This may seem like too fast a change. Plastic bottled beverages are currently everywhere. An estimated 1.3 billion are sold each day for water alone. Aren’t people too dependent? Do governments have the support to enforce it? Plus, even if you know it’s wasteful, without water, soda, juice, or sports bottled drinks available at stores, gas stations, or vending machines, the world might not look quite right. 

But this future free from single-use plastic bottles will arrive sooner than you think. Why?

Consumers are already over it.

Three out of four people want to see a worldwide ban on single-use plastics. The facts are becoming too overwhelming: single-use plastic bottles damage the environment, they damage our health, and our systems for recycling them are woefully inadequate. We only recycle an alarmingly small fraction of the plastic we produce—which is so impractical! For most people, enough is enough. Time for less plastic packaging, no new plastic straws, and a complete ban on single-use plastic bottles.

Policy action has already started.

Pollution from beverage companies is so extreme that U.S. states and cities and environmental groups have taken to suing these companies for endangering environmental and public health and misleading consumers on the recyclability of plastic. Massachusetts became the first state to ban purchase of single-use plastic bottles by state agencies this past summer. And starting this past summer, some cities in California banned plastic and paper water containers from being sold.

At the same time as bans are going into effect, reusable bottles are also becoming more of a hallmark of everyone’s daily carry, rendering single-use plastic bottles a needless extravagance. From New York City to San Diego, legislation is being put in place to allow for people to bring reusable bottles into stadiums, concert venues, and other businesses where single-use containers used to dominate. That trend will only continue.

Lastly, look no further than Europe for the sweeping policy change around single-use plastic bottles that’s already underway. The European Union, a trailblazer on many regulations that end up spreading throughout the world, such as food safety standards and data privacy, has already started imposing limits on single-use plastic packaging. And the Olympics this year in Paris took significant strides to cut down the use of single-use plastics.

Single-use plastic bottles are by and large completely unnecessary.

Curbing pollution is tough for most major industries, such as transportation, energy, and agriculture, because we rely on them so heavily; we must find sustainable solutions while continuing business as usual. The beverage industry, though, is different. It’s an industry of unnecessary excess, especially with plastic. 

The world’s largest beverage companies are the world’s leading plastic polluters—and their rate of pollution only continues to grow. Out of the 14 million tons of plastic waste that get dumped into our oceans every year, 12% of it is plastic bottles. All this plastic pollution, over time, causes microplastics to enter our water supply, to become a part of the food we eat. These microplastics are a growing hazard to our health; they are being found everywhere—in our hair, lungs, arteries, blood, brains—and studies are starting to link them to serious health complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and even death. 

Given that most places in the world have access to water from wells or taps, the focus should be on purifying this water for safe drinking and enhancing its taste and functionality, rather than bottling it in plastic containers that will eventually become yet another pollutant. We can, and should, move the beverage industry in a completely different direction without majorly disrupting our way of life.

Even worse, plastic bottles are bad for our health.

It’s not only that plastic bottle waste pollutes our environments, which in turn means it ends up polluting our drinking water. It’s also that the plastic bottles we are drinking from leach into the drinks themselves. A liter of bottled water contains 240,000 detectable plastic fragments, dramatically more than thought of just a decade ago. There’s also 252% more PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic in bottles used for soda than those used for water, raising concerns that microplastics in those sugary bottled beverages could be even worse than what we’re seeing in plastic water bottles. Studies have already shown that bottled soft drinks and teas have some level of microplastic contamination.

Solutions already exist in market for single-use plastic bottles.

Perhaps most relevant, we aren’t waiting on any technological breakthroughs to offer high-quality beverages without single-use plastic bottles. Sustainable solutions (from Bevi and other companies!) are available right now, in many cases at a significant price discount to bottled beverages.

As far out as it may seem that most countries will ban single-use plastic bottles over the next fifteen years, it’s important to remember what we’re moving towards rather than what we’re leaving behind. Alternatives to single-use plastic bottles can be just as convenient and refreshing, as well as more fun and customizable, and not to mention actually sustainable, if we design them that way. A future free from single-use plastic bottles is one where we’re not only healthier, but happier.

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1. Nail Salons 

At nail salons like MiniLuxe in Boston’s Prudential Center, Bevi has become a hit. “Clients love it, and so does the team,” says one manager. When you’re getting a manicure, your hands aren’t free for much—so sipping on a refreshing drink is one of the few things you can do. With Bevi, customers can hydrate while they wait, keeping them refreshed and energized during long appointments. Plus, it’s a great perk for salon staff, reducing the need to stock bottled drinks.

2. Car Washes 

Waiting for your car to be cleaned can be boring, especially when you’re stuck in the waiting room on a hot day. But some car washes have installed Bevi machines, turning that wait into a more pleasant experience. Whether you’re sipping a flavored drink or getting a boost from electrolytes, having a Bevi on hand makes the time pass more quickly. By the time your car is spotless, you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day. Not such an unexpected place for a Bevi machine, now is it?

3. Laundromats 

Doing laundry may be one of those I’ve-got-to-get-it-done chores, but some laundromats are making their experiences something to look forward to by installing Bevi machines. While you wait for your clothes to wash and dry, you can grab a refreshing, customizable drink—whether it’s a sparkling water with a splash of flavor or a caffeine boost to help you power through the rest of your day. Bevi turns a routine trip to the laundromat into a little moment of refreshment, making laundry day feel a bit more like “me time.”

4. Breweries 

At Aeronaut Brewery, Bevi is a crowd-pleaser. “The Bevi machine is a big hit with our guests,” says lead bartender Drew Fosdick. In a setting where drinking beer is the main event, Bevi helps guests stay hydrated, balancing out alcohol consumption with water. The one-to-one rule (one glass of water for every alcoholic drink) is easier to follow with Bevi around. Plus, it’s a game-changer for designated drivers and non-drinkers who can enjoy a fun, customizable drink while still being part of the brewery experience.

5. Car Dealerships 

Buying a car can be stressful or waiting for your car to be serviced can drag on and on, but some dealerships are making it a bit more relaxing by offering Bevi drinks. Whether you’re grabbing a drink while browsing or sipping before sealing the deal, the Bevi dispenser provides a refreshing break from the intensity of big purchases. It’s a small touch that can make the whole experience feel more enjoyable.

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Not all plastic management methods will work everywhere, but understanding what works for some will help us all tackle the global plastic problem faster. 

Plastic production currently uses 14% of the world’s oil, and according to the International Energy Agency, petrochemicals will drive half of the growth in oil demand by 2050. That means there’s a lot of room for improvement! Plastics harm the environment at every stage, with 25% incinerated and 55% ending up in landfills or out in nature.

Swift, global action is needed to end this detriment to our health and the planet’s ecosystems, and these nations provide valuable examples of how we can start to make a real difference.

Rwanda

“Use of non-biodegradable polythene bags is prohibited.” You’ll see that sign when landing at the airport of Rwanda’s capital city—and your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Border agents will check if you’ve got a plastic bag with you. 

Rwanda emerged as a global leader in the fight against plastics in 2008 when it banned plastic bags. Since then, they have been on course to eliminate all single-use plastic. Along with other sustainability policies and civic engagement, the country has earned some unique distinctions. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, for example, is celebrated as the cleanest city on the African continent.

Banning Single-use Plastics. In 2003, an investigation led by the Rwandan Ministry of Health revealed that single-use plastic items were causing significant environmental problems. Plastics were blocking water channels, threatening biodiversity in water bodies, clogging drainage systems, and preventing water infiltration into the soil. Alarmed by the negative impact on agriculture and the broader environment, Rwanda started taking its decisive legal action. Eleven years later, the country expanded its to other popular single-use items, such as bottles, straws, plates, and forks. Rwanda led the way, 34 African countries have followed and implemented their own bans on plastic.

Community Participation. Rwanda’s dedication to reducing plastic waste is clear through both government action and citizen involvement. The practice of Umuganda, meaning “coming together in common purpose,” is rooted in traditional Rwandan culture. Reintroduced in 1998 to aid the nation’s rebuilding after the genocide, Umuganda is now sanctioned and occurs on the last Saturday of each month. During this time, citizens aged 16 to 65 participate in community service, including plastic waste cleanup. They also engage in debates regarding what needs to be done in the community.

Germany

Germany boasts the highest recycling rate in Europe, recycling roughly 67% of its garbage waste on a municipal level. Thanks to mandatory waste sorting policies, an impressive deposit refund scheme, and high public awareness about recycling correctly, the nation provides a strong example of how to engage citizens in eco-friendly waste management.

Reducing Excessive Packaging. Do you ever look at all the layers of plastic and cardboard waste in your deliveries and lament? Germany’s Packaging Act (VerpackG), which went into effect in 2019, targets the reduction of excessive packaging. This legislation requires manufacturers to contribute to the cost of recycling their packaging, thus incentivizing the reduction of plastic use from the beginning.

Ambitious Bottle Deposit System: Germany’s impressive recycling rate can be largely attributed to its ambitious and country-wide embrace of the deposit return system (DRS), known as the Pfandsystem. 

Established in 2003, this system incentivizes recycling by offering a small refund for returning bottles and cans to designated locations, making the recycling process both enjoyable and rewarding.

Imagine you’re a tourist in Germany, enjoying a refreshing beverage on a sunny day. When you purchase your drink at the store, you’ll pay a small deposit, ranging from €0.08 to €0.25. This price, called the ‘Pfand,’ is reflected on the bottle’s label. Once you’re finished, you can return the bottle to one of the many return locations at retail stores and supermarkets. There, a machine scans and processes your bottle, and you receive a receipt that allows you to get your money back at the checkout. Germany’s effective public education about the system has led to an impressive 98.4% total return rate, reflecting enthusiastic participation from its citizens.

Did you know? In the U.S.A., bottle deposit schemes, or “bottle bills,” currently exist in ten states, including California, New York, and Vermont. We have yet to enjoy the same kind of citizen engagement as in Germany, however, as a result of lower public awareness and deposit values.

Sweden 

Sweden has emerged as a global leader in environmental sustainability, taking bold steps to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy.

Ambitious Waste-to-Energy Program: Sweden’s advanced waste-to-energy (WTE) program is a cornerstone of its waste management strategy. The country pioneered WTE technology, which converts waste into energy, in the mid-twentieth century, with its first plant operating amid the post-war home-building boom in the late 1940s. The impact has been massive: thanks to this innovative approach, only 1% of the country’s trash ends up in landfills. 47% is recycled, and 52% is converted into energy, providing homes around the Nordic country with heat and electricity. 

More exciting developments are taking place in Sweden’s urban areas. The city of Stolkholm has built an underground waste collection system: thanks to this, waste chutes, placed in designated collection points throughout the city, take people’s trash and transport it to waste-to-energy incinerators. It’s real, but sounds like something out of a science fiction movie. How’s that for an urban development model for the future?

National Strategy for a Circular Economy: In July 2020, the Swedish government presented a national strategy to transition to a circular economy. Unlike a linear economy, where natural resources become waste at the end of their journey from production to disposal, a circular economy aims to create a closed-loop system where material goods and products continue to bring utility to citizens for as long as possible.

Key focus areas in Sweden’s strategy include investing in sustainable product design, promoting the use of toxin-free materials, and educating consumers to support circular business models in their everyday lives. This comprehensive approach ensures that materials remain in use for as long as possible. Through these comprehensive efforts, Sweden demonstrates how effective policies and innovative programs can lead to significant environmental benefits, setting a benchmark for other countries to follow.

Costa Rica 

Costa Rica, in a bid to protect its natural biodiversity, became one of the world’s leaders in environmental protection by stating a desire to become carbon neutral as a country in 2007. While it will take them until 2050 to meet this goal, the country already runs entirely on renewable energy for more than 300 days of the year; no other country of its size has done this.  

Another key part of the country’s plan to meet net-zero? Reducing its plastic consumption.

Enhancing Recycling Efficacy: Aligning with the country’s broader goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, Costa Rica passed legislation banning the sale and distribution of single-use plastic shopping bags, straws, and cutlery. The government passed this law in 2019, along with measures aimed at reducing the impact of plastic bottles. Now, importers and manufacturers of plastic bottles must regulate the amount of recycled resin used and invest in less harmful waste disposal methods. The legislation encourages companies to partner with municipalities in improving waste management, fostering collaboration that is essential for achieving Costa Rica’s ambitious environmental sustainability goals.

Researching Eco-Friendly Alternatives: In order to make the single-use plastic ban feasible for businesses, Costa Rica is leading the way in researching eco-friendly alternatives. One notable example involved students at the University of Costa Rica who developed a biodegradable material from bananas that proved to be five times stronger than plastic. This innovation highlights the potential of sustainable materials. Imagine all we could accomplish if other countries followed suit.

Japan

Japan has a long way to go in the race to tackle plastic pollution. The country ranks as the second-largest generator of plastic packaging waste per capita after the US. But recent policy shifts, combined with the country’s unique conservation culture, signals a plastic reduction and recycling juggernaut soon to be.

Waste Not, Want Not: The expression Mottainai can be roughly translated into “waste not, want not,” deriving from the words mottai (importance of sanctity) and nai (lack). This centuries old-principle of Japanese philosophy permeates modern society, and transforms resource conservation into a part of the cultural ethos. Driven by Mottainai, Japanese people are more inclined to recycle and reuse items in their everyday lives, seeing value and potential in what other people may try to discard. That’s why over 80% of Japan separates garbage into 10 different categories for collection and recycling. And it’s likely a big part of the reason why the country has long seen a plastic recycling rate above 85%. 

Enhanced Waste Management: Japan has recently made significant strides to improve its waste management system through the implementation of the Act on Promotion of Resource Circulation for Plastics, which went into effect in April 2022. This legislation does many things, including:

• Pushes manufacturers to design products for easier recycling
• Requires major retailers and hotel chains to use plastic products made from 60% recycled or biodegradable materials by 2030. 
• Asks convenience stores and hotels to begin charging for plastic items like disposable cutlery and toothbrushes. 

In response, Japanese businesses are planning to increase plastic recycling and adopt biodegradable alternatives in the near-future. Companies like Kirin Holdings, a large beer conglomerate, has indicated it will use 50% recycled plastics in its products by 2027, just three short years from now.

A Way Forward?

While we often talk about the importance of recycling and many American companies tout ESG as a top priority, the United States consistently ranks as one of the highest plastic polluting countries. And we have little civic engagement to fix this problem: US households throw 76% of their recyclables into the trash instead of the recycling bin. (But maybe it’s because we already know our recycling system is broken.)

