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Plastic water bottles, which seem so harmless, hide a major problem. Plastic does not decompose. On the contrary, he accumulates in our oceans and pollutes our planet. Indeed, small particles of plastic, called microplastics, end up in our water and food, representing a risk to our health. But that’s not all!
Certain substances present in these plastics, such as bisphenol A, are suspected of disrupting our hormonal system. These realities make the issue of plastic water bottles urgent. Some models could soon disappear.
Towards a ban on plastic water bottles?
Imagine a world where plastic water bottles no longer exist. For many, this is a dream, but it is also a serious subject.
In France, no less than 13 billion plastic bottles are consumed each year. Yes, you read correctly: 220 bottles per Frenchon average! Practical for quenching your thirst, they are also disastrous for the environment and health.
To have
78% of water bottles are contaminated with microplastics, phthalates or bisphenol A
Faced with this alarming situation, voices are beginning to be raised to demand changes. Pierre Cazeneuve, Renaissance deputy for Hauts-de-Seine, proposes to ban the sale of small bottles of water. An idea that could shake up our habits.
“Environmental nonsense” according to him
Who has never slipped a small bottle into their bag before going to work or the gym? It’s practical, there’s no denying it!
However, these formats, such as those of 17 or 33 cl, are considered as “environmental nonsense”. Cazeneuve finds it absurd to produce “20-25 grams of plastic for just 3-4 sips of water”. Hence this idea of eliminating plastic water bottles of less than 50 cl.
For him, it is time to act and reduce plastic production. The real question is: will we be willing to make this sacrifice? Many might be reluctant to give up those little water bottles that accompany us every day.
But how can we convince manufacturers to reduce their production of small bottles, when their margin on these products is so important? A one and a half liter bottle costs around 44 cents per liter, while a 33 cl bottle can reach 1.36 euros per liter. It’s almost four times more expensive!
To have
These bottles of water that everyone drinks every day are dangerous for your health
Small formats therefore bring a lot of profit to companies, which complicates the implementation of such a measure.
Towards a future without plastic water bottles?
Times are changing, and the reasons to say goodbye to small plastic bottles are piling up. The OECD warns us: if we do not take action, plastic production could triple by 2060! This dizzying figure must push us to action. Every action counts, and it is essential to protect our beautiful planet.
By replacing small water bottles with solutions plus durables we can reduce our plastic footprint. For example, through reusable bottles or water fountains in public places. But what about consumer perspectives?
The prospect of seeing these little bottles disappear does not leave everyone indifferent. For many, these convenient formatsin fact represent an ideal solution to quench your thirst during a sports session or a day of work.
In a report from JT the TF1, a passerby confides : “It’s essential for me, I have it often”. Another adds that using 1.5 liter water bottles is “precisely to avoid consuming lots of small bottles and generating a lot of waste”.
