We live in a world of plastic. Over the last decade, scientists have found tiny pieces of that plastic—microplastics and nanoplastics—practically everywhere: in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and increasingly, inside our bodies. Multiple studies now report microplastic particles in human biological samples including blood, stool, breastmilk, placenta, and lung tissue — a clear signal that exposure is widespread and that these particles can cross the boundaries that used to keep contaminants out of our circulation.

How might those particles affect our health? There are three main pathways researchers are investigating. First, particle effects: just as inhaled dust or tiny soot particles irritate the lungs, micro- and nano-sized plastics can cause physical stress to tissues, promote inflammation, and disturb cellular function. Laboratory experiments have shown that cells exposed to plastic particles can mount oxidative stress responses and inflammatory signaling — responses that, over time, could contribute to chronic disease.

Second, chemical effects: plastics are made from—and often contain—thousands of chemical additives (plasticizers, flame retardants, stabilizers) and can also pick up environmental pollutants. When plastics enter the body, those chemicals can leach or be delivered to tissues, creating potential endocrine-disrupting or carcinogenic exposures.

Third, carrier effects: microplastics can act like tiny rafts, transporting bacteria, viruses, or persistent pollutants into parts of the body they wouldn’t otherwise reach. Together, these mechanisms suggest plausible biological routes to harm — but plausibility is not the same as proof.

What Human Data Shows So Far

The strongest and most consistent findings to date are the detections themselves: validated methods have measured polymer particles in human blood (a landmark 2022 biomonitoring study) and scoping reviews report microplastics across many organs and biological samples. Importantly, many human studies are still small, methods vary, and a persistent challenge is avoiding contamination during sampling and analysis. That means we can be confident that exposure is real and widespread, but far less confident about how much exposure causes harm, which particle sizes or chemistries are most dangerous, or whether current levels drive specific diseases.

Early signals from epidemiology and labs are concerning but not definitive. Laboratory (in vitro and animal) studies repeatedly link microplastics to immune activation, oxidative damage, metabolic disruption, and reproductive effects. Some human observational studies have reported associations between higher microplastic burdens and markers of inflammation or altered blood coagulation, but these are preliminary and cannot prove cause.

At present, the scientific consensus is cautious: microplastics are suspected to pose health risks — especially because they are carriers of chemicals and microbes and because they physically interact with tissues — but more and better human studies are needed to quantify risk and define mechanism.

What We Can Do

From a public-health perspective, the reasonable steps are classic prevention and precaution. Individuals can reduce some exposures by minimizing use of single-use plastics for food and drink (avoid heating food in plastic, prefer glass or stainless steel for hot liquids), choosing natural-fiber clothing when possible, and using water filtration that reduces particulates.

Policymakers and industry have larger levers: restricting harmful additives, improving packaging standards, reducing plastic waste that fragments into microplastics, and funding robust biomonitoring and toxicology research. Given the ubiquity of exposure and the plausibility of harm, precautionary action now is wise even as research continues.

Bottom Line

Microplastics are inside us, and multiple lines of evidence show plausible ways they could harm health — inflammation, chemical exposure, and microbial transport. The scientific picture is still forming: detection and mechanistic data give cause for concern, but we still lack large, definitive human studies linking realistic exposures to specific diseases. That uncertainty shouldn’t be an excuse for inaction. Reducing unnecessary plastic use, improving product design, and funding standardized human studies will both lower exposure and sharpen our understanding of the true risks ahead.

References

1. Leslie HA, De Silva A, O’Connor I, et al. Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environment International. 2022;167:107400.

2. Li Y, et al. Potential Health Impact of Microplastics: A Review of Toxicological Evidence and Mechanisms. 2023.

3. Roslan NS, Lee YY, et al. Detection of microplastics in human tissues and organs: A scoping review. Journal of Global Health. 2024.

We can barely contain our excitement to announce a major update to our flagship Meshbottle. We absolutely loved the original design, but part supply chain necessity, and part desire to perfect it, we embarked on a design quest to increase the Glass Top’s overall quality and craftsmanship.

You will appreciate the new mineral glass insert that is not only scratch resistant, but it’s hardened to resist the rigors of everyday use. The smooth, domed surface of the glass is in stark contrast to the rough, poured finish of the original glass piece. The new design lends a more polished look to the entire bottle elevating its appearance, and giving it a whole new level of elegance.

The original Glass Top had the glass piece exposed which, unfortunately, resulted in a slightly higher rate of breakages than what we would have liked. The redesigned silicone body now features a recessed socket to protect the glass from impact. If the bottle is dropped, the silicone ridge has a much better chance of absorbing the impact and preventing the glass piece from shattering.