So, what can we do? To effectively reduce plastic pollution, we should embrace more ambitious policies. For instance, banning commonly used single-use plastics—including bottles, straws, and bags—can significantly protect both the environment and public health. Bold actions in plastic reduction are crucial for making a real impact, even if they seem like too big of a change at first.

The post 4 Countries Leading the Way in Reducing Plastic Waste appeared first on Bevi.

Originating from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, microbeads used in consumer products, and other everyday sources, these particles are now found in our water, food, and air. They are so omnipresent that they’ve even been found in human breast milk. They pose severe risks to marine life, ecosystems, and human health, raising alarms among scientists and environmentalists. 

In this post, we delve into the harsh truth about microplastics, uncovering the extent of their impact and the urgent need for action to mitigate this growing crisis.

What are microplastics and how are they formed?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic debris. They form through the gradual degradation of plastic products due to environmental exposure, such as sunlight, wind, and water

The process happens in many different ways: plastic bags drift into the ocean, where, after being tossed around by the waves and bombarded with UV radiation, they fall apart. Tires, now mainly made of a plastic known as synthetic rubber, abrade as they roll around, sending clouds of particles into the air. Clothes are increasingly made with plastics, from polyester to nylon, and are constantly shedding their synthetic fibers everywhere.

Understanding the pervasive nature and formation of microplastics, from what we’re wearing to what we’re using, underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate their impact.

Where are microplastics found in the human body?

Every year, new research reveals the growing extent of human exposure to microplastics. A landmark 2021 study discovered microplastics in human placentas. Soon after, researchers in Germany and Austria found microplastics in meconium, a newborn’s first stool. In 2022, a study involving 34 healthy mothers in Italy revealed that 75% of breast milk samples contained microplastics. This evidence indicates that babies are ingesting these particles even before birth, posing a significant threat to human health. A more recent study found microplastics in human testicles, leading toxicologists to announce they now expect to find microplastics in every part of the human body.

How do microplastics impact human health?

Once ingested or inhaled, these tiny plastic particles can accumulate in various organs, potentially causing inflammation and cellular damage. Research suggests that microplastics may disrupt endocrine function, leading to hormonal imbalances. Additionally, they can carry toxic chemicals and pathogens, which may further exacerbate their harmful effects. Long-term exposure is particularly worrisome, as it might contribute to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, gastrointestinal disturbances, and even cancer. 

A 2024 study published by The New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with microplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a severe cardiovascular health outcome, including heart attack, stroke, or death. Another study discovered that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease had a higher concentration of microplastics in their feces compared to healthy individuals.

Although the full extent of their impact is still being studied, the presence of microplastics in the human body underscores the urgent need for further research and effective measures to reduce plastic pollution.

How do microplastics get into our food supply?

Seafood

Eating seafood is one way humans are exposed to microplastics: As of 2016, 90% of US seafood was imported from geographic regions with significant waste leakage. In aquatic environments, plastic debris breaks down into microplastics, which are then ingested by small marine organisms, like planktonic organisms and larvae. These particles move up the food chain, ultimately reaching the plates of human consumers. Researchers are still investigating the differences between farmed and wild-caught seafood. Because fish farmed in aquaculture environments typically have shorter lifespans, and live in more controlled conditions, it’s possible they have a lower risk of microplastic exposure.

Meat & Dairy

When plastic waste breaks down in soil and water sources, it mixes with animal feed crops, which livestock then consume. Additionally, grazing on polluted pastures and drinking contaminated water also introduce microplastics into their bodies. Over time, these particles accumulate, eventually ending up in the meat and dairy products that humans consume. In 2022, researchers at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) in the Netherlands discovered that 75% of meat and milk products tested contained microplastics.

Plant-based Foods

Studies have shown that common fruits and vegetables such as apples, tomatoes, and carrots can contain significant amounts of microplastics​. Microplastics infiltrate plant-based foods primarily through contaminated soil and water, as the plants absorb microplastics through their roots.

Are there different types of microplastics?

Yes. Microplastics can be broadly broken into two types: primary and secondary microplastics.

Primary microplastics…

…are tiny pieces of plastic that are intentionally manufactured for commercial use: think of the fibers in textiles and small exfoliating beads in cosmetics (These are microfibers and microbeads).

Secondary microplastics…

…on the other hand, stem from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, especially single-use items like bottles, bags, and fishing nets. Over time, environmental forces such as sunlight, wind, and ocean waves break these plastics into smaller and smaller fragments.

Both types of microplastics have contaminated our land and sea, creating a planet-wide crisis.

As the microplastic crisis gets worse, yet another category has emerged.

Nanoplastics…

…are an even smaller subset of microplastic, typically defined as plastic particles less than 1 micrometer in size. These tiny particles are often the result of the further breakdown of microplastics, though they can also originate from industrial processes. 

Nanoplastics are particularly concerning because their minute size allows them to penetrate biological tissues and cells more easily: they can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, raising concerns about their ability to bypass biological barriers and accumulate in organs. In the environment, nanoplastics can interact with pollutants and organisms at a molecular level, leading to complex ecological consequences we don’t fully understand yet.

What about microbeads and microfibers?

Microbeads

About fifty years ago, microbeads began appearing in personal care products as cosmetics manufacturers discovered they could replace natural exfoliants with these tiny plastic particles. Microbeads, found in products like toothpaste, body scrubs, and face wash, offered effective exfoliation but soon proved to be hazardous. Due to their minuscule size, microbeads would easily pass through wastewater treatment plants and end up in waterways, where fish and other marine life often mistook them for food, causing significant ecological damage.

Recognizing this environmental threat, President Obama signed the Microbead-Free Waters Act into law in 2015, initiating a phase-out and eventual complete ban on the production of products containing microbeads by July 2018. Despite these regulations, microbeads remain present in some regions. Consumers can identify products containing microbeads by checking for ingredients like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polylactic acid, or nylon on the label.

Microfibers

Microfibers are tiny synthetic fibers which shed from textiles, particularly during the washing process. When clothing made from materials like polyester and nylon is laundered, these microfibers are released into the wastewater, contributing to environmental contamination. The issue is exacerbated as the production of synthetic fiber clothing increases: according to Textile Exchange, synthetic fibers currently make up 64% of the global fiber market. 

Efforts to combat microfiber pollution are gaining momentum, but progress is slow. The California legislature, for example, recently considered a bill that would mandate all new residential washing machines sold in the state to include microfiber filters starting in 2029. Unfortunately, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the legislation, citing concerns about increased costs to consumers. This setback highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing microfiber pollution, which necessitates enhanced waste management systems and robust global measures to promote more sustainable textile production.

How effective are current water filtration systems at removing microplastics?

Current water filtration systems vary in their effectiveness at removing microplastics. While some advanced filtration technologies can significantly reduce the presence of these tiny particles, others may not be as efficient. 

Advanced technologies like reverse osmosis (RO) and ceramic filters are among the most effective. RO systems can filter out particles as small as 0.0001 microns​. Ceramic filters, with pore sizes around 0.2 microns, also perform well in capturing microplastics, bacteria, and other contaminants​. However, less advanced methods may only filter out the largest microplastics.

At Bevi, we believe you should trust that your water is good for you—so we put the work into figuring out a state-of-the-art filtration system. We use the market’s leading carbon filter, small enough to capture 99.99% of microplastics, bacteria, chlorine, and sediment.

Are there microplastics in bottled water?

