We have made the conscious decision to utilize reusable glass water jugs instead of plastic bottles. We have done so for several reasons. First, water just tastes better when it comes from glass. Second, glass jugs really look fantastic. But above and beyond taste and aesthetics, there is a third reason: we are concerned about the environmental impact of so much plastic.

An honest comparison between reusable glass jugs and plastic bottles reveals some important factors that are always in play. Let us look at them in a little more detail. By the time we get to the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of why we insist on glass.

1. Total Environmental Footprint

When comparing the environmental impact of a material, you need to look at the total footprint. The total footprint view considers everything that goes into making, distributing, and providing the material. When we compare plastic and glass jugs, we discover that reusable glass bottles have a lower total environmental footprint.

For example, glass can be reused and recycled endlessly. When a glass bottle breaks, it can easily be recycled and transformed into a new glass bottle. On the other hand, plastic bottles have a limited shelf life. They can only be recycled so many times before they are no longer usable.

2. Total Carbon Footprint

Total carbon footprint is another crucial factor. Reusable glass water jugs require a more carbon-intensive manufacturing process. However, because they can be reused endlessly, manufacturers don't have to make as many to supply water companies like Alive Water.

Our customers actively participate in a refillable glass bottle program, which eliminates the need for us to continually buy new bottles. So over the long term, glass has a lower carbon footprint because fewer bottles are being produced.

3. Recycling Infrastructure

Reusable glass water jugs do break. But here's the good news: the recycling infrastructure for glass remains strong coast-to-coast. Glass is among the most recycled materials in the world. The same cannot be said about plastic.

The lack of plastic recycling infrastructure in some regions of the country makes recycling plastic water bottles impractical. Where infrastructure is lacking, broken plastic jugs ultimately go to the landfill. It's less of a risk for glass bottles because the recycling infrastructure is so strong.

4. Chemical Leaching

If you've paid attention to the science of plastics over the last few years, you are probably aware of the leaching problem. Over time, plastic leaches chemicals and sheds small particles known as microplastics. Neither the chemicals nor the microplastics are good for the environment.

Every plastic bottle that ends up in a landfill poses potential risks to soil and groundwater. When plastics end up in the ocean, they create problems for marine life. As useful as plastic is in manufacturing, it has some definite downsides that we are just beginning to understand.

On the other hand, glass is chemically inert. It does not leach chemicals. It doesn't shed microparticles. It also doesn't break down after multiple uses. An added benefit of all of this is that glass bottles do not affect the taste of the water.

We Are Big Believers in Glass

It should be obvious that we are big believers in reusable glass water jugs. If you've been looking for a new way to get access to delicious drinking water, we invite you to take a look at water delivery from Alive Water.

Once you set up a delivery schedule, you can sit back and relax while we bring fresh, clean spring water to your door. You are going to love our glass jugs too!