They say in simplicity there is truth. The classic design featured 3 components: the poured glass piece, a gasket, and the silicone body. The new design integrates the gasket into the silicone body thereby reducing the number of standalone components needed. This is a huge win from a manufacturing standpoint, but what does this mean for the user? Well, fewer parts to clean and a simpler way to assemble the top.

If you own a Glass Top Meshbottle we highly encourage you to give the new top a try. It is backwards compatible, so you will not need to purchase a brand new bottle.

Personal Ice Maker

Accessories can add significant value and utility to any product, and the Personal Ice Maker is our entry into this arena. This ice maker tray features 7 round reservoirs that will make just the right size ice balls to fit in your Meshbottle. At a little under 4.6 inches in diameter, this palm sized ice tray will fit even in the smallest of freezers. Its silicone construction will ensure that it easily finds traction on the most slippery of surfaces preventing spills. Flex rings on the back of each reservoir will help you pop out ice into your Meshbottle or into your favorite container. And because it’s made from 100% silicone you won’t have to worry about freeze-thaw cycles potentially generating micro-plastics that could end up in your beverages.

Once frozen, and out of the freezer, we recommend that you run lukewarm tap water on the backside of the Ice Maker, or let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 minutes, to help ice/silicone separation. Enjoy your favorite beverage from your favorite Meshbottle now chilled to perfection.

Straw Bumper

This has been a request from our amazing audience ever since we launched our Straw Top line, so it was imperative that we responded to the call! Many of you suggested that the Straw Top Meshbottle could greatly benefit from a straw protector. We went back to the original design files of the Straw Top Meshbottle and came up with the perfect design to ensure 100% compatibility.

The result is a small silicone straw protector, made from FDA-approved silicone, that sits on the lower end of the glass straw protecting it from hitting the inside walls of the glass bottle. Every possible angle is covered so the straw has zero chance to hit the bottle from any direction while in use. The best part? Flow remains unobstructed for maximum enjoyment of your favorite beverage!

We can’t thank you enough for your constructive ideas and amazing feedback: This new addition to the Straw Top family has really created a well-rounded product. Each Straw Top Meshbottle will now ship with a Straw Bumper for superior safety and longevity of your bottle and its parts. This new product is a great example how our audience is encouraged to participate in the design process.

Raising the bar is not easy, however, we are quite confident that we were able to do just that with the brand new Meshbottle with Glass Straw . This new model comes with a super high quality, wide diameter borosilicate glass straw, a magnetic locking mechanism for the top, and our signature plastic-free construction featuring a silicone top that turns inside out for quick and easy cleaning. Let’s go over each feature in detail to show you how this new Meshbottle is superior to its competitors!

Borosilicate Glass Straw

Many of you requested a solution that does not require removing the top. Our new straw design supports one-handed operation so it is no longer necessary to remove the lid to access your beverage. The wide, 14 mm diameter straw allows a generous, even flow not just for water, but also for smoothies and shakes. At 1.5 mm, the straw glass is thick enough to resist the rigors of daily use and allows for safe handling. All edges are rounded, easy on the lips, very comfortable to drink out of. Your bottle also comes with a complementary cleaning brush to ensure that your straw always stays clean and sanitary.

CocktailMode(TM)

We engineered a magnetic locking mechanism that allows you to effortlessly secure the strap to the handle so the top does not flap around while you drink from the bottle. This new feature will essentially turn your Meshbottle into a cocktail glass so you can sip your favorite beverage in style and comfort. Thanks to the tiny but strong neodymium magnets the top stays in place even when you move, tilt, or shake the bottle. Detach the strap with a single motion when you are ready to close the lid. With this brand new design we are also introducing a vertical handle for a more convenient grip and improved carrying experience. The tapered design lends a more elegant, streamlined look to the handle, and the ribbed top ensures a slip-free, secure grip at all times.

Plastic-free Construction

The Meshbottle with Glass Straw follows in the footsteps of its earlier cousins and boasts a completely plastic-free design. All components are made from either high quality glass or food-safe silicone: Your beverage is never exposed to plastic components. Drinking through the glass straw ensures that your lips do not touch anything but high quality glass.

Our plastic-free design extends to the smallest of details. The Straw Top seals so well that we had to design a small pressure regulator valve to help control the lack of pressure inside the bottle during use. The valve, just like the top itself, is made from silicone and is removable for cleaning.

If you already own a Meshbottle we have some good news: No need to purchase a brand new bottle! The new Straw Top is fully compatible with earlier versions of the Meshbottle. Make sure you pick the correct Upgrade Bundle (16 or 32 oz) to fully enjoy the new features and benefits of the Straw Top design.

