By now, we've all heard the mumblings about microplastics in bottled water, but a new study just released has turned those mumblings into a message far more glaring. If avoiding plastic packaged water was once somewhat of an afterthought, it now will likely have a significant influence on what we choose to purchase and consume. Researchers have discovered that bottled water harbors hundreds of thousands more tiny plastic bits than previously estimated – some so small they can invade your body's cells.

That's right, the very water you’ve probably guzzled for years, perhaps with health and hydration in mind, could be brimming with nanoplastics, which could pose a significant danger to our physical well-being. These invisible threats are no more than a thousandth the width of a human hair, allowing them to permeate  tissue, including our digestive organs, lungs, heart, and even our brain. As these micro assailants saturate our most crucial physiological structures, including the placenta and the cells of unborn babies, they transport harmful chemicals that can ultimately disrupt vital cellular processes.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, paints a sobering picture. Researchers found an average of 240,000 plastic particles per liter of bottled water, with a shocking 90% stemming from these nanoplastics. This is 10 to 100 times higher than previous estimates, raising serious concerns about the potential health risks.

So, what can you do? Ditch the plastic bottle habit in favor of safer (and more sustainable) options. 

Prior to these findings, JUST championed the mission to reduce the use and consumption of single use plastic, offering plant-based cartons and infinitely recyclable aluminum bottled water as a better alternative to plastic packaged water, which have previously dominated the market.  Beyond our packaging, our goal has always been to be more than just a water company, but also an impetus for change. Offering pure, consciously sourced spring water in environmentally friendly packaging is the route we’ve chosen to do better, with the hopes to inspire others to do the same. Here's some additional info for you to chew (or in our case, sip) on regarding our products:

• Plastic-free packaging: Our water comes in innovative paper boxes made from 100% recycled materials or infinitely recyclable aluminum bottles.This means no more plastic leaching into your water or polluting our planet.
• Sustainable sourcing: We source our spring water from protected watersheds, ensuring the highest quality and environmental responsibility.
• Carbon neutral: We offset our carbon footprint through renewable energy and reforestation projects, minimizing its impact on the planet.

Here's the bottom line:

Bottled water's nanoplastic problem is real and potentially dangerous. It’s time to shift the paradigm around the accessibility of plastic bottled water and champion for safer, nontoxic options, for the sake of our health and planet.

Ready to ditch plastic and drink smarter? Check out these additional resources to learn more & hydrate better.

Additional Resources:

• France 24 article: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240108-bottled-water-contains-hundreds-of-thousands-of-plastic-bits-study
• CNN article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/08/health/bottled-water-nanoplastics-study-wellness/index.html
• JUST Water website: https://justwater.com/pages/impact