How Plastic Water Bottles Harm the Environment
While many people have read about the environmental hazards that plastic bags can cause in landfills and when they wash down rivers into the ocean, plastic water bottles also represent a powerful environmental pollution threat. While this type of product is designed to deliver clean water for those who want to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, the truth is that they present a formidable threat and potential water crisis.
Potential Poison
The clear plastic water bottle uses a substance called BPA which has proven to be dangerous to human health. BPA has been linked to a number of issues including the following;
Certain forms of cancer
Reduced fertility in women
Neurological disorders
Premature labor
Defects in newborn babies and more
The good news is that many newer water bottles are not being made with BPA and the substance can be removed from the body over time simply by not drinking from bottles uses that substance. However, the FDA does not regulate BPA at this time so it may be a while before it is eliminated entirely from use.
Environmental Impact
The stories of how dead birds and whales have been found with plastic caps and bottles inside their stomachs and intestines are growing in number. This is because it is very difficult to properly dispose of the plastic trash that many animals and birds mistake for food. Until the plastic bottles can be replaced or at least reduced to the point where such incidents become rare to nonexistent, the search for alternatives will continue.
Another issue is that most disposable plastic water bottles cannot be recycled or in many cases are simply not because the cost is prohibitive. Because of the complexities surrounding which government entity governs the pollution created, getting through effective laws, rules, and regulations are difficult at best. Plus, when something goes horribly wrong the response is often slow and not very effective even when the problem is very noticeable.
Water Shortage
Interestingly enough, those who live near water bottling plants often find themselves short of drinking water. This is because the water is pulled from the nearby grounds which in turn result in well water being short of drinkable water. The shortage is particularly troubling for farmers who need water for their crops. However, it does not affect those who get their water supply from the city or reservoir.
One possible solution is the reusable water bottle that can be refilled repeatedly. This type of bottle does not contain BPA, is easy to clean, and will last for a very long time. By making the switch over to reusable bottles, it will mean fewer disposable ones will pollute landfills, flow down rivers, and wind up in the ocean. In order to provide a clean Earth for next generation, the plastic portable water bottle needs to be successfully addressed so that fewer disposable ones will be created. In this manner, having clean water and enjoying a healthy lifestyle will not only apply to humans, but the animals, fish, reptiles, and birds as well.