Check out the entire assortment here. The Meshbottle with Glass Straw is available in 16 oz and 32 oz versions, and in 8 different colors.

The Meshbottles Team

Now it is easier than ever to give a Meshbottle as a gift to your friends and family. Our new digital gift cards are available in denominations from $25, $50, $75, to $100. Choose the one that best fits your budget and give the gift of plastic-free hydration to friends and family.

How Does It Work

Purchasing a digital gift card creates a unique code. The gift card recipient can enter this code at checkout to subtract the gift card value from their order total. The gift card never expires.

Contact Us For Help

Let us know if you have any questions, we are here to help.

The Meshbottles Team

Higher Capacity, Fewer Refills

You asked and we listened. At the beginning of February we introduced the brand new 32 oz Meshbottle to help you stay hydrated longer, completely plastic-free. The big brother of our signature 16 oz Meshbottle features the same unique cap design and high quality materials you have come to expect.

Purchase more than one and we will reward you with one of our generous bundle discounts and then we will ship your order for FREE. Make sure you sign up to our mailing list to get your Free Shipping coupon, afterwards, use it during checkout to gain access to site-wide free shipping!

The Meshbottles Team

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]]>We Are Introducing the Brand New 32 oz MeshbottleTips & TricksGabor KocsisSun, 19 Aug 2018 02:54:42 +0000https://www.meshbottles.com/blog/3-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-water-bottle-purchase52c219e2e4b0dc4fdbc6d509:56bfc170c2ea511b98fb9ff6:5b665a65575d1f9e8aaa6aad

We have all been there... You just bought a brand new water bottle and you already hate it: It's too small, it doesn't fit your bike's bottle holder, it smells like plastic, and the color is boring. Fear not, we have collected a bunch of cool tips to help you pick a bottle that you will love and will want to keep, hopefully, a little longer than two weeks.

Forget Impulse Buying

Yes, we know it's tempting, but impulse buying is the mother of all regrets, and you should avoid it at all cost. Instead, sit down with us, and together let's devote a few minutes to this important project, because it turns out there are only a few key points to consider to get the most out of your water bottle purchase. We are going to examine the intended purpose of your bottle, whether bells and whistles translate into useful features, and finally, how to pick the right material to account for durability, health, and protecting the environment.

It Needs a Purpose

Seriously, give this some thought. What is the most important requirement that you want your water bottle to meet? Are you a runner? Well, forget that quart-sized glass jug unless you want to start doing curls during your evening jog. Let's say you are an avid biker. Try to look for bottles that don't need both hands to open and close. While we all know you can pedal with "no hands," the wrong cap will quickly book you into the ER. Do you have a 9-5 gig and just want something to keep at your desk? Get the one with the slightly larger capacity so you won't have to refill every ten minutes and interrupt your work. Restroom breaks are inevitable, sorry... Are you an environmentally conscious consumer who is aware of the full life cycle of products? Avoid (and never reuse!) PET bottles and non-reusable solutions, go with an earth-friendly alternative such as glass.

Giving a quick thought to usage patterns and requirements will allow you to have a very clear idea about what the intended purpose of your bottle will be, and it will help you pick one that fits your lifestyle and hydration needs.

Fancy vs. Simple

We can't tell you what color to get, however we can highlight a few suggestions with regards to style and design. A fancy, button operated coffee tumbler sure looks cool and convenient, however, have you seen the intricate mechanism inside some of those caps? Coffee can surely get inside it because there is no way to get rid of the smell, but what about a bottle brush? Simple wins the race here. Before you buy, inspect the cap and make sure that it disassembles, or better yet, has only one or two components at most.

Smart bottles are the new craze, and they do have some serious swag (and a hefty price tag). But do you ever have the feeling that the more "smart" gadgets you have in your life, the less sharp your own senses become? For instance, have you ever tried navigating without Google only to realize that all of a sudden you pay attention to landmarks and turns, and the next time you just know how to get there? Your body sends you clear signals when you run low on fuel. Learn to listen to these signals and act quickly when your internal alarm goes off. You will find that your own body has the best reminder system to regulate your fluid intake without the need for Bluetooth, batteries, chargers, or cell phones. Armed with a healthy dose of self-awareness and a simple but functional bottle you will not only conquer your thirst, but it will teach you how to hydrate the right way. And that's smart!

