Why Reusable Bottles Help Travellers Save the Ocean

Our oceans cover about 70% of the planet — yet they’re under threat. Plastic pollution is doubling every six years, casting a dangerous shadow over their future.

But change starts small. One impactful step is to ditch single-use plastic bottles and switch to reusable ones. It’s a simple habit that helps protect the waters we all depend on.

1. Reusable Bottles Minimise Plastic Waste

Around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic waste end up in the ocean every year, accounting for 80% of all marine pollution. The worst part is that a considerable part comes from single-use plastics, including bottles.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the number of plastic bottles that pollute the oceans. However, one million plastic drinking bottles are purchased every minute around the world—and many of them end up in the sea.

Purchasing a reusable water bottle can reduce the number of water bottles you use during your travels—and if enough people do it, the impact can be considerable.

2. Recycling Plastic Bottles Is Not As Efficient as You Think

Some people think they can continue purchasing plastic water bottles if they properly dispose of them in recycling bins. Sadly, the data shows that this is far from being true.

According to the United Nations, scientists estimate that only 9% of global plastic waste is recycled, with over 79% ending up in landfills or the ocean. The reasons behind this sad statistic are varied, ranging from cross-contamination to sheer profit-chasing.

While some countries have more developed recycling programs that have seen widespread success—hello, Norway!—this is far from the norm worldwide. As such, your plastic bottles will likely not be adequately recycled during your travels, so a reusable water bottle is your best option no matter where you are.

3. Reusable Bottles are Travel-Friendly

Every traveller knows by now that trying to pass a water bottle through security is a lost cause and anything more than 100 ml will get tossed out immediately.

However, reusable water bottles are perfect for carry-on luggage, as you can bring them empty and fill them up after going through security. This reduces the amount of plastic bottles you need to purchase and minimises the number of things you must worry about at the airport.

4. Reduces Carbon Footprint

The carbon footprint of a single-use plastic bottle is approximately 102g CO2e. It may seem small at first glance, but if you remember the sheer number of plastic bottles being used and immediately discarded daily, it adds up.

On the other hand, reusable bottles have a bigger carbon footprint from the get-go, which can vary depending on the size or material. However, the key lies in their reusability: if you use them long enough, you can offset the carbon footprint of plastic bottles and reduce your environmental impact.

Consider the greenhouse gas emissions required to produce a single plastic water bottle, including the manufacturing and transportation processes. With a reusable water bottle, each refill offsets the emissions that would have been generated by producing a disposable option.

Conclusion? The more use you give to your reusable bottle, the better!

5. They’re Fun and Guilt-Free

Reusable bottles, tumblers, and similar items have gone viral for good reason—they are beautiful, colourful, and fun to express individuality.

They can be a customisable accessory that matches your style and makes travelling a bit more fun rather than just a generic piece of needlessly disposable plastic. In short, they add value to your life, rather than being mindless consumption.

Plus, each sip comes with the peace of mind of knowing you’re doing a small part in helping the oceans, and don’t you think that makes the water even more refreshing?