Yes. Shockingly, a growing body of evidence reveals that bottled water contains significantly more microplastics than tap water, with as much as twice as many particles. A recent study, which sampled more than 250 bottled water products sold in 9 countries, found microplastic contamination in 93% of water bottles.

The bottled water industry isn’t stringently regulated—at least not as much as our municipal tap systems. This means that even water marketed as “pure” can still be full of contaminants. This research highlights that the bottled water available at your local grocery store or deli can contain heavy amounts of microplastics, despite claims of purity and safety. This underscores the need for stricter regulations and better consumer awareness regarding bottled water quality​.

So, what can you do to reduce your microplastics exposure?

The beverage industry is the main culprit in the accumulation of microplastics, with 85% of plastic bottles ending up as waste. The easiest way to reduce your microplastic exposure also means taking a leap to reduce the plastic waste problem: avoid buying bottled water when possible. 

To reduce your exposure to microplastics, consider switching to a reusable bottle. Bevi’s Smart Water Coolers® can help your office, workplace, or retail space make the switch by offering filtered, flavored, and unflavored water at the tap of a button.

Additional tips include using glass Tupperware, avoiding single-use plastics for food storage, and opting for wood or bamboo cutting boards. Research shows that plastic cutting boards are an often overlooked source of microplastics, as repeated cutting dislodges plastic particles that can adhere to food.

What’s being done to address the microplastics crisis?

Addressing the microplastics crisis requires a comprehensive and coordinated effort across multiple sectors. Thankfully, governments around the world are beginning to implement policies aimed at reducing plastic waste and preventing microplastic pollution. Canada and the European Union, for example, are leading the way with broader restrictions on single-use plastic and increasing funding for research into biodegradable alternatives. The EU’s zero-pollution action plan addresses the microplastics problem directly, targeting a 30% microplastic pollution reduction by 2030. 

In the United States, the New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a landmark lawsuit against PepsiCo, claiming the company endangers the environment and public health with plastic pollution.

Keep an eye out for microplastics…

The microplastic crisis is serious. In the coming years, we hope to see more governments and industries implement effective policies to promote the use of sustainable materials and reduce the use of single-use plastics. With comprehensive strategies mitigating the impact of microplastics, we can protect our ecosystems and ensure a healthier future for coming generations. 

In the meantime, it’s important not to discount individual action. In the microplastics crisis, the bottled water industry has proven to be the biggest culprit, and reshaping consumer demand for single-use beverages makes a huge difference. By making the switch to a reusable bottle, you’re advocating for sustainability. Join us in unbottling the future.

>> Learn more about Bevi’s mission.

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King of plastic waste

Fact: the world’s largest beverage companies are also the world’s biggest plastic polluters. They have been polluting plastic at an increasingly monstrous rate for decades. Their pollution is so extreme that U.S. states and environmental groups have taken to suing beverage companies for endangering environmental and public health and misleading consumers on the recyclability of plastic.

600 billion plastic bottles and containers are produced each year for water alone. Less than 30% will ever be recycled. The remaining waste will end up in landfills, streets, fields, and waterways. Those waterways run to the ocean, where plastic bottles—and the microplastics they degrade down into—join other waste to become another 14 million tons of plastic added annually to our largest bodies of water.

Be part of the solution.

Replace bottles with Bevi to cut plastic waste and offer healthy drinks in your commercial space. Download Bevi’s Environmental Sustainability Report to learn more.

Get the Report

What does it take?

Consider: every 16 oz. plastic bottle of water is manufactured using 179 oz. of water and enough oil to fill a quarter of that bottle. Getting one bottle from factory to fridge generates 78.9g of carbon emissions, which multiplied by the number of plastic bottles sold annually across the globe, equals the carbon footprint of 12.5 million cars. That means a staggering amount of energy—and water—is wasted every year producing hundreds of billions of plastic water bottles.

Also consider: bottled beverages may not be all that safe to drink. A liter of bottled water has 240,000 detectable plastic fragments in it. Every bottle. These microplastics are a growing hazard to our health; they are being found everywhere—in our hair, lungs, arteries, blood, brains—and have the potential to cause serious health complications. And there’s 252% more PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic in the bottles used for soda than those used for water, which raises questions about its microplastic content.

The plastic problem

All of the plastic that is dumped into our ocean at first required energy to manufacture it and a supply chain to distribute it. All of that plastic, in the end, floating in the ocean, eventually becomes part of the water we drink. It enters the food chain, so it becomes a part of the food we eat. Plastic is doing damage to our planet—and, in the end, it’s doing damage to our health. No wonder three out of every four people support a worldwide ban on single-use plastics.

Unbottling the beverage industry

Eliza, Sean, and Frank started Bevi over 10 years ago because they believed people shouldn’t have to choose between sustainability and convenience. You shouldn’t have to choose what’s good for you and what’s good for the environment. Bevi is designing a world where you can do both.

Bevi offers a wide variety of healthy beverages without single-use containers, in a format that is just as convenient—and more fun—than bottled alternatives. Our bottleless machines pour still, sparkling, hot, cold, flavored, and enhanced water on-demand.

1. Our customers have already collectively saved over 500 million bottles and cans. We plan to save 1 billion single-use containers by the end of 2025.
   
2. Each machine we produce can save 50,000+ 12 oz. single-use containers every year.
   
3. Bevi cuts the wasteful traditional beverage supply chain by more than half, eliminating fuel-intensive transportation with every beverage poured from our machines.
   
4. Our machines are built with state-of-the-art carbon filters, designed to remove microplastics, bacteria, chlorine, and other unwanted elements from tap water down to 0.2 microns—surpassing the precision of even premium consumer filters.
   
5. More than 6,000 companies and organizations keep their employees, residents, guests, partners, and attendees hydrated and happy with Bevi machines.

Bevi will soon replace single-use bottles and cans in all the places they’re frequently consumed. There will be a smart water cooler to greet you as you go about your day: in the office, at the gym, at school, and even in restaurants and bars. It will be far more cost-effective than buying single-use containers, with all of the same flavors, fizz, and fun, and without the egregious plastic waste in our oceans.

Looking to reduce your carbon footprint—plus reduce costs and get delicious filtered water on tap? Get a quote for a Bevi machine.

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Why get a refurbished Bevi water dispenser?

1. Reduced Price Point

Refurbished Bevi machines come at a lower cost than our newer models, meaning you can enjoy still and sparkling water with four different flavors and enhancements—which help make hydration more fun and rewarding—at a more affordable price.

2. Consistent Quality

Each water dispenser in the refurbishment process goes through rigorous quality checks and meticulous testing to adhere to certification standards. While some units have very minor cosmetic blemishes, we see it as a sign of time well spent in the field reducing the need for single-use containers. (And they work just as well as newer, spotless models.)

3. Standard Warranty

Bevi offers its customers the same warranty provided for a brand new machine, assuring a reliable and safe experience with our refurbished water dispensers.

4. Same Fizz, Flavors, Fun

Even though they’re older models, refurbished Bevi water dispensers can still be loaded with the newest flavor and enhancement releases, always making hydration fresh and enjoyable. Our flavor lab recently released the (wildly popular) Blood Orange, and updated recipes for some of classics, including Lemon and Grapefruit—all of which can be stocked in a refurbished machine.

