Is it possible to store water in plastic bottles? Marking
The cheapest, cutest, lightest and most convenient material is the ubiquitous plastic. Is it safe to store drinking water in plastic bottles? Are the containers allowed to be reused?
What kind of plastic bottles can be stored in?
There are several types of plastic. You can identify it by its marking: it is a triangle with a number inside and several letters below:
- PET, PET or 1 - the most popular and safe food grade plastic for single use. These are containers with drinking water, oil, dairy products, and cosmetics. The material can be recycled, which is its advantage.
- HDPE or 2 — hard and dense material, safe, used in the production of tourist bottles.
- PP, PP or 5 - another type of plastic for food products, suitable for reuse. Bottles, plastic dishes, and food containers are made from PP.
- PS, PS or 6 - material exclusively for disposable plastic bottles and tableware.
- O or OTHER or 7 - for baby bottles and other types of reusable tableware.
- PVC, V, PVC or 3 - the most toxic type of plastic, it is practically not recycled in our country.
To one degree or another, the material emits harmful substances. Repeated use of unsuitable plastic for water causes toxins to enter the body and accumulate.Poisoning, allergic reactions and more serious health problems are possible!
Plastic for storing water and food must meet the standards, namely: not interact with water, not have an unpleasant odor or external defects. Always look at the label on the plastic before purchasing bottled water.
Shelf life of an opened and closed water bottle
In a closed plastic bottle of proper quality, drinking water can be stored for 6 to 12 months. A more precise period is always indicated by the manufacturer. It is important to observe the following conditions: do not place the container in direct sunlight, do not heat it above +25 degrees. The optimal place to place the bottle is a dark kitchen cabinet. You can also put it in the refrigerator.
An open bottle of water is stored for 3-7, maximum 10 days.
Advice from purity-en.htgetrid.com magazine: do not purchase water in cans if you cannot use it within a week after opening it. By the way, water can be used not only for drinking, but also for cooking, watering indoor flowers and other household needs.
Is it possible to refill water in a plastic bottle?
Why you shouldn't reuse an old water bottle:
- Gradually, the material wears out and harmful microorganisms accumulate in the cracks.
- Plastic itself can release alkali and other harmful substances from constant contact with liquids.
Advice
The dirtiest place on a bottle is its neck. The element can be cleaned, but only with warm water; hot water destroys it. Use mild soap, vinegar, or another antibacterial agent.
For constant use, for example, if you go to the gym or are into tourism, it is better to choose special dishes for repeated use. These bottles are made of thick plastic.
Alternative materials
Plastic is the cheapest and most accessible storage option, but there are materials that are more suitable for these purposes:
- Stelko. Despite the fragility and weight, this is the best option. Glass does not affect water quality in any way.
- Aluminum and iron cookware. This method was popular before the market was massively filled with plastic containers. But from long-term storage of water in a metal flask or galvanized bucket, a characteristic aftertaste appears.
- Tree. What will happen to the water in an oak barrel? The bactericidal properties of this tree allow you to store water for a long time (up to 10 days), and such containers look very aesthetically pleasing. Alcoholic drinks are also stored in barrels. Remember that natural material needs care.
The world is also gradually switching to biodegradable materials made from natural raw materials for food packaging. And one more tip: recycle plastic if its type allows it. There are special collection points or garbage containers with special markings. In nature, plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose.