Why I Stopped Drinking from Plastic (and What I Use Instead)

We talk a lot about clean eating, but we really should be talking about what we drink, and it should be water and what we are drinking it from. And no, I'm not saying only water, but it is very important.

Plastic water bottles aren't just "convenient".

They can leach chemicals into your water- especially when exposed to heat, time, or repeated use. I've been all over the place with water, drinking tap water after having it tested and found it was safe, all the plastic water bottles sold in stores, various faucet filters, and pitchers with the filter built in.

For women in midlife, this becomes even more important, for everyone for that matter.

Your body is already navigating hormonal shifts. The last thing it needs is added disruption from everyday exposures we can actually control.

What happened to Berkey?

For a long time, the Berkey filter was a popular choice in the "clean water" space.

But in recent years, there have been regulatory issues and availability problems, and many people have moved toward other options.

The bigger takeaway?

No single brand is the answer.

What matters is choosing a system that:

*Reduces contaminants effectively

*Is properly tested or certified

*Fits your lifestyle so you'll actually use it

Better Water Filter Options (Simple + Realistic)

You don't need to overcomplicate this:

Here are a few solid directions:

✔️ Countertop/Gravity Filters (easy + no installation)

• Stainless steel systems (Berkey-style alternatives like Boroux or Waterdrop)

• Good for daily use and larger households

• Many reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminates

  👉🏼 These are the closest "swap" if you liked Berkey

  
  

✔️ Reverse Osmosis (more thorough)

• Removes a wider range of contaminates at a deeper level

• Considered one of the most effective filtration methods available

  👉🏼 Slightly more involved, but very clean water

  
  

✔️ Simple Pitcher Filters (better than nothing)

• Easy, affordable, and accessible

• Many are certified to reduce lead, microplastics, and chlorine

  👉🏼 Not perfect- but a big step up from straight tap

  
  

Why Glass (or Stainless Steel) Matters

Even if your water is filtered....

Storing it in plastic defeats the purpose.

Switching to:

Glass bottles

Stainless steel containers

.... Helps reduce unnecessary chemical exposure and keeps your water tasting clean.

It's a small change, but it adds up- especially when you're drinking water all day, every day.

What to Do When You're Not Home

Because life happens- and no one is carrying a glass jug into Target.

Here's the realistic approach:

• Look for spring water in glass bottles when possible

  
  

• If using plastic occasionally, don't stress- but avoid:

• Leaving bottles in a hot car

• Reusing this disposable bottles over and over

This is about reducing exposure.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to be neurotic about it. Aim to replace plastic as much as possible.

Start with:

• A quality filter

• A non-plastic bottle

  Simple shifts- done consistently- are what actually support your health over time.

If you've been focusing on food but ignoring your water, this is one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

No trends.

No extremes.

Just back to basics.