Is Using Plastic Worth the Environmental Impact?

Published: 10 March 2008

Category: Bisphenol A (BPA), Hormonal Changes, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), Packaging CONCERNS

According to the February issue of “Reader’s Digest,” consumers are questioning whether plastic bottled water is safer than tap water and if “the convenience is worth the environmental impact.” Some plastic bottled water packaging reportedly contains the chemicals phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which may mimic hormones and adversely affect the body’s normal functions. According to the article, most bottled water is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which is allegedly “generally safe,” but may leach chemicals into the water (such as the potentially toxic material antimony) when stored in hot or warm temperatures. According to the National Resources Defense Council, bottled water also has a “significant environmental burden.” What can you do to stop the proliferation of plastic container litter? According to the article, “Go with glass. Choose glass containers (Eden Springs and Voss are two popular brands) over plastic whenever possible. When you’re done, recycle!”

Read the full article to learn more about plastic’s “eco-footprint”