THE HIDDEN COST OF PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES

Pix by Sarah Balisteri via Plastic Pollutes

You’ve heard of the health risks of bottled water – studies have found plastic fragments in them. But bottled water also has a significant environmental cost that consumers don’t see – their production and disposal significantly harm the environment, and thus us.

Making a plastic water bottle is a resource-heavy process, beginning with petroleum extraction. Most plastic bottles start their life as crude oil and natural gas. These are complex mixtures processed into different petroleum products vital for plastic production.

Plastic bottle manufacturing not only drains natural resources but also damages the earth. Turning crude oil into plastic requires a lot of energy and water, contributing to environmental degradation.

Know the truth: Creating plastic water bottles is resource-intensive, contributing to a significant carbon footprint. The manufacturing and distribution of these bottles play a substantial role in exacerbating climate change.