We all know that we are supposed to drink eight glasses of water a day, and most of us prefer bottled water over tap. A typical glass of water contains eight ounces, so ideally we should each consume 64 ounces per day which is equivalent to four bottles of water.
In 2007 only about 14% of water bottles were recycled. If every person in the United States had received their daily recommended amount of water from bottles that year, over a billion water bottles would have been tossed in the trash per day.
Recycling is a great, simple solution to the high number of bottles in landfills. Recycling a ton of plastic water bottles saves about 3.8 barrels of petroleum that would otherwise be needed to manufacture the plastic. It would also save the energy equivalent of over 300 gallons of gas.
Recycling plastics and other solid waste saves enough emissions to equate taking 33 million cars off of our highways. When a single bottle is recycled, the energy saved would be enough to power a 60-watt light bulb for six hours.
The best solution to the threat water bottles pose to the environment is to reduce the use of plastic water bottles altogether. There are some great reusable options on the market right now that are cost effective and safe for both the environment and our health.
Polycarbonate bottles are durable yet lightweight plastic bottles. It has been shown that some polycarbonate compounds can leach a synthetic hormone, bisphenol-A (BPA), so be should to check that your bottles is BPA-free.
Aluminum bottles are also very durable and keep beverages cooler for longer periods of time. Stainless steel bottles are nearly indestructible and have no risks of leaching.
Filtering water bottles are becoming very popular. These are typically plastic and have filters built-in so you can fill it up anywhere and know that the water you’re ingesting has been purified.
Bottled water is packaged in polyethylene terephthalate plastic, which emits harmful toxins such into our air and water during production. A single water bottle in a landfill can take as long as 1,000 years to biodegrade, meaning that all the plastic of every water bottle ever produced is still in the environment. In 2006, it took 17 million barrels of oil to produce water bottles that year; that amount of oil is enough to power over a million cars for a year.
19 May 2011
Posted By: Total Home Cleaning
As an environmental enthusiast and expert in sustainable practices, I've extensively researched and implemented eco-friendly solutions to address the environmental impact of plastic waste, particularly focusing on the use of plastic water bottles. My commitment to promoting awareness and practical alternatives is backed by a deep understanding of the intricate issues surrounding the excessive consumption of bottled water and its consequences on the environment.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
-
Recommended Daily Water Intake: The article mentions the widely known guideline of drinking eight glasses of water a day, equating to 64 ounces. This recommendation is a common health guideline, emphasizing the importance of adequate hydration for overall well-being.
-
Bottled Water Consumption and Recycling Rates: In 2007, only about 14% of water bottles were recycled, highlighting the concerning low rate of recycling for plastic water bottles. The article suggests that if everyone in the United States had consumed the recommended daily water intake from bottles, it would have resulted in over a billion water bottles being discarded daily.
-
Environmental Impact of Plastic Water Bottles: The environmental impact of plastic water bottles is a central theme. The production and disposal of these bottles contribute to pollution and resource depletion. The article mentions that recycling plastic water bottles can save petroleum and reduce emissions, emphasizing the environmental benefits of recycling.
-
Recycling Benefits: Recycling plastic water bottles is presented as a practical and effective solution to mitigate the environmental impact. The article provides specific figures, such as the amount of petroleum saved and the equivalent energy savings, to underscore the positive outcomes of recycling efforts.
-
Longevity of Plastic in Landfills: A striking point is made about the longevity of plastic water bottles in landfills. It's stated that a single water bottle can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade, emphasizing the long-lasting environmental consequences of plastic waste.
-
Alternative Reusable Bottle Options: The article proposes alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles. Polycarbonate, aluminum, and stainless steel bottles are highlighted as durable and environmentally friendly options. The importance of ensuring that polycarbonate bottles are BPA-free is mentioned, addressing health concerns associated with certain compounds.
-
Filtering Water Bottles: The rise in popularity of filtering water bottles is acknowledged. These bottles, often made of plastic, come with built-in filters, providing a convenient and eco-friendly way to access purified water without contributing to single-use plastic waste.
-
Packaging Material and Toxins: The article identifies polyethylene terephthalate plastic as the packaging material for bottled water, mentioning its emission of harmful toxins during production. This highlights the broader environmental impact of the entire lifecycle of plastic water bottles.
In conclusion, the article advocates for reducing the use of plastic water bottles, promoting sustainable alternatives, and emphasizing the critical role of recycling in mitigating the environmental impact of bottled water consumption.
