch box Cigarette butts Volunteers collected over 4 million cigarette butts in the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup from beaches, bays, and coastal areas. Cigarette butts made up 3,628 of the 14,365 trash items collected in the Netherlands. What’s the problem with flicking cigarette butts onto the beach instead of disposing of them responsibly? Won’t they biodegrade anyway? Eventually yes, but the filters in cigarette butts contain a plastic called cellulose acetate. This material takes up to 15 years to biodegrade completely, releasing toxins in the process of breaking down. This means that, even if you put your cigarette butts in the bin, they’re still going to hang around in landfill sites and pollute the soil. What’s the alternative? Eco-friendly alternative: An unpopular but valid solution is for people who smoke to give up cigarettes which will protect personal health as well as the health of the planet. A more realistic and easier alternative is to switch to filters made from natural, biodegradable, recycled or chemical-free materials. Some environmentally conscious tobacco companies are already on the case, such as Greengo, a Dutch cigarette company that produces filters made from 100% recycled, unbleached, and natural fibres. Plastic Bottles & Caps Over 1.9 million plastic beverage bottles and more than 1.5 million plastic bottle caps were collected. Thousands of disposable bottles are bought every single day. Because single-use plastic bottles are not safe to reuse and can only be recycled a limited number of times, the majority end up in the trash. Eco-friendly alternative: The good news is that plastic bottles and caps are easily avoided. High quality and food-safe stainless steel water bottles that are 100% recyclable but tough enough to last for years will keep tonnes of plastic out of the ocean. It will help you stay hydrated and save you money at the same time. A thermally insulated FLASKE Bottle costs just €30 and refilling it costs nothing. How much do you spend on bottled water each month? You don’t need to stick to water either. Try making soft beverages at home and taking them with you in a reusable water bottle. And, if you do need to buy a drink on the go, choose something in a can or a glass bottle so that you can recycle it after. Unlike plastic, glass and aluminium, as well as stainless steel, can be recycled an unlimited number of times. Also Read: The 10 coolest FLASKE reusable water bottles to buy online Plastic Straws & Stirrers Since the heartbreaking video of a sea turtle with a plastic straw wedged in its nose went viral, straws have been symbolic of the risk of ocean pollution to sea life. Although plastic straw and stirrer bans are now in force in many cities or whole countries, 942,992 were collected in the International Coastal Cleanup. Eco-friendly alternative: Here’s a simple solution. Don’t use straws. Most of us learnt to drink from a glass, cup, or bottle when we were kids. Unless you have a specific condition that makes it difficult to drink without a straw, you probably don’t need to use one. That said, there are eco-friendly alternatives for anyone who doesn’t want to give up straws. Bamboo straws and stainless-steel straws are trendy, inexpensive, and easy to clean. Plastic Shopping Bags Totally 1,351,390 plastic bags, including grocery bags and other plastic bags, were found in the International Coastal Cleanup making it one of the biggest plastic waste items that we use every day. Sea life frequently gets tangled up in plastic bags or eats plastic parts which stay in the stomach for their entire life. A classic example of this is sea turtles which often mistake plastic bags for their usual prey, jellyfish. Eco-friendly alternative Again, this is another simple swap that makes a massive difference to the environment. Just take a reusable cotton tote with you whenever you go to the market and have a few ready for your grocery shopping. Switch plastic bin liners for compostable bin liners, or don’t use a liner at all. Also Read: 30 top tips for going zero-waste Plastic Dinner Ware & Take Away Containers The last item on our list is actually a group of common plastic items found in the ocean. Disposable dining ware, which includes plastic plates, cutlery, cups, single-use Styrofoam, and take away containers. This group makes up a total of over 1.4 million items from the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup. According to the 2020 record from the Ocean Conservatory: “enough plastic cutlery was found to feed a three-course meal to 66,000 sharks.” While that conjures up an amusing image of sharks sitting at the dining table, the reality is that these non-biodegradable and sharp utensils are a genuine risk to sea life. Eco-friendly alternative: Once again, the eco-friendly alternative is cheap, easy, and better for your health. Switch disposable cutlery for a stylish travel set of bamboo cutlery, wash your dishes, or replace disposable plastics with plates and cups made from compostable materials. To minimise take away containers, consider eating out instead of getting your food to go. Or, bring your own reusable insulated food container to take your food home in. Let’s Clean Up the Plastic Soup You can help the Plastic Soup Foundation to clean our oceans by reducing the amount of trash that goes into it every single day. Switching disposable plastic items, such as those mentioned above, for reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives is the first and easiest step on the eco-friendly journey. Also Read: Why we support the Plastic Soup Foundation For more inspiration on eco-friendly and plastic-free products that will help you live more sustainably, visit our FLASKE Collection.
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