Imagine, it’s the middle of a crazy busy day. You run from one appointment to the next, and considering the fact you can never really predict what the weather is like anymore (Seriously, 60 degree days in NYC in the middle of January? Give us a break.), chances are you will reach a point of dehydration and or exhaustion. What better way to beat the heat and get back into action than grabbing a water bottle? You can find them in every single corner store, so it’s certainly a quick fix.

Well, what if we told you that afternoon “refresher” is costing marine animals their lives. Yes, we’re talking about precious baby seals, turtles, and whales. In total, Americans use around 50 billion plastic water bottles a year. Sadly, only a small portion of those get recycled, the majority end up in landfills. Considering about  80 percent of marine debris comes from land-based sources and 90 percent of that is plastic, there’s a pretty strong correlation between your tossed water bottle and the 8.8 million tons of plastic trash that end up in the ocean every year – yeah, yikes.

Sadly, marine animals are paying the price for our convenience. Plastic currently threatens over 800 marine species with extinction, by way of entanglement, ingestion, or Pollution. So now that you know, you’re probably thinking it’s time for a change – and turns out making one positive change to benefit marine animals is super simple.

All you have to do to combat unnecessary plastic waste is remember to grab your reusable water bottle before you leave the house. With a variety of stainless steel and glass options available, in all sizes, you’re sure to find something that fits perfectly with your on the go lifestyle. As a tip, if you don’t want to lug around a heavy, full water bottle, carry around an empty one and fill it up while you’re out, most restaurants will happily fill reusuable bottles if you ask!

1. Hydro Flask 24-Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Ditch plastic water bottles and disposable tea cups with this Hydro Flask 24-Ounce Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. Each sweat-proof, BPA-free bottle is made from a durable 18/8 food-grade stainless steel that prevents flavor transfer, so hints of yesterday’s coconut water won’t show up in your morning coffee. According to an Amazon reviewer, “not only does it keep my cold drinks cold and my hot drinks hot for hours and hours, but it also has no effect on the liquid’s taste.” Also, with every purchase, Hydro Flask allowed you to contribute to a cause through one of their partner charities or non-profits.

2. Ello Syndicate 20-Ounce BPA-Free Glass Water Bottle With Flip Lid

This Ello Syndicate 20-Ounce BPA-Free Glass Water Bottle With Flip Lid is the perfect waste-free way to enjoy your favorite beverage in style. Its one-handed push button lid and carrying loop make it convenient to carry it wherever you go. It’s dishwasher-safe, preserves the temperature of your drinks, and is made from a clean-tasting glass that’s free from BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, and cadmium. According to Amazon reviewers, “water tastes like it should, without a weird plastic taste.” However, some have pointed out that “the rubber inside the flip top began to get moldy within a month of use,” so it should be cleaned after every use. You can purchase this stylish glass bottle for $12.46.

3. Klean Kanteen Classic Stainless Steel Bottle With Sport Cap

This Klean Kanteen classic water bottle with a sport cap is a great option to throw in your bag or tote around throughout your day. The sport cap makes it easy to sip on some refreshing water while working out or walking down the street – no need to worry about accidentally spilling half your bottle while in motion. The stainless steel exterior is durable and doesn’t absorb flavors like plastic bottles do, so you will always get fresh water. This bottle is also free from BPA, phthalates, lead or other toxins. This bottle is very light, but Amazon reviewers warn that since it is not insulated, it will sweat and can be hot to the touch if you fill with warm beverages. Since it has a loop on the cap, you can quickly hook on a carabiner and carry this one around with you.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge and the proper tools – a reusable water bottle – you can start to save the oceans. Remember to bring your bottle with you when you leave the house so that if you do encounter a situation that requires sipping, you can do it responsibly. For more tips on how to live a more environmentally friendly life, join One Green Planet’s #CrushPlastic campaign.

Let’s #CrushPlastic! Click the graphic below for more information.