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OPINION: Here's why you should get rid of your plastic water bottles

It's Earth Day. Did you know some plastic water bottles end up in oceans?

WASHINGTON -- I can't stand plastic water bottles. They feel cheap and flimsy. I hate the sound they make when you're almost done and then they practically collapse in your hand. I don't even like the tiny opening you can drink from, but what I dislike the most is that they are polluting the oceans.

Imagine yourself at the beach with beautiful blue water. You walk in with the waves gliding past your shoulders. You're basking in the sun and are ready for that "Instagramable" moment to snap a picture and whelp, a plastic water bottle from two years ago comes floating by, not picturesque, and certainly not cool. 

Credit: WUSA WEATHER
Plastic pollutes the oceans.

The Ocean Is Not a Trash Can

Scientists estimate that 8 million metric tons of plastic ends up in the oceans each year. Let that number sink in for a moment. That's the weight of nearly 90 aircraft carriers.  

What's The Problem?

One problem is that plastic doesn't decompose. It's sticks around and this becomes a problem for marine life in the ocean. Marine animals get tangled in the debris or they end up digesting it. I'm quite sure that wasn't on their original menu. 

Do You Really Need That Water Bottle?

I refilled my water bottle while writing this blog. It took me one minute to walk to the kitchen to rinse it, walk to the water cooler and refill it. I even had time to say good morning to a coworker. My point is, it only takes a minute to refill your favorite cup or mug with water for free. Save money and the planet while you're at it.

The Beverage Marketing Corporation found that people spent $18.5 billion on bottled water in 2017.

Come on, we can do better.

Here's what I'm doing: Unless it's an extreme case, I try not to buy plastic water bottles. I have purchased aluminum water bottles, which are more efficient to recycle. Most of the time, I use the water cooler at work and refill.

I understand that we are not going to get away from plastic, but we can reduce it. If you use five plastic water bottles per day, try using only four. Every small step helps.  

 

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