EnrichLA seeks to bring nutrition and environmental awareness onto local school campuses. But what would that mean without reevaluating the way we treat the environment ourselves?
One issue that is very dear to us here at EnrichLA is the use of single-use plastic water bottles. We have given away reusable bottles, donated by the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council’s Green Committee, at some of our events, and encourage volunteers to bring reusable bottles to our garden builds.
In addition to taking a step toward helping the environment, this also saves money. By bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it up at water fountains or at our water bins, volunteers have avoided purchasing countless single use bottles. This is a simple change that can make a huge difference.
Here are a few alarming but true facts about the use of plastic water bottles:
- Plastic bottles are among the most prevalent source of pollution found on our beaches.
- Plastic trash absorbs pre-existing organic pollutants like BPA and PCBs.
- Store-bought bottled water is a rip off. Tap water is often subject to more stringent regulation and testing than bottled water. It costs a fraction of the cost from the tap. It is cleaner, cheaper, and thus healthier. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
- Every square mile of the ocean has 46,000 pieces of floating plastic in it. (UN, 2006)
More information can be found here.
Please share this information with your friends, family, co-workers, or even your neighbors! And consider investing in a reusable bottle; these can save you money, and can help save the environment!
- Plastic bottle waste from the Pacific Gyre – an area the size of Texas consisting of plastic and other slowly degrading waste.
