Replacing Single Use Water Bottles with Books
Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.! That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually. Grand View Research Report So, let’s get ugly on Earth Day and be real. In fact, the official theme for Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics.”
Personally, I believe that every day should be Earth Day, but in the spirit of acknowledging our planet today I decided to share my perspective on single use water bottles. How much is it costing you to buy bottled water? What is an alternative use for your monthly bottle budget? I am not even getting into cleaning product containers, plastic bags, or straws. Sure, I am comparing apples to oranges, but hear me out. If the average American purchases 13 bottles per month (not to get all MATHY because I just don’t do numbers) and conservatively, let’s say the average cost of a bottle of water at a convenience store runs you $1.50, then on average, that would mean you are spending almost $20 per month on bottled water.
What could you possibly do with an extra $20? Oh snap! I know. You could use it to support authors by purchasing their books. Hey, you could even buy my book. You don’t even need to buy a paperback version. If you’re a Kindle Unlimited member, it is FREE. If not, you can download The Bystanders for $6.99. And if you prefer to buy a paperback version, I’ll send you an autographed copy of THE BYSTANDERS for $19 (S/H included). Even better, purchase a copy via bookshop.org and support your favorite independent bookstore. Independent Bookstore Day is April 27th, btw. Here are a few of my local indie bookstores who have The Bystanders on their shelves: Eagle Eye Book Shop, FoxTale Bookshoppe, Bookmiser, and The Reading Attic, Book Bound Bookstore
Sound like shameless self-promotion? Someone has to do it. Don’t get me started on what’s expected from authors. As a matter of fact, this post is a reaction to a writer’s attempt at marketing. I’m just saying…if that extra Double Sawbuck, that extra Twenty spot is just burning a hole in your pocket, you have some options. Feel free to buy different author’s book, put the money you save from not purchasing bottled water into savings, or donate it to your favorite charity. Because ultimately, the true cost of buying single use bottled water–the devasting impact plastics have on our environmental–far exceeds your monthly book allowance.
And one final thought, Earthlings. Books are not takers like a single use bottled water; I guarantee books have longer shelf lives. Bottled water will not elicit fond childhood memories. You cannot donate and you really do not want to share your used bottled water with someone, but you can, however, donate and share books. You can even recycle paperbacks with some restrictions. And to those who might argue, “But I recycle my plastic bottles,” here is my response: “I’m sure you have great intentions in recycling plastic waste, but most of what you think is being recycled ends up in a landfill or the ocean anyway.” I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. So, in honor of Earth Day and “Planet vs. Plastic,” Buy Books Not Bottles.
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