Water Bottle Facts & Myths

Explanation
Tap water and bottled water go through similar purification processes, making them equally safe to drink. However, tap water is often fortified with essential minerals, while bottled water may lack these nutrients. Additionally, the plastic bottles used for packaging bottled water can leach harmful chemicals into the water over time. From an environmental standpoint, tap water is more sustainable as it reduces plastic waste. Therefore, tap water is not only as healthy as bottled water but also has added benefits.

Explanation
The correct answer is 40%. This means that 40% of bottled water is actually filtered tap water. This suggests that a significant portion of bottled water sold in the market is not sourced from natural springs or other sources, but rather comes from the same tap water that is available in households. This information may surprise consumers who assume that bottled water is always pure and sourced from pristine sources.

Explanation
The correct answer is 6. This means that there are only 6 states that have bottle bills specifically for water bottles. Bottle bills are laws that require a deposit on beverage containers, such as soda cans and plastic bottles, which can be refunded when the containers are returned to the store. This indicates that only 6 states have implemented such laws specifically for water bottles, while the remaining states may have bottle bills for other types of beverage containers.

Explanation
This statement suggests that bottled water companies are taking water, a natural resource, for free and then selling it back to consumers at a profit. This implies that the companies are exploiting the availability and demand for water, which is a necessity for survival. Therefore, the statement is true in the sense that bottled water companies do obtain water without cost and sell it for profit.

Explanation
Plastic bottles take approximately 700 years to begin composting. This is because plastic is not biodegradable and does not break down easily in the environment. Instead, it slowly breaks into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries. The long decomposition time of plastic bottles is a significant environmental concern, as it contributes to pollution and poses a threat to wildlife and ecosystems.

Explanation
The correct answer is 80%. This means that out of all the plastic bottles used, 80% of them are not recycled. This indicates a significant amount of plastic waste that is not being properly managed or reused. Recycling plastic bottles is important for reducing environmental pollution and conserving resources, so the high percentage of bottles not being recycled is concerning.

Explanation
To produce a billion plastic water bottles, 24 million gallons of oil are needed. This is because oil is a key ingredient in the production of plastic, and a significant amount is required to manufacture each bottle. Therefore, multiplying the number of bottles (1 billion) by the amount of oil needed for each bottle (24 million gallons) gives the total amount of oil required.

Explanation
This statement is true. The explanation is that the ocean is heavily polluted with plastic waste, and studies have shown that there are approximately 46,000 pieces of floating plastic in every square mile of the ocean. This high number highlights the alarming extent of plastic pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems.

Explanation
The correct answer is 1/2. This means that 50% of people have access to curb side recycling.

Explanation
Plastic pollution in the seas is a growing problem, and it is indeed beginning to replace plankton. Plankton is a vital component of the marine food web, as it serves as a primary food source for many marine organisms. The presence of plastic in the seas can be mistaken for food by marine animals, leading to ingestion and potential harm or death. This disruption in the food web can have far-reaching consequences, affecting the entire marine ecosystem. Therefore, the statement that plastic is beginning to replace plankton in the seas, threatening the entire marine food web, is true.

Explanation
The correct answer is 90%. This means that 90% of the cost of bottled water is attributed to the bottle itself. This suggests that the cost of the packaging and manufacturing of the bottle is a significant factor in determining the overall price of bottled water.