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Before the invention of bottled water
in the 40s, there used to only be one
way to get drinking water.
Recycling Coordinator at UND, "We took
a cup, filled them up and drank it!"
An article by National Geographic says
the U.S. goes through more than 50
billion bottles of water per year.
Recycling Coordinator at UND, "Many
years ago, you didn't see water bottles
like we have them now.
You know, it was all soda pops and
juices."
The Environmental Protection Agency
says in the U.S.-- more than 80 percent
of recyclable plastic bottles end up in
landfills-and each one takes an average
of 450 years to break down.
"You know I don't buy plastic water
bottles, I guess I kind of believe that
I'm not going to buy water."
Not only do these bottles contribute to
excessive waste, they're too expensive.
"It is more financially responsible to
use your own and just refill it because
it's free-but I am not going to lie and
say I don't buy water bottles every
once and awhile."
The University of North Dakota decided
to install 70 water bottle refill
stations.
Bemidji State University actually
banned the sale of water bottles on
their campus.
"My concern with it is that it takes
away a choice for individuals that want
to purchase something that's healthier.
I mean, I realize they can bring a
bottle and fill it at one of the
hydration stations but not everybody
wants to do that."
While choosing not to purchase bottled
water can keep mother earth and your
wallet green-- drinking water is
crucial to healthy living.
"It's healthy� you keep hydrated, and
that's the point!"
With photographer Marty Meuller, I'm
Averi Haugesag, reporting for Studio
One.