Many of us use plastics several times throughout our day. Whether it’s our shampoo bottle, the lid to our coffee cup or the container or baggie for our lunch. The problem seems to be properly disposing of it.

A recent article says, “there is overwhelming evidence that recycling cannot solve the plastic problem. Since the 1950s, only 9 percent of plastic produced has been recycled, while the vast majority of plastic waste is either landfilled or incinerated. Six times more plastic waste is burned than recycled in the United States. Packaging accounts for more than half the plastic that winds up in landfills.”

Single-use plastic that is not recycled often contaminates waterways and oceans. They erode into microplastics, which could also contaminate our water.

“Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans and beautiful communities,” according to the event’s website.

Plain Talk About Drinking Water states, “On the environmental side, 1.5 million tons (1.36 million metric tons) of plastic are used each year to bottle water, and much of that ends up in landfills. Along with the energy used to produce and recycle the plastic, energy is used to transport the product to stores around the world. While the International Bottled Water Association says that bottlers are protective of water resources, some manufacturers may be pumping up to 500 gallons per hour (1,900 liters) from valuable aquifers and other water sources.”

Visit DrinkTap’s Bottled Water page for more information.

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