Before you purchase plastic utensils or stock up on plastic water bottles, you should consider the dangerous effects it can have on the environment. Furthermore, there are medical concerns associated with the consumption of water out of certain types of plastic bottles. Americans purchase more water than anyone in the world and it is estimated by National Geographic that citizens drink approximately 29 billion bottles of water annually. Washable and reusable cups and utensils can be utilized instead of plastic versions to cut down on waste.
Reliance on OIl
Each year, manufacturers use approximately 17 million barrels of crude oil to make plastic bottles. According to the National Geographic, that much oil can power approximately one million cars non-stop for months and months. By drinking from plastic water bottles and using plastic utensils, you are putting more of a reliance on oil.
Water and Beach Pollution
It is estimated by the Cause Cast website that we use enough plastic spoons, knives and forks each year to circle the equator 300 times. If the utensils and plastic water bottles are not recyclable, they can end up on the beaches and in the water of local communities.
Low Recycling Percentage
The Earth 911 website states that approximately eight out of ten plastic water bottles end up in landfills instead of being recycled. It is estimated that plastic utensils and plastic water bottles may take hundreds of years to disintegrate once they end up in a landfill.
Presence of BPA
According to the Mayo Clinic, bisphenol A or BPA is used in some plastic beverage containers. Since the BPA can seep into the water and expose you to the chemical. BPA may increase a person’s risk for brain disorders and prostate problems. Avoid plastic water bottles labeled with the number seven recycling label since these contain BPA.
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