Anyone else tired of there always being a newer, more trendy water bottle out there that you must have?

People have realized the need to reduce plastic waste, and recognize that one easy way to do that is by using reusable water bottles. Over the past decade, people have really gotten into having colorful, trendy water bottles. A few brands that have come and gone include S’well, Hydro Flask, Yeti Rambler, Stanley, and now, Owala. While these designs optimize aesthetics and help people drink more water, the primary goal of reducing single-use plastic is not being met.

Replacing water bottles for fun rather than out of necessity leads to major economic costs of production and disposal. Because of the energy required to make the metals many of these bottles are constructed with, there are more greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts. To truly reduce one’s carbon footprint and help the planet, people need to use their previous water bottle through its effective lifespan and avoid buying a new one until it is necessary.