| So you want to know are plastic water bottles | | | | So, the bottled beverage companies have given |
| eco friendly. The short answer is "no", no ands, ifs | | | | you a different answer to; are plastic water |
| or buts, just a flat out "no". Here's why. | | | | bottles eco friendly. They told you that since they |
| Plastics are derived from petrochemicals. | | | | are using less plastic, the bottle is better, |
| Petrochemicals are byproducts of the process | | | | somehow. |
| used to convert petroleum into gasoline or petrol. | | | | While it might take up less space in a landfill, there |
| It is true that these byproducts will be available | | | | are still all of the same issues of biodegradability |
| for as long as we are dependent on gasoline. But, | | | | and petrochemicals. |
| what happens if we find alternative fuel sources? | | | | Environmental groups like the Sierra Club have |
| Scientists started out using petrochemicals as a | | | | estimated that three times the water found in a |
| replacement for rubber. Rubber trees were | | | | bottle for sale at your grocers is wasted during |
| scarce and not fast-growing. As the automobile | | | | the production of the bottle. They are primarily |
| industry grew, we needed more tires and more | | | | concerned about how the bottled beverage |
| rubber. Petrochemicals became the solution. | | | | industry is wasting our most precious natural |
| Over the years, petrochemicals have been used | | | | resource; freshwater. |
| to make a countless array of consumables. Here's | | | | In areas surrounding deep wells where companies |
| one that may really surprise you. They are use in | | | | packaged "spring" waters, private wells and ponds |
| foods as artificial preservatives, flavourings and | | | | have dried up. |
| colourings. | | | | The problem was so bad in one town that the |
| This may also surprise you. The vitamins that you | | | | companies were required to provide bottled |
| take every day are more than likely synthetic | | | | beverages for all of the residents until the |
| ones, derived from petrochemicals. The enteric | | | | situation could be resolved. |
| coatings used to protect them may be made of | | | | What do you think? Are plastic water bottles eco |
| petrochemicals. | | | | friendly? It is impossible for them to be |
| There are natural alternatives for all of the | | | | considered anything but the opposite. |
| consumables made from this petroleum waste. | | | | The safest and best solution is to install a purifier |
| But, they do cost more. | | | | in your home. |
| Understanding the composition of the material is | | | | You can purchase glass or stainless steel |
| only part of the answer to; are plastic water | | | | containers and take your own beverages with |
| bottles eco friendly. There is also the factor of | | | | you wherever you go. |
| biodegradability. These materials do not break | | | | You will be sure about exposure to contaminants, |
| down naturally in nature. | | | | which is something you can never be sure of |
| If they are not recycled, they will stay in the | | | | when you buy bottled beverages. |
| landfill for an unknown period of time, possibly for | | | | Remember what you have learned here about |
| as long as the world exists. Most people do not | | | | are plastic water bottles eco friendly. Try not to |
| recycle. | | | | buy them if you can help it at all. |