Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Benjamin: Yes, sir. Mr. McGuire: Are you listening? Benjamin: Yes, I am. Mr. McGuire: Plastics. Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean? Mr. McGuire: There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?
The Graduate, 1967
Plastics
Mr. McGuire was a soothsayer. Plastics have definitely changed our lives. In some ways, for the better. But at the same time, they have done enormous damage to our planet, and contribute significantly to climate change. I’m focusing here on just one facet of single-use plastics: our water bottle problem.
Our water bottle problem
Single-use water bottles are ubiquitous. Here are just a few startling facts:
- Americans spend an estimated 31 billion dollars on bottled water each year
- 17 million barrels of oil are used to supply the annual US bottled water demand
- Bottled water is 3000 percent more expensive per gallon than tap water
- Only about 15% of water bottles are recycled
- It takes an estimated 1.4 GALLONS of water to make one water bottle
Water bottles and the oceans
In addition to the damage caused during production, plastic bottles are polluting both our land and our water, posing health risks to humans and animals. The amount of plastic swirling around the ocean is jaw-dropping. In fact, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now 3 times the size of France! As plastic breaks down into microplastics, it releases methane and ethylene, further exacerbating climate change.
The solution
I’m not writing this to make you feel guilty about buying disposable water bottles. They are convenient and useful at times. Instead, I’m hoping to raise awareness about their impact.
If you’re worried about climate change, and wonder what you can do, evaluate your habits. Buying fewer plastic bottles, and using refillable options, is another win-win. Save yourself some money while helping solve climate change. Small changes can add up to make a big difference.
Let’s do something about climate change. Learn about it. Think about it. Talk about it.