Yes, we're all concerned about gas prices reaching $3 a gallon, but today I'd like to write about something we should all be much more concerned about.
We can all live without gas. Those of us who plan on being around for the next 70 or so years might even have to. One thing we as humans can't survive without, is clean, drinkable water.
I, personally, am disturbed and outraged that bottled water prices are now up to $7.50 per gallon. Aquafina, the most populer bottