I'm happy to announce non-plastic bottles exist! They just require a little bit of planning, to remember to have them with you. Just like reusable grocery bags. Sometimes we forget, but if we all just TRY, instead of making excuses, we can do it!

People are doing the best with what they have. If you are able to use them, then good for you. Don't make other people feel bad because they can't. Remember, individual plastic waste makes up a very small percentage compared to that of companies. IF you want to make an impact, go after those companies.

@bryn — Everyone can reuse a plastic bottle more then once! But don’t put them in the freezer, when water freezes it expands and will give off toxins that are present in the plastic which in turn gets into the water you drink and the plastic bottles you buy by the case are very cheap and thin to manufacture, so therefore not to be used in the freezer. They are no BPA FREE!!!!

I always have my shopping bag with me, but since I walk most places it's not always convenient to carry the heavier steel bottle so I have a reusable plastic one as well. I'm not about to haul a heavy bottle around all day while companies and government avoid taking any responsibility. I do my part, often when it's inconvenient as well, but the amount of responsibility put on an individual consumer just pisses me off lately.

I have degenerative disc disease and find it difficult to lug around a heavy glass or metal container. I live in one of Ireland's cities and use public transport. I have to travel as lightly as possible because of my back pain. I don't let it stop me from doing the things I love to do carrying around a heavy water container just isn't feasible for me. Like you, I use a lightweight, reusable plastic bottle. Like you, I do my part. I don't litter and I recycle all plastics that I use (if they're the recyclable kind). I carry my reusable shopping bags, don't litter, and also pick up after my dog.

Anna, I choose not one or the other but all options; I carry reusable drinking vessels, reusable shopping bags, AND I steer my purchases toward green items and companies!

You mean like glass or aluminium bottles ? I'm not sure about the US but they exist in Europe

If it's plastic still a no no. Yes glass can cut us as we learned in the 80s but it's 100% recyclable and non poisonous... Companies and convenience have grifted most of the populace. If you're in an area with no potable water? Ie some parts of Africa ... Than sure it's ok... But if it's plastic at all in a first world nations... Nope that's bad on everyone's part and is unnecessary and a rip-off to boot. Since the company spends less than half a penny on a whole truck of spring water...

Just please consider that glass bottles etc. are very hard to use by certain people. I hate to be judged by my sturdy reusable plastic bottle, cutlery etc. I need to use when my muscles decide that they don’t like to participate. Always makes me sad when I see all those superb and easy-to-use-for-some glass containers that I can’t contribute in that way. Luckily there are still other options but when someone has already invested in a sturdy reusable plastic bottle for example, wouldn’t you agree that it is far better to keep using that one (of course only when non-toxic like bpa free and stuff) instead of bying something new, just to present more of a statement, while you’ve chucked a perfectly fine option in the bin to do so?

Have you tried the bamboo stuff? Very light weight. Just a thought.

I find it really odd people drink and pay for stale year old water(check the laws on selling bottled water... It's gotta sit around and get inspected ... MMM tap water that's fresh... Orrrr tap water that's sat in a bpa nightmare in a rat infested warehouse for a year or more. Everyone in North America who buys any bottled water is being scammed... Period.

Then you don't live where the water can taste horrible. Sometimes the smell of bleach fills my kitchen. Or the smell of dirt. Be careful about judging.

Or the house has its own well and the water tastes like fish and rusty pipes

What are we supposed to do? Just not drink water??

You still need to stack them at the plant where they make them, and on the delivery trucks in route to retail.