Pick the Right Material

We won't throw random facts at you this time, so let's just accept that plastics, especially single-use plastics, are not the right choice here. Countries around the world are banning plastic straws, bags, and Styrofoam for a reason. Now that plastics are off the table, what other materials do we have without any adverse effects on us or the environment? It turns out we have some great options.

Health-conscious people will find that good old glass is one of the best alternatives to plastic. Bottles made from glass will get you chemical-free hydration, easy cleaning, and a nice transparent look. If you are into a highly active lifestyle, however, glass may not be the best option. Running, biking, mountain climbing, sports where weight and extreme durability are important glass may fall short, so let's see what else is out there...

For activities like the ones above, stainless steel is a great choice. It's practically indestructible, and it's suited for insulated bottles with endless color and design options. On the flip side, it may make your beverages taste a little metallic, can definitely make a lot of noise when dropped (paint will chip, too), and with zero transparency, it's hard to tell if it's time to refill. Make sure you pay attention to one thing, though: Just because it's metal it doesn't mean it's stainless steel. Cheaper bottles are usually made from aluminum, and there is research that links aluminum to dementia and Alzheimer disease. Bottom line, if the sticker doesn't say it's stainless steel (SS), or if there is no sticker, walk away.

Getting rid of plastic is not an easy feat. Even when your bottle is made from glass or stainless steel, chances are there are components (lids, straws, strainers etc.) that might be made from plastic. Any plastic part that can get into contact with your beverage will defeat the purpose of going plastic-free. Luckily, there is one other material which is gaining popularity with food-contact items, and that is silicone. Silicone is NOT plastic, because it's not carbon-based (not made from crude oil). It's made from silica, which is basically sand. Water bottles, like the Meshbottles below, are entirely plastic-free because all of their components are made from either glass or silicone, therefore a great choice for consumers who are looking to transition to a plastic-free life style.

Do you have ideas to share? Would you like to contribute? Let's discuss in the comments section.

The Meshbottles Team

We are happy to announce that Meshbottles is now shipping to Canada, the UK, and Australia. We are publishing this press release because there are a few things we wanted to highlight with regards to this new service. Please feel free to share with friends.

As you have probably guessed cross border shipping is expensive. Sometimes outrageously expensive, so after much deliberation, we decided to utilize the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to be able to provide you with the best shipping rates possible, should you wish to place an order from outside the United States. While the USPS has far better rates compared to courier services such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL there is one caveat: customs clearance is done independently and delivery is carried out by the receiving country's national postal service.

This means that duties, taxes, and other fees might be applicable before your package can be delivered to you. In this case, your local postal service will be in touch to arrange payment. We will do our best to call this out before your purchase to avoid surprises.

In order to master this type of fulfillment, we are going to implement it in phases. In Phase 1 we will be enabling the service to the following 3 countries, with more countries to be added later:

• Canada

In Canada you can spend up to 20 CAD and not incur any duty on your order. GST is 5% and due on any order above 20 CAD. You are responsible for duties and taxes that are collected upon delivery.

• United Kingdom (Great Britain & Northern Ireland)

In United Kingdom you can spend up to 135 GBP and not incur any duty on your order. VAT is 20% and due on any order above 15 GBP. You are responsible for duties and taxes that are collected upon delivery.

• Australia

In Australia you can spend up to 1000 AUD and not incur any duty on your order. GST is 10% and due on any order above 1000 AUD. You are responsible for duties and taxes that are collected upon delivery.

Our shipping rates are based entirely on the Price List of the USPS which is available on-line via the Postal Explorer. The following table is a summary:

According to the USPS, First Class Package International (FCPI) is the most affordable postage for sending mail pieces not exceeding 4 lbs. No insurance is included, and deliveries generally take between 7-21 business days, depending on the final destination. Priority Mail International (PMI) includes up to $200 insurance for merchandise for loss or damage, and provides deliveries between 6 to 10 business days.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Remember this image from the summer? The little seahorse hauling a Q-tip? It swept through social media, instantly becoming an emblematic image of the plastic waste suffocating our oceans. We must limit our use of single-use plastics, however finding products that don't rely on some form of plastic can be challenging.

While Q-tips are bad, by far the biggest offenders are plastic bottles. According to this article by the Guardian a million plastic bottles are sold throughout the world every single minute. If we stay the course, by 2021 we will be facing an environmental crisis some predict will be as serious as climate change. If you have been wondering how you could be part of the solution, we are here to show you something very cool!!

Enter the Meshbottle.

The Meshbottle immediately presents two features that will help you preserve the environment AND your health:

1. It's reusable, so you won't be throwing away plastic bottles every time you want to quench your thirst.

2. All parts are made from either glass or quality silicone so you can ensure that no plastic or harmful chemicals will enter your body. More about safety here.

Let's rephrase that second one: IT'S PLASTIC-FREE. Ever found yourself saying "Well, I like this glass water bottle, but I wish they hadn't made the cap from plastic". We couldn't agree with you more! We spent years perfecting a solution that will let you keep your beverages away from plastics. Gone are the days when your water smelled like Harbor Freight. 

And there is more.. See how the cap comes apart? It will help you keep your bottle clean like never before. It's super easy to get to areas that are normally difficult to reach. And since the caps are made from silicone, they turn inside out to make it even easier to keep your bottle clean.

Thinking about getting a Meshbottle? Sign up below to get 15% OFF with our Welcome Coupon. Welcome to plastic-free hydration!

Meshbottles' Zulily Debut is 9/16 (6:00 am) through 9/19 (6:00 am)

If you've been on the market for a Meshbottle, now is the time! We have partnered with Zulily for a 3-day, one-of-a-kind campaign where you can get your bottle for up to 30% off. This kind of discount doesn't come along very often so hurry over to our Zulily homepage to pick up your favorite color.

Here is the link: https://www.zulily.com/e/zulily-debut-meshbottles-262298.html

Note that you need to be a registered Zulily user in order to look at deals.

About Zulily: With new sales starting every morning, you never know what you’ll find at zulily. It’s all about the thrill of seeing what’s new. You’ll discover unique brands and products—the things that help you express your personal style. And you’ll save, too, with prices up to 70% off every day.

See you on Zulily!!

The Meshbottles Team

No, no, we are not going out of business, it's quite the opposite. We are excited to announce that as of today the Meshbottle is available for purchase in one of New Mexico's most prominent natural food grocery stores, La Montanita Co-op Food Market.

The Co-op is New Mexico’s largest community-owned natural foods market. They are a one-stop shop for all things fresh, fair, local, and organic! They opened their first store serving 300 families in 1976 at the corner of Central and Girard in Albuquerque. Since then, they have grown to 17,000 families owning six stores in Albuquerque, Gallup and Santa Fe.

Being featured on Montanita's shelves is a huge milestone for us. As a small e-commerce business we have always understood the difficulties involved in selling products to customers on-line who would like to touch, feel, and smell the merchandise before they make a buying decision. Even the best photographs and interactive websites can't compare to holding the product in your hands. Getting into a retail store makes a big difference not just for our brand, but for our customers as well.

So shoppers in the Santa Fe area!! Make sure you stop by Montanita to check out the Meshbottle in person, and to see the difference that a truly plastic-free, glass water bottle can make. The bottles are on sale for the introductory price of $21.24 (Glass Top only).

Thank you Montanita for your partnership, we value your support!!

The Meshbottles Team

We are honored to announce that our Burnt Orange Meshbottle with Glass Top got featured on GearJunkie's weekly Emerging Gear column. GearJunkie takes a peek at emerging products from the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.

The site says "use this water bottle if you’re worried about the health effects of plastics or metals. We haven’t seen many travel mugs made of glass, for obvious reasons. But Meshbottles addresses health concerns with these made-in-the-USA milk bottles, and non-plastic mesh sleeves and caps. The brand claims its 16-oz., $25 bottles are durable and long-lasting."

Meshbottles is a young entrepreneurial startup located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. We design and manufacture plastic-free, reusable, glass beverage bottles featuring our patent pending silicone and glass cap solutions.

The Burnt Orange Meshbottle with Glass Top can be purchased here (sans the fruit). It's currently on sale for $24.95 (June 2017). Or you are welcome to browse all available colors in the Glass Top category here, and the Silicone Top category here.

We have also created a little incentive for our first time shoppers. If you sign up to our Mailing List below we will send you a 15% OFF coupon in addition to notifying you on news, other valuable coupons, and flash sales.

The Meshbottles Team

Plastics are getting a bad rep these days. We recently heard that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the world's oceans than fish, and although some states in the US - and other countries - are banning the use of single-use plastics it seems the environment has reached a breaking point. And then there is the effect that plastics have on us. Research has shown that plastics previously deemed safe for food and beverage storage may be harmful to our health. If you walk into the grocery store chances are you will find more and more storage containers, kitchen utensils, even some appliances that are made from silicone. But what is silicone really, and why is it becoming so popular?

Silicone belongs in the synthetic rubber family with its most important component being silicon dioxide, also known as sand, the most common and abundant natural material on Earth. HealthLine writes "when you sit on a beach, it’s silicon dioxide in the form of sand that gets between your toes. It’s even found naturally in the tissues of your body, though it’s unclear whether it serves any physiological role." Why is this important? Because silicone is not a carbon-based plastic like many of the plastics we use in our day-to-day lives, and this is what lends it the amazing qualities that make it a much healthier and eco-friendly alternative to common plastics.

