Ditching single use plastic water bottles

Australians purchase millions of single-use bottles annually, many of which contribute to landfill, litter, or ocean pollution.

Beyond the visible waste, these bottles introduce hidden health risks through microplastics and chemicals, while straining our ecosystems. Switching to reusables offers clear wins for your body and our unique Australian landscapes.

Whats the harm?

Single-use plastic water bottles (typically PET) can release chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may interfere with hormone regulation, potentially affecting reproductive health, metabolism, and development.

More significantly, bottled water contains high levels of microplastics and Nano plastics. Research has found roughly 240,000 detectable plastic fragments in a typical litre of bottled water, with about 90% being Nano plastics.

A 2025 global review of over 140 studies estimates that people who regularly drink bottled water may ingest up to 90,000 more microplastic particles per year than those who drink tap water. Overall annual ingestion from all sources ranges from 39,000–52,000 particles, with bottled water adding a substantial extra load.

These particles can enter the bloodstream and organs, contributing to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, gut microbiome disruption, and potential links to neurotoxicity, reproductive harm, and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits of refilling from the tap

In contrast, Australian tap water is among the safest and most rigorously regulated in the world. It undergoes strict testing and is often cleaner than many bottled alternatives. An Australian-specific study found microplastics in 94% of bottled water samples tested, with an average of 13 microplastics per litre (ranging from 0–80). Imported brands contained four times more than locally sourced ones. The study estimated that Australians consuming bottled water are exposed to around 400 microplastics annually from this source alone.

By refilling a reusable bottle from the tap or public stations, you significantly lower your daily microplastic intake while supporting better hydration habits — a visible bottle acts as a daily reminder to drink more water.

You’ll also save money — bottled water can cost up to 2,000 times more than tap water, with a good reusable bottle paying for itself quickly and potentially saving hundreds of dollars yearly.

Environmental advantages

Australia produces around 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with recycling rates hovering around 14%. Single-use water bottles contribute to this problem, taking centuries (up to 450 years) to break down and shedding microplastics into soil, waterways, and oceans.

Approximately 130,000–145,000 tonnes of plastic leak into Australia’s environment each year, including marine areas, harming wildlife along coastlines from the Great Barrier Reef to Victorian beaches.

Producing bottled water demands far more resources than tap water. Switching to reusables can reduce energy consumption by up to 85% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 79% for the same volume of drinking water. One reusable bottle can replace hundreds or thousands of disposables over its lifetime, cutting fossil fuel use and supporting a more circular economy.

Fewer single-use bottles also mean less litter in our national parks, beaches, and waterways — directly benefiting Australian ecosystems and native species.

Practical tips for plastic free drinking

  1. You just need one. Start with one quality reusable bottle for daily use and refill from home, work, or public water stations (many councils offer them).

  2. Choose carefully. Choose inert materials like stainless steel or glass to avoid leaching. We love the Kmart steel bottles, they stay cold for ages for the price, but they do have plastic lids/straws.

  3. Wash regularly. Wash your bottle out with hot soapy water. Pick a wide mouth bottle if you want it to be easy to clean. Remove the straw part amd run hot water through it regularly too.

  4. Keep it visible. Keep it on your desk, the kitchen bench or in your gym bag to help build the habit and reduce your need to buy plastic.

Recommended products…

Volhoply Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Handle

Stainless Steel - the safer bet - 32oz Uninsulated Single Walled Water Bottle, Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottles with Handle, BPA Free & Plastic Free 18/8 304 Metal Water Bottles for Camping, Hikers, Cyclists

Where to buy

Bambaw Insulated Water Bottle

Ditch that plastic - the Bambaw water bottle is Stainless Steel, Leak Proof and holds 750ml - Sage Green - but comes in lots of other colors

Where to buy

Aurfedes - HanKPARSON Glass Water Bottles

Removing the plastic from your everyday. 16 Oz Borosilicate water bottle-with sealing cap and Holsters and filters - BPA free - 4 colors to choose from

Where to buy

Disclaimer: To help us with the cost of setting up and running this website, we may take a small commission from the businesses above, if you choose to buy from them. Thanks for your support!

Our sources

We want to be transparent about where our facts and data have come from. In a world of ‘fake news’ and AI, its good to be clear about information, so that you can trust it.