Ali Jenkins
Americans use a staggering number
of disposable plastic water bottles. Approximately two million plastic beverage
bottles are used every five minutes, in the US alone. This wastes precious
natural resources and contributes to global warming. Before
you pick up another plastic water bottle, stop to consider the environmental
consequences.
Studies conducted on American’s
consumption reveal that approximately 31.2 billion liters of bottled water were
sold in 2006. This required 900,000 tons of plastic, much of which is composed
of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The production of this amount of plastic
demands over seventeen million barrels of oil, and further energy is required
to transport the materials and finished products. All in all, from production
to disposal, the energy used for each bottle can be represented by filling one
quarter of that bottle with oil. In addition to the natural gas used in the
process, a considerable amount of water is required, as well. It takes about
three liters of water to produce one liter of bottled water. The environmental
impacts of plastic bottles do not end there, however. The carbon dioxide
released in the production process of plastic water bottles in 2006 totaled
about 2.5 million tons. The release of large quantities of this gas has been
shown to contribute to the harmful effects of global warming. At a time when
the conservation of natural resources and our planet is so crucial; we simply
cannot waste our precious materials in this manner.
How can you limit your contribution
to these environmental repercussions? Stainless-steel water bottles are a more
eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic bottles. These water bottles are
not without their faults, however. Their production requires far more fossils
fuels and metal resources and releases more greenhouse gases than the
production of plastic water bottles. But, to put this in perspective, the
extended use of metal water bottles counteracts these harmful impacts. Whereas
plastic bottles are often disposed after a single use, metal water bottles can
be used countless times. After hundreds of uses, metal water bottles have a far
gentler, though not nonexistent, impact on our environment. In addition, metal
water bottles are a cheaper alternative to plastic bottles. Whereas plastic
bottles of water cost about $2.50 each, some metal water bottles can be found
for less than $9.00, which is a one-time investment. After the initial cost,
you can enjoy using your stainless-steel water bottle for free! So, next time
you need a drink to-go, reach for the green choice: the stainless-steel water
bottle.