5. Same Reduction In Your Carbon Footprint

Choosing a refurbished Bevi water dispenser doesn’t mean your environmental impact will be any less. Each machine we produce can save 50,000+ bottles and cans per year (measured in 12-ounce servings). Moreover, the user interface on refurbished models is similar to newer models, featuring a real-time counter showing the number of single-use containers saved, along with its equivalent metric tons of CO2 reduced.

Bevi refurbishes over 300 machines yearly; with growing interest for refurbished models from eco- and cost-conscious customers, we are committed to continually investing in and expanding this program, making sustainability a core part of every Bevi water dispenser’s lifecycle.

Why give water dispensers a second life?

Bevi’s founders knew from day one that they did not want to discard used machines. Adding trash to landfill was about as far from their goal as you could get. But they didn’t know how they would extend the lives of the returned machines, so they stored them—for nine years—in anticipation of one day launching a refurbishment program. 

The launch timing depended on several factors: having enough returned machines, a growing customer interest in refurbished products, and the company’s readiness to invest in refurbishment. (Sustainability needs to be financially viable, not just morally right, to work.)

During the pandemic, as businesses faced closures and remote work mandates, Bevi saw an unexpected surge in returned machines. These machines were often in excellent condition, providing an ample supply for a refurbishment program.

Simultaneously, Bevi was witnessing an increasing number of customers seeking cost-effective solutions due to post-pandemic financial considerations and the rise of mission-driven organizations interested in refurbished options.

Two years ago, with the bubbles aligning, the refurbishment program was launched. By offering customers a lower-cost alternative through remanufactured machines, Bevi not only underscores its commitment to the environment but also empowers consumers to be part of the circular economy movement.

The post Why Should You Get a Refurbished Bevi? appeared first on Bevi.

In 2022, the average American consumed 46.5 gallons of bottled water, compared to 36 gallons of soda. This is the most ever, surpassing carbonated soft drinks for the seventh year in a row. 

But it comes at a major cost—most water is consumed from single-use plastic bottles. The production and disposal of these containers has a big impact on greenhouse gas emissions, the leading cause of climate change.

Millions of plastic containers are thrown away every day all over the world. But there are steps you can take to drink—and live—more sustainably. First, here are three main ways single-use water bottles contribute to climate change.

How Single-Use Water Bottles Contribute to Climate Change

Extraction of Fossil Fuels

Single-use water bottles are made from plastic, which is a petroleum product. The extraction and processing of petroleum releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change.

Production of Plastic

The production of plastic also releases greenhouse gasses into the air. In fact, it’s responsible for about 4% of global gas emissions. The water bottling process releases 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year.

Disposal of Plastic

As you’ve noticed, single-use water bottles are often not recycled. Every year, 38 billion disposable containers (86%) end up in landfills in the US, according to the Container Recycling Institute.

When plastic breaks down in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. That’s a not-so-exciting consequence of drinking water from a plastic bottle: polluting the very same water you rely on.

How to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Water Bottles

Ditching the single-use plastic habit is easier said than done—it’s a behavior that permeates our lives, whether we’re at the grocery store, attending a baseball game, or stepping up to the refreshment line at the movie theater.

But there are a number of things that we can do to reduce the environmental impact of single-use water bottles, including:

Drink from a Reusable Container

This might be the simplest and most impactful change you can make. A reusable container can help you reduce your reliance on single-use bottles. There are so many different options available—find your favorite by shape, size, color, lid, or budget.

Drink Tap Water

Tap water is often a safe and reliable source of drinking water. If you live in an area with high-quality tap water, then this is a great option.

Drink Water from a Dispenser

When you’re in the office, at the gym, or on the road, filling your reusable thermos or jug from a water dispenser is a great way to get flavored, filtered, still, or sparkling water. Learn more about the popular locations that are starting to change their tune and make it easier to bring reusable bottles around.

Recycle Plastic Water Bottles

If you do use a single-use container, make sure to recycle it. Every time you recycle, you help lessen the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills.

By making small changes in our everyday lives, we can help to reduce the environmental impact of single-use water bottles. This option should be considered one of last resort, though, since recycling isn’t guaranteed even after you put a bottle into a recycling bin.

Are All Water Bottles Equally Bad?

Short answer: yes. Look up any popular water brand and you’ll usually find a page devoted to its sustainability policy. But what does that really mean for us and the planet? 

If you check out the sustainability statements of bottled water companies such as Pure Life, Poland Springs, Dasani, or Aquafina, you’ll see they share some things in common. These brands—and about a dozen others—are owned by BlueTriton, an American beverage company that was formerly a subsidiary of Nestlé. 

BlueTriton describes itself as “a guardian of its resources and a provider of fresh water.” It is “committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations” while “making strides on our journey to use more recycled plastic” and “exploring new materials for alternative packaging solutions.”

According to BlueTriton, these include:

• Using recycled materials in bottles
• Investing in renewable energy sources
• Working to reduce water use in bottling operations
• Supporting water conservation projects

But the fact remains that even with these steps to minimize their carbon footprints, these companies crank out plastic water bottles—billions of them every year—many of which end up in landfills. That’s about as far as you can get from a sustainable business.

Who is the World’s Worst Contributor to Plastic Pollution?

But we don’t just drink water from single-use bottles. We drink a loooot of other beverages.

In fact, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo and Nestlé are ranked as the world’s top plastic polluters according to Break Free From Plastic, whose latest global brand audit report serves as notice to companies fueling the climate crisis.

Coca-Cola has been the world’s top plastic polluter by a significant lead every year since the global brand audits began in 2018. PepsiCo has come in as the #2 top polluter

every year except 2019 when it was #3. 

With over 500 brands, Coca-Cola is the largest drinks producer in the world. It generates 3,224,000 metric tons of plastic each year and sells more than 100 billion plastic bottles every year—200,000 per minute on average.

But worst of all, most of this is thrown into the trash. Only 12% of plastic bottles in the US are recycled. This means that the vast majority of Coca-Cola’s bottles end up in landfills or incinerators.

Here’s how companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestlé contribute to plastic pollution every day:

Using single-use plastic packaging.

These companies are the world’s largest producers of bottled water, snacks, and other beverages. These products are often packaged in single-use plastic containers.

Not using recycled plastic.

When these giant companies do use plastic, they often use virgin plastic, which is made from petroleum. This contributes to the extraction of fossil fuels, which is a major contributor to climate change.

Not recycling their plastic waste.

Although these corporations do recycle some of the plastic waste created in the production process, it’s estimated that only a small percentage of this waste is actually recycled. This means that most of it ends up in landfills or incinerators.

Coca-Cola said that it intends to sell at least 25% of its brands in refillable and returnable glass or plastic bottles by 2030. But it has a history of breaking promises and still has a long way to go to address the problem. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola remains one of the world’s biggest plastic polluters.

Now that you know the extent of the issue, let’s take a look at some of the solutions, starting with the term “sustainability”.

What’s a Simple Definition of Sustainability?

You’ve heard “reduce, reuse, recycle,” but what the heck is sustainability, really?

One of the best definitions of sustainability comes from something known as “The Brundtland Report” published by the United Nations in 1987.

Sustainability is “development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs”.

The Brundtland Report, 1987

Pretty great, right? Think long term. Don’t short change the future.

We also love this one from the Environmental Protection Agency because it expands its perspective beyond human needs to include all of the natural world:

>> Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.

Environmental Protection Agency

Yes! Humans and nature need to live in harmony.

And this one from UCLA sums it all up well:

>> Sustainability is the balance between the environment, equity, and economy.