Carbon-based plastics such as PP (bottles and caps), HDPE (milk jugs), LDPE (plastic wraps) are made from the byproducts of petroleum (oil) and therefore are sensitive to heat. When they reach a certain temperature, in the case of PE (Polyethylene) this temperature is only 176 °F, they simply melt and start breaking down. This is why storing boiling hot tea in a plastic bottle is not such a good idea. Silicone scores points here because it is carbon-free, therefore, it has a much higher resistance to heat, in most cases up to 450 °F. Now you know why those muffin molds are made out of silicone.

Let's move away from the oven for a bit, and look at another source of heat: the Sun. Apart from being our primary source of light and warmth, the sun also emits a great deal of radiation in the form of UV rays. UV rays are extremely damaging not just to human tissue (don't forget the sun block), but also to plastics. When you leave your plastic water bottle on the beach or in the car on a hot summer day, with time, the Sun's UV rays will start breaking it down and cause it to leech chemicals into your beverages. Silicone comes to the rescue again. Industries such as construction, especially roofing, prefers silicone in various applications due to its "weatherability" including its resistance to UV radiation.

Finally a more hands-on example: cleaning a water bottle. Everybody knows what a pain it can be to get rid of mold and stubborn residue from the intricate parts of some flip-top caps, spouts, straws, and threads. Where even the dishwasher can't help you need some serious cleaning power! Or maybe not. Silicone is naturally fungus resistant, or to put it more scientifically, it is a poor growth medium for mold and fungus in warm, damp environments. So next time you reach for bottled water, think about how products that use a more Earth-friendly and healthier alternative such as silicone could work for you. For more great tips on cleaning your favorite water bottle, check out 3 Tips To Keep Your Favorite Water Bottle Odor-Free (And Fall In Love With It Again).

Thanks for checking in. We recently launched the world’s first plastic-free and truly glass water bottle made from only two materials: silicone and glass. Our bottles provide a great alternative to those who are trying to move away from plastics and plastic chemicals. Check out our featured bottles below.

Currently, 50% of the plastic we use is used just once and then thrown away, and only 5% of produced plastic is recovered. Every year the amount of plastic thrown away can circle the Earth 4 times, and billions of pounds of plastic can be found in our oceans. You can easily reduce your plastic footprint by adopting any or all of these three simple actions in your daily life.

Use Reusable Water Bottles

Americans alone use about 50 billion plastic water bottles each year. Single-use plastic water bottles create an enormous amount of waste, both in terms of plastic usage and money. If you buy just three bottles of water a week at $1 each you’ll have spent over $150 on bottled water during the year. Owning just one plastic-free Meshbottle will save you money and help cut down on plastic waste.

Carry Your Bags

The production of plastic bags production is toxic to the air as it requires petroleum and often natural gas and chemicals. Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide which works out to over one million plastic bags used per minute. Many cities have put a ban on plastic bags but you can implement a personal ban by simply carrying reusable bags with you when you go shopping. Check out ChicoBag, BAGGU, and Eco-Bags for some great reusable bag options. 

Say No To Plastic Straws

500 million plastic straws are used in the US every day. To put that into perspective, 500 million straws could fill over 127 school buses each day, or more than 46,400 school buses every year. Refusing single-use plastic straws at home and at restaurants is easy to do and does have an impact. Fortunately we have straw options that are not plastic or harmful to our health; good old paper straws have improved greatly over the years and you can also find reusable glass straws and plant-based material straws. Check out GlassDharma, Strawesome and Simply Straws for glass straw options.

The Meshbottles Team

Getting enough water in your body is good for our muscles, skin and every organ in our body including our brains. When you are dehydrated your body is not properly circulating the oxygen and nutrients you need to feel your best. Our immune system also relies heavily on water so when you are not replacing the fluids you are naturally losing the nutrients and minerals you need to maintain good health are not being provided.

The obvious common symptoms of dehydration would be thirst and a dry, sticky mouth but there are other telltale signs including headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness. Here are five lesser known dehydration signs you should be aware of:

Feeling Hungry Between Meals

Mild dehydration can often result in the feeling of hunger. When you are dehydrated it causes confusion to the hypothalamus which is the part of our brain that regulates appetite and thirst. Before having a snack to satisfy your in-between meal huger, reach for a glass of water instead. In most cases your hungry feeling will likely fade meaning you actually needed water, not food, to satisfy your body. 

