Enjoying that bottled water, soda pop, or juice? Have you ever wondered what happened to that plastic bottle when you're done with it? Most of the time, we toss them in the garbage or recycling bins. But, what happens to them after that? What happens to those that are tossed on the ground? Did you know that you might even be eating some of the very bottles you've thrown away?

What Happens To The Plastic?

A large number of the bottles used every day find their way into our waterways. Here, it is picked up by the currents and carried towards a distant shore. This could be the opposite side of the lake or creek, but all too often, this refuse is picked up by ocean currents and travels to the other side where they collect on the shore in mounds.

But you toss the lids and put the bottles in the recycling bins, right? Unfortunately, this isn't a safe method either. The retainer rings find their way onto the ground where animals either ingest them or get them stuck on their body. This kills them, injures them, or makes them violently ill.

The caps aren't any better. These float, and because they travel along the water's surface, albatross and other foraging birds think they are food and pick them up. Then, they feed them to their young. As a result, thousands and thousands are dying with their stomachs filled with caps. Those that don't stay whole break down into pieces and float around, creating a haze, which fish often ingest.

Ever Wonder What's In Toxic Plastic Soup?

One chemical in plastic called BPA increases your risk of prostate and breast cancer, the development of uterine fibroids, and infertility problems. It also causes developmental problems in children. Health and environmental experts believe the chemicals found in plastic causes a large majority of the illnesses, conditions, and complications in the world. Studies have suggested they may even attack the Y chromosome in young animal and human fetuses causing a sharp decline in the number of males being born.

What You Can Do To Stop This

The solution here is simple really. Stop. Stop buying drinks in plastic bottles and try to stop purchasing anything with plastic to start with. If you do pick up anything with plastic try to make it last as long as you possibly can and be sure it gets to the recycling bins. The bags, bottles, and other pieces of garbage you see laying around on the ground can also cause a problem; pick them up and make certain they hit the recycling bins as well.

There is no denying that this is a serious issue, but with a little persistence and cooperation, we can make a difference. The only way we can repair this damage in any way is by stopping the problem from getting worse. Do this, and we might have a chance to start cleaning the waterways and minimize the effects of our mistake. Hmm...that bottled water doesn't taste so good anymore, does it?