Convenient enough for everyday use and even tasting better for some, plastic bottles are a popular way to consume beverages. They're convenient, and for some people, they may even taste better. However, the manufacturing and transport process of the millions of bottles produced is harmful to the environment. The continued use of plastic bottles could exponentially harm the planet. Considering all the negative effects of plastic, why are people still participating in this toxic cycle? Some claim that bottled water simply tastes better than tap water, whether they prefer spring, purified, distilled or mineral water. Most people simply enjoy the convenience of bottled water offerings; it's easier to carry small bottles that you can throw away rather than larger reusable bottles that you have to take home at the end of the day. Additionally, bottled water comes in large "value packs" in most stores, which is beneficial for large group events and large families. The water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics which do not biodegrade, but they are fully recyclable. PET photodegrades and breaks down into smaller fragments over time. These fragments absorb all the toxins that pollute waterways, contaminate soils and sicken animals (which are then eaten). Plastic waste also absorbs organic pollutants like BPA. They take centuries to decompose while in landfills, making up billions of environmentally toxic time bombs. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound used to create polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are found in a wide range of products, but food and beverage containers are of greatest concern. Most people worry that BPA will have a negative effect... middle of paper ...... Water?" (2013). Web. March 7, 2014. .Musson, Stephen. "Bisphenol A." National Geographic September 18, 2008. Web. March 8, 2014. .Strom, Stephanie. “Bottled Water Sales Rise as Sodas Shrink.” raw foods. March 15, 2014. .Exploited Writ Josh David, Jason Lindsey and Stephanie Soechtig Films, 2009. Web.. 2014