Low Sweat Levels

When our bodies become too hot some of the extra heat is released through sweating.  When dehydrated there isn’t enough water in our body to keep our core temperatures regulated, trapping the heat in our bodies making us overheated as our core temperatures rise.

Battling Bad Breath

Another little known but very unpleasant side effect of being dehydrated is bad breath.  Saliva has antibacterial properties which prevents the bacterial overgrowth that leads to bad breath. If you are not drinking enough water your body is not making enough saliva to manage healthy bacteria levels resulting in bad breath.

Oily Skin Develops Dry Patches

Many people believe they have both dry and oily skin when in reality they have oily skin with dry patches due to not drinking enough water. When your body is not getting enough water your skin is responding accordingly by becoming dry. If you normally have oily skin but are noticing dry patches it is most likely due to mild hydration. 

Gaining Weight When Dieting

Dehydration slows the metabolism which lowers the body’s ability to burn fat. A healthy balanced diet and exercise plan needs to include plenty of water so that you can lose weight instead of gaining it. Dehydration also encourages excessive calorie consumption and belly fat making water a key element in dieting efficiently. If you are putting on the pounds instead of losing them when dieting make sure you are getting plenty of water. 

To maintain your health you need to stay properly hydrated. While water is key there are other ways you can add some hydration variety to your daily life and reduce your risk of dehydration. The wide mouth of the plastic-free Meshbottle makes it easy to add some fruit to your water and by infusing your water with fruit it will make water seem less boring plus it might get you to drink even more than you normally do. Another easy way to stay hydrated is with fruits and veggies which have a high water content so adding more of those to your diet will help you stay properly hydrated while at the same time benefiting from the additional health benefits they offer.

This challenge is very simple and easy to participate in. All you have to do is attempt to refuse single-use plastic during the month of July. Single-use includes plastic shopping bags, plastic bottles and plastic cups, plastic straws…basically anything made from plastic that is intended to be used just once and then thrown away. Given the amount of single-use plastic we encounter every day, it can be difficult to refuse single-use plastic but you can consciously make an effort to cut down if not cut out your consumption of the main contributors to plastic pollution (plastic bags, plastic bottles, and plastic straws) during July and beyond.

Visit the Plastic Free July website where you can sign up for the challenge and find all the resources you need to get involved with this great environmental initiative. Take the pledge and you will receive a weekly email during July with tips and ideas to help you on your journey. Be sure to check their Toolbox for a treasure-trove of plastic-free living tips along with useful tools you can use to participate. In addition, you can follow the Plastic Free July social profiles to join in with others all across the globe.

Obviously we here at Meshbottles have cut out single-use plastic water bottles from our daily lives with our plastic-free glass water bottle. We’d like to make it a bit easier for you as well as your family and friends to do the same so be sure to sign up to be notified when the Meshbottle is available, they are coming very soon. Remember that even if you go plastic-free for just one day, your contribution to reduce your single-use plastic does have an impact. Together we CAN make a difference! 

A few health benefits peppermint provides include:

• Peppermint invigorates your senses and helps promote mental clarity
• Peppermint can help get your digestive system working better by facilitating the release of chemicals that aid in digestion
• Peppermint has been shown to help reduce fatigue and boost mood
• Peppermint can relieve symptoms like chest and nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever, as well as help relieve everyday aches and pains
• Peppermint is effective in treating nausea
• Peppermint not only cures bad breath but it also fights bacteria responsible for causing cavities

Just add a few crushed leaves (look for fresh leaves that are green in color without any dark spots or yellowing) or a drop or two of natural peppermint extract or essential oil and you’ll get a palette-pleasing positive perk to your water.

Being that we are made up of about 60% water, every system in our body relies on water. Food contributes approximately 20% of your total daily water intake on average so you don’t have to rely just on drinking water to meet your body’s hydration needs.

This infographic from Earthbound Farm highlights the water content of some fresh fruit and vegetable favorites that are more than 90% water which can help you stay healthy and hydrated.

There are many different fruits and veggies which are over 90% water that you can add to your diet to help keep yourself properly hydrated. Here's a handy list of foods with a 90% or higher water content that are both refreshing and nutrient dense:

Berries are all great sources of water, hovering in the high 80%, but strawberries have the highest water content with 91%.

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it is great at fighting cancer cells, and it is 91% water.

Carrots are a good source of beta carotene and fiber. This root vegetable is also a good source of antioxidant agents and is 90% water.

Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Vitamin A, is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, and is 90% water.

Cauliflower may look devoid of nutrients, but it is actually filled with vitamins and phytonutrients and is 92% water.

