Do you enjoy the quenching and revitalizing chill of a cold bottle of water after a long run, brisk walk, or during a momentary break? If you say yes, then you are most certainly not alone. I'm right there with you. This, unfortunately, is becoming a big problem for both terrestrial and marine wildlife, however. Right now- as you read this- there is a floating mass of trash (mostly plastic) the size of Texas floating in the Pacific Ocean. It is called the Eastern Garbage Patch, a term which grossly underestimates its magnitude.

In 2006 alone, 28.3 billion gallons of bottled water were sold in the United States. Most of these bottles - instead of finding their way to a recycling plant to be reused - will instead find their way into either a landfill or even our own waterways. One study found that over a period of three days, Los Angeles alone leaked over 60 tons of plastic into waterways. I know this may seem far enough away to be detached from our own lives, but New York, Philadelphia, Newark and other major cities are certainly no better.

Besides disposing of plastic bottles in the proper recycling receptacle, there are ways we can reduce our plastic consumption, like using glassware whenever possible. Also, for on-the-go hydration, picking up a reusable water bottle will help save not just the Earth, but your purse as well. A water filtration system and reusable water bottle will cost about a quarter a day, while bottles of water cost $2 a pop.

So do the world and yourself a favor and cut down on your disposable bottle usage. The fish, birds, turtles and even your wallet will be grateful.

Ron Gaskill

Student Monmouth University

West Long Branch