UCLA

Bottom line: Sustainability means it’s important to use our resources wisely and protect them for the long-term good of the environment and all living things.

What about Water Dispensers? Are They Better for the Environment?

Heck yeah they are. Bottled water companies, office water bubblers, and point-of-use (or “bottleless”) water dispensers have three very different approaches to sustainability.

Bottled water brands (as we just described) are the worst offenders. Some claim to limit their environmental impact throughout their production process, from water sourcing to packaging, but they are in the business of producing and selling single-use plastic.

Traditional office water bubblers are slightly better. Instead of a single serving of water, they let people refill a cup, mug, or thermos from a large, central container. It does reduce the number of individual water bottles, but it’s basically just a bigger plastic jug and it has to be delivered, usually by a big, gas-guzzling truck.

Bottleless water dispensers, on the other hand, focus on reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles by dispensing water locally. These point-of-use machines connect directly to the local water line so there’s no water delivery needed. They filter, purify, and (in some cases) flavor what comes out of the tap for the cleanest water with the smallest environmental impact.

While bottled water companies, office bubblers, and water dispensers have sustainability efforts in place, bottleless machines have a much greater potential to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles.

If you are looking for a sustainable way to drink water at your work, gym, apartment, or hotel, a local water dispenser is a great option.

Here is a comparison of the sustainability efforts of bottled water companies and water dispensers:

Besides Water Bottles, How Can We Reduce Other Plastic Pollution?

Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem, and there are many things that we can do to reduce it. Here are some of the most important steps that we can take:

Reduce our use of single-use plastics.

Single-use plastics are those that are used once and then discarded. They include items such as plastic bags, straws, and water containers. We can reduce our use of single-use plastics by bringing our own reusable bags when we go shopping, using metal straws, and drinking tap water instead of bottled water.

Recycle plastic waste.

When we recycle plastic, it is converted into new products, which helps to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the environment. We can recycle plastic by sorting our waste and placing plastic items in the recycling bin.

Support businesses that are committed to reducing plastic pollution.

There are many businesses taking steps to reduce their use of plastic. We can support them by shopping there and letting them know we appreciate their efforts.

Shop Without Plastic and Blueland offer sustainable alternatives to disposable products. Brands such as Patagonia, Allbirds, and Seventh Generation are well-known for their environmentally friendly practices.

Get involved in advocacy efforts.

There are many organizations that are working to reduce plastic pollution. We can get involved in these efforts by volunteering our time, donating money, or signing petitions.

For example, you can get action alerts from Food and Water Watch, Open Space Institute, and Oceana, just three of many organizations dedicated to saving the planet.

Avoid buying products that are packaged in plastic.

If you do buy products that are packaged in plastic, choose products that are made from recycled plastic.

Educate yourself about plastic pollution.

The more you know about the problem, the more likely you are to take steps to reduce it. Learn more at sites such as Break Free From Plastic, Water.org, Clean Water Action, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). This blog post is a good start!

Talk to your friends and family about plastic pollution.

The more people who are aware of the problem, the more likely we are to find solutions.

Learn how you can help unbottle the future at Bevi.co.

The post When It Comes To Drinking Water, What Does “Sustainability” Really Mean? appeared first on Bevi.

April 20, 2023. This Earth Day, we want to shine a spotlight on our Bevi community, whose dedication to our mission to ‘unbottle the future’ has made a lasting impact. Together, we’ve managed to save a whopping 350 million 12 oz. plastic bottles (and counting) from hitting the landfills. 

Need a visual to really get the gist? If you stacked all 350 million bottles that have been saved from the landfill end-to-end, it would be nearly as long as 16 cross country trips from Boston to San Francisco! 

But, what does this really mean in the grand scheme of things? It’s not just about choosing Bevi for your hydration needs. We’re  working to completely disrupt the bottled water industry: from the plastic used to make each bottle to the amount of crude oil needed to develop that plastic in the first place. 

Curious to understand why choosing a Bevi machine over plastic bottles makes such a big difference?

The lifecycle of a plastic water bottle, and how Bevi is disrupting the supply chain

The creation of plastic bottles is a resource-intensive process. Let’s take a deeper look at what resources are used to create a single plastic bottle, and how that relates back to Bevi’s mission.

It all begins with raw material extraction

Plastic bottles are typically created from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic derived from petroleum and natural gas. Extracting these fossil fuels from the Earth takes large amounts of drilling and mining, which can result in habitat destruction, water pollution, and the release of greenhouse gasses. 

Did you know it takes 4 oz of this crude oil to create just one plastic water bottle? That means, since Bevi’s establishment, our machines have helped to prevent the extraction of 1.4 trillion ounces of oil from the Earth.

Sneaky and harmful transportation costs

The transportation of plastic water bottles comes with a hefty environmental price tag. Once the bottles are manufactured, they must be transported to bottling plants where they are filled with water, often sourced from faraway locations. 

This process requires substantial amounts of energy and generates considerable carbon emissions due to the fuel consumed by the trucks, ships, and planes responsible for moving these products around the planet. 

Additionally, the long distances traveled by these vehicles contribute to air pollution, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas emissions, all of which negatively affect the environment and contribute to climate change.

Yet with every pour from a Bevi dispenser, we’re slowly but surely changing behaviors and reducing demand for plastic. 350 million glasses of Bevi water equals  21.7 billion grams of CO2 that have been saved from the atmosphere thanks to our dedicated customers and end users.

Off to the landfill they go

When a plastic water bottle is casually tossed away, it embarks on a long, often destructive journey with significant environmental consequences.

If not properly recycled, the bottle can end up in a landfill, where it may take centuries to break down, leaching toxic substances into the ground and water sources.

Even worse, countless plastic bottles are improperly disposed of, ending up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. In these environments, they degrade into microplastics, which are then consumed by marine life, threatening their health and well-being. This not only threatens the health and well-being of marine animals, but also has implications for the entire food chain, including those who enjoy eating seafood.

The ingestion of these microplastics can have a cumulative effect over time, with potential long-term health consequences that are not yet fully understood. It’s alarming to consider that these tiny particles can now be found throughout the food chain and in our own bodies.

Want to learn more about microplastics? Check out our blog post on the topic here.

So remember, when you choose Bevi over bottles, you’re helping to keep all of the world’s living creatures healthy (and healthily hydrated).

Ready to join us in our mission to save the planet?

Let’s continue to celebrate and promote eco-conscious decisions, as every ounce of plastic saved truly makes a world of difference for our planet and future generations.

If you’re inspired by the idea of creating a greener and more sustainable planet, consider getting a Bevi machine for your office or commercial space. Together, we can create a brighter, cleaner, and healthier future for our Earth—one delicious sip at a time.

The post 350 Million Bottles and Counting: The Substantial Environmental Impact of Choosing Bevi appeared first on Bevi.

Going green in the workplace has tremendous benefits. It can cut business costs, increase worker productivity, boost morale, and of course, help save the environment. 

Need another good reason to implement more sustainable practices? Take a look at your competition. Next Energy Technologies found that out of the 200 companies they surveyed, 33% reported losing business to their competitors because of insufficient climate practices.

Sustainability efforts can also impact your hiring practices. According to a new report from Handshake, a career resource platform, nearly two-thirds of 1,800 respondents stated that they were more likely to apply to a job that committed to sustainable practices.

So, what can you do to make your workplace more sustainable? We’ve highlighted 14 tips below: 

1. Implement a recycling and composting program (and educate employees on best practices)

With plastic production expected to triple by 2050, one of the most important ways you can help the environment today is by ensuring you recycle the right way at work. 

Place recycling bins next to your trash bins and clearly label what can and cannot be recycled. For example, most recycling services accept plastic bottles, beverage cans, and flattened cardboard. Check out this comprehensive Recycling 101 guide by WM for more details on how to properly recycle. 

Along with recycling, your workplace (and the planet) can benefit significantly from a composting program. Luckily, setting up an effective system for composting at work is a lot quicker and easier than you think. Plus, it’s a great way to get the whole office working together for the common good. 

You can read our blog post about composting at work here. 

It’s also helpful to send out a refresher email every now and then to keep employees up-to-date on best recycling and composting practices.

2. Switch to a smart water cooler for your beverage needs

Another great step towards a sustainable business? Switching from single-use bottles and cans to a Bevi machine. The bottled beverage industry is arguably the most environmentally wasteful in the world, as billions of plastic bottles are produced yearly in the U.S. alone.

Bevi is committed to designing and supporting the best possible products to replace single-use bottles and cans, with every Bevi machine saving 30,000+ bottles and cans per year. Today, Bevi smart water dispensers have saved the waste generated by over 300 million plastic bottles.

With delicious flavors made from natural extracts and no artificial ingredients, your workplace will enjoy a personalized hydration experience while keeping harmful, non-biodegradable plastics out of the oceans and landfills.

3. Buy sustainable office furniture

Just like fast fashion, fast furniture is also taking a toll as cheaper, flimsier couches, tables, and chairs end up in landfills more often than their sturdier counterparts.

If you’re considering replacing your office furniture or perhaps furnishing a new space, search through popular reselling networks like Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace for gently used office chairs, desks, and light fixtures. If buying new is a must, check out some of our favorite sustainable brands, like The Citizenry and West Elm. 

To learn other ways you can furnish your workplace with sustainability in mind, check out this blog post. 

4. Buy office snacks in bulk to cut down on packaging 

Office snacks are always a hit amongst employees, but the unnecessary waste produced by plastic and cardboard packaging can quickly add up. 

Try buying your office snacks in bulk containers to cut down on unnecessary single-use packaging. Go even greener by encouraging employees to portion out their servings using reusable cups or small bowls.

5. Buy eco-friendly and responsibly-sourced coffee

Though it’s a must-have perk for many offices, not all coffee is created equal. Considering that 53% of Americans drink at least one cup of joe a day, switching to an eco-friendly, fair-trade coffee brand can have a significant environmental impact. 

If your office uses a single-serve coffee machine that takes disposable pods, shop for fully recyclable capsules from a sustainable brand like Larry’s Coffee.

6. Invest in reusable silverware and dinnerware

If your workplace enjoys the occasional catered lunch or employees bring in their own meals, it’s a great idea to invest in reusable silverware and dinnerware to prevent more plastic from entering landfills. 

In addition to the usual forks, knives, and spoons, it’s also helpful to have a set of reusable serving utensils on hand, rather than relying on the disposable utensils provided by the catering company.

7. Invest in a TerraCycle box for snack wrappers 

Even with bulk snack options in the office, sometimes it’s just more convenient to stock up on individually wrapped treats. In that case, investing in a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box is the way to go. All candy and snack wrappers that are collected through the Zero Waste Box solution get sorted and processed into raw materials that are used to make new products.

Although these boxes are on the pricier side, they’re an extremely worthwhile investment if your workplace goes through single-serving snacks like nobody’s business.

8. Implement a “Bring your own water bottle” policy

Considering that the average American spends $260 a year on single-use bottles, bringing your own bottle, tumbler, or coffee mug to work is one of the easiest and healthiest eco-initiatives to institute in the office. Pair this policy with a smart water cooler, and you’re well on your way to a greener workplace!

 This initiative will not only reduce the plastic waste in your office, but will also boost productivity and encourage employees to swap out sugary canned drinks for something more hydrating.

9. Install a bike rack to encourage sustainable commuting

With road vehicles accounting for roughly 74.5% of global transport emissions, encouraging more sustainable commutes should be a top priority. 

A bike rack is a relatively easy, one-time investment that can have a huge impact on how your employees commute to work. Biking is a great way to stay healthy, and your office building will play a vital role in protecting the planet at the same time. 

Want to encourage sustainable commuting even more? Take this tip one step further by offering commuting stipends for regular bike maintenance, safety equipment, and replacement

10. Donate or recycle old office electronics

Have you recently purchased new laptops, TVs, or keyboards for the office? It’s probably a good time to get rid of the old stuff to make room for the new. Most electronics are made from valuable resources and materials — such as plastic, glass, and metals — that require significant energy to process and manufacture. 

Do your part to conserve natural resources and reduce air pollution by recycling those old computer monitors sitting in your company storage unit. If your electronics are still in good condition, consider donating them to a local thrift store or charity instead. 

11. Use recycled copy paper

With more people choosing digital over physical copies, there’s a lot less paper being used in the office today. Even still, there will always be a need for physical printouts. 

Switching to recycled paper has many environmental benefits–from protecting our vulnerable forests to trimming the overall energy and water consumption used by logging machinery. Plus, nowadays recycled copy paper looks and feels identical to its non-recycled counterparts. Your employees won’t notice a difference, but the planet certain

12. Add biodegradable trash bags to the kitchen

When we think about recycling and composting, we typically think of what gets stuffed inside garbage bags, but what about the bags themselves?

Luckily, there are eco-friendly trash bags made from plant-based materials that break down much quicker than traditional bags—only a few short weeks compared to hundreds of years. Some of our favorite compostable trash bags include these bags from HoldOn and AirCover’s 8-12 gallon biodegradable trash bags.

13. Install water-saving fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms

If it’s been a while since your office bathroom and kitchen faucets have been replaced, it may be time to invest in some high-quality, water-efficient fixtures to decrease water consumption. 

When shopping around, search for WaterSense-labeled faucets and faucet accessories. These faucets help save water by reducing the sink’s average flow rate without sacrificing performance. 

Another water-saving tip is to avoid pre-rinsing your dishes before loading them into the office dishwasher. Not only does this waste water, but it’s been proven that pre-rinsing dishes can actually prevent your dishwasher from doing its job properly.

14. Limit thermostat use whenever possible 

Instead of keeping the workplace as cold as the company fridge, try setting your air conditioning system at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your workplace is still comfortable at this level, try going up another degree or two. Take advantage of the outside breeze by opening up the windows if the weather allows. 

The higher your thermostat reads in the summer months, the more energy — and money — you’ll save in the long run.

Let’s all work together to make the workplace more sustainable

Sustainability is a daily practice that compounds over time, so we recommend starting slow and steady. Begin by taking a look around your workplace and finding areas where you can implement a few of the tips we’ve mentioned above. Perhaps it’s switching out those cases of water for a more eco-friendly beverage option, or it’s starting a company-wide composting initiative. 

What sustainable workplace practice are you looking to carry out first? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok!

The post 14 Ways to Make Your Workplace More Sustainable appeared first on Bevi.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to become more eco-friendly and make greener choices, let’s look at a few small changes you can make that will add up to a larger ecological impact over the course of 2023.

Without further ado, here is how to be more eco friendly

1. Buy a reusable water bottle

Switching out cases of water for a reusable bottle is a great first step towards reducing your plastic footprint in 2023.

It’s estimated that on average, Americans spend $260 a year on single-use water bottles to fulfill their hydration needs. By switching to a reusable water bottle, you’ll not only save money in the long run, but you’ll also be eliminating single-use plastics from entering the landfill. 

When shopping for a reusable water bottle, you have quite a few options to choose from. If drinking more water is a goal for you in 2023, search for a bottle that you know you’ll reach for, such as the Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Bottle that features a flexible straw lid for easy sipping. For a budget-friendly option, we also love Ello’s Cooper Stainless Steel Water Bottle.

2. Encourage your place of work to buy a bottleless water dispenser

If you work somewhere that frequently stocks the fridge with cases of Poland Springs and LaCroix seltzer, consider reaching out to your office manager about switching to a smart water cooler like Bevi. 

In addition to reducing your carbon footprint and saving around 30,000 plastic bottles a year with a Bevi machine, your workplace can save on beverage costs, too. On average a glass of water from the Bevi machine costs less than half of what you’d pay for bottled water. Plus, Bevi offers a variety of delicious flavors made from all-natural ingredients, such as Peach Mango, Strawberry Lemongrass, and Coconut. You can even add enhancements to your beverage like Immunity and Caffeine! 

With over 48,000 possible drink combinations, you and your coworkers will enjoy a personalized hydration experience while keeping harmful, non-biodegradable plastics out of the oceans.

3. Use your own travel cup at your local coffee shop

How to be more eco-friendly this year? Ditch the disposable cups and straws.

Though many coffee shops paused their reusable cup programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of them are now making a full comeback. This is great news considering the United States alone uses 130 billion disposable cups a year, including coffee cups. In addition to being made from materials that harm our planet, these cups also take a lot of energy to manufacture, leading to more harmful emissions in the air. 

Many large coffee chains such as Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee offer $0.10 discounts to those who bring in their own clean, reusable cups. It may not seem like much, but if you enjoy stopping for a coffee a few times a week, these costs do add up. Plus you’ll be helping out the planet one cup of coffee or tea at a time. 

It’s worth noting that not every coffee shop allows customers to bring in their own reusable cups, so we recommend reaching out to your favorite store first to confirm! 

4. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store

There’s a good reason why many communities are implementing plastic bag bans. Not only do plastic bags spoil the landscape and harm our marine life with their non-biodegradable properties, but they’re also flimsy and can’t hold as many groceries compared to reusable alternatives. 

When researching reusable bags, consider your own shopping needs. If you tend to buy a lot of groceries each week, go with a bag that offers plenty of space and can hold all your heavy ingredients without worry, such as CleverMade’s Collapsible LUXE Tote. If you own a sewing machine and want to get crafty, you can make your own bags in fun fabrics and colors!

5. Ditch the straws (or invest in reusable ones)

Next time you’re out for drinks or grabbing an iced coffee at your local coffee shop, ask the bartender or the barista to skip the straw. If you rely on straws because of a disability, you can buy a reusable straw made out of stainless steel, bamboo, or glass to bring with you on-the-go. Look for straws that are collapsible and come with a carrying case for extra convenience!

6. Switch to shampoo and conditioner bars

Not-so-fun-fact: plastic shampoo and conditioner bottles can take up to 450 years to decompose once they hit the landfill. We may love the convenience of picking up a bottle of shampoo from the grocery store shelves, but these containers are damaging to our planet. 

By switching to shampoo and conditioner bars, you could assist in keeping 15 bottles out of landfills per year. Plus, many shampoo bars on the market are paraben-free, cruelty-free, and gentle for all hair types. 

If you’re looking to make the switch but unsure where to begin, take a look through The Earthling Co’s line of shampoo and conditioner bars to find what works best for you!

7. Experiment with different modes of transportation to get around town

With carbon levels at their highest in human history, it’s all hands on deck to cut our greenhouse gas emissions. One way you can do this in 2023 is by choosing more sustainable modes of transportation. 

The concept of sustainable transportation looks a bit different for everyone, especially considering varying commuting types and living environments. For example, if you live in a large city with multiple transportation options, consider a bike-rental program in the warmer months while taking the subway or bus in the winter.

If you have a long commute to your place of work and your town doesn’t have much public transit, try carpooling with a coworker to reduce the number of cars on the road.

8. Cut down on online shopping to decrease packaging waste

While online shopping is super convenient, the amount of packaging waste produced each year is staggering. One report alleges that in 2021, Amazon generated over 300 million kilograms of plastic packaging. If all of this waste were laid out, it would circle the Earth more than 800 times. Yikes. 

So, what can you do to help? Spend more time in physical stores and less time adding things to your virtual shopping cart. In addition to cutting down on unnecessary bubble wrap and air-pillows, you’ll also find more enjoyment from browsing the aisles and window shopping with friends and family. 

Of course, there may be times when online shopping is the easier option, especially if you’re in a time crunch or don’t have the ability to travel to your favorite retailers. In this case, save your cardboard boxes and bubble wrap for future use. They may come in handy if you have to ship fragile items or are planning a big move.

9. Use natural light as much as possible

Let’s face it–nobody enjoys ripping into the envelope that holds their electric bills each month. In the age of convenience and smart technology, we tend to use up a lot of power to complete our day-to-day tasks. 

One way to combat a high electricity bill and be more environmentally conscious is to use natural light whenever possible. Open up your blinds and pull back your curtains on sunny days to avoid using artificial light. If the weather is nice and you want to save even more money (and energy!), open your windows to cool down your home instead of reaching for the fan or air conditioner. 

10. Shop at bulk-food stores

Research shows that 14 million tons of plastic packaging for food products end up in our oceans each year. This includes the packaging we typically see on grocery store shelves such as corrugated boxes holding our favorite cereal and pasta, plastic jars filled with nuts and legumes, and bags of coffee beans. 

Whenever possible, try buying these items in bulk or at a package-free store where you can bring your own reusable containers. Plus, you’re less likely to overspend or waste products if you only purchase the quantities you need.

11. Buy second-hand clothes

When we think of “going green” we typically think of cutting down on single-use plastic and reducing our carbon emissions. But what about the fashion industry? It turns out that nearly 10% of microplastics dispersed into our oceans each year come from textiles. On top of that, it’s estimated that the average American consumer disposes of 81.5 pounds of clothing each year. 

So, what can you do to fight the fast-fashion industry? Shop second-hand whenever you are in the market for a new article of clothing. Not only will this extend the product’s life-cycle, but you’ll also be slowing down the rate of excessive consumption—meaning much less waste in the landfill. 

12. Purchase eco-friendly cleaning supplies

Engaging in a productive cleaning session over the weekend can leave you and your home feeling great, but it can also create a lot of waste. Between paper towels, plastic bottles, and chemicals that need to be handled carefully, it’s not always an environmentally-friendly endeavor. 

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. There are now alternatives for most of the classic cleaning supplies you keep under the kitchen sink. Check out EcoWatch’s friendliest cleaning supplies of 2022, where they offer suggestions for multi-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, dish soaps, and even reusable “paper” towels. 

Ready to go green this year?

Every decision made with sustainability in mind really adds up to protecting our future, and we’ll be right there with you next year doing our best to care for each other and the environment. 

Have any sustainable resolutions of your own to add to the list? We’d love to hear from you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn!

The post Sustainable Living in 2023: 12 Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly appeared first on Bevi.