Celery has folate and vitamins A, C, and K and is 96% water.

Cucumbers have the highest water content of any solid food at 97%.

Eggplant is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, and copper at 92% water.

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and contains 90% water.

Iceberg lettuce may not have the highest nutrient rating, but it is 96% water.

Radishes have high-antioxidant content and a water content of 95%.

Red, yellow, and green peppers all have about 92-93% water content.

Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene and have a water content of 95%.

Spinach is rich in lutein, potassium, fiber, and folate and is 91% water.

Watermelon can thank the powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene for its red hue and is 92% water.

Zucchini has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, niacin, and protein with a water content of 95%.

Interested in Making Delicious Juices and Smoothies?

Check out our plastic-free water bottles to help you store your favorite beverage with maximum purity and safety. The Meshbottle is available in 8 different colors, 2 sizes (16/32 oz), and 2 amazing top styles to help you stay healthy and, most of all, plastic-free.

The United Nations officially recognized June 8 as World Oceans Day in 2008 with the goal of reminding everyone of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. Simply put, the oceans are the heart and lungs of our planet. The oceans are a critical part of our biosphere including regulating our climate and producing oxygen, in addition to being home to an incredible array of living creatures.

The theme for 2016 is "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet" with special effort to put a stop to plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is a serious threat to our oceans; plastic degrades very slowly and pollutes our waterways for a very long time. In 2015 a study estimated that more than 4.8 million metric tons of plastic waste gets dumped into the world's oceans each year. More startling is that this number is just a conservative estimate as researchers believe the real amount could be as high as 12.7 million metric tons. At this rate it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic waste in the oceans than fish.

The Ocean Project created the World Oceans Day website where you can organize, submit, and find events, participate in campaigns, and find resources designed to help us all take action for the oceans.

Our mission at Meshbottles is to create products that help reduce human and environmental exposure to plastics and metals through innovation and smart design. Our glass water bottle is truly plastic-free and will help you reduce your plastic waste plus give you a healthier water bottle option to keep you hydrated.

The Meshbottle will be available very soon so be sure to sign up to be notified. We are also currently competing for a FedEx Small Business Grant and votes from the public are one of the many factors they consider. If you feel like helping out, please vote for us.  It doesn't cost anything, it takes less than a minute, and your vote can help us win one of the grants. You can vote once a day now thru June 13, 2016. Thanks!

Lack of humidity in the cabin air can lead to dry skin, itchy eyes, and fatigue as well as breathing problems for those who suffer respiratory conditions. When in low-humidity environments you are also faced with a higher risk of catching a cold or other respiratory virus.

There are some simple things you can do to help keep your airborne body hydrated:

• Start increasing your water intake several days before your flight
• Drink plenty of water while in the air; the common suggested amount is eight ounces of   water for every hour you are in the air
• Use eye drops to alleviate dry eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses
• Have moisturizer on hand to hydrate from the outside
• Bring saline nose spray to avoid nasal and throat discomfort
• Consider using a small water spritzer to moisten your face and the air in your immediate space
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they absorb water out of your body cells causing further dehydrated
• Place a wet cloth over your nose to breath some moist air
• Eat fresh fruit before, during and after your flight ; apples are about 85% water and easy to carry on
• Once you have landed immerse yourself in water, either by taking a bath or going for a swim and get hydration right through your skin

The ideal humidity comfort zone is around 50%, air in an airline cabin can fall to as low as 1% on long flights. By following the above guidelines you can keep your air travel a bit more comfortable and stay healthier. 

The mildly sweet and juicy flavor of cantaloupe makes it a perfect fruit for even the pickiest palates.

Studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like cantaloupe decreases the risk of obesity, overall mortality, diabetes and heart disease while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

Tips on selecting cantaloupe:

• It should feel a little heavy for its size.
• The skin should appear webbed, and there shouldn't be any dents or bruises. Look for one that’s tan or even slightly yellow, but not green.
• Find the spot where the stem was attached, and take a whiff. A ripe cantaloupe will smell sweet and tasty (just like a slice of juicy cantaloupe).
• Press the cantaloupe all over to make sure there are no squishy parts. A squishy area means it’s overripe.

To add a bit of variety to your daily hydration routine, infuse your water with some cantaloupe.

Cantaloupe Infused Water:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups thinly sliced cantaloupe (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 2 quarts water (or 2 quarts seltzer water for sparkling infused water)

Place cantaloupe in a pitcher. Add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving.

Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the cantaloupe to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the cantaloupe. For serving, add fresh cantaloupe slices and ice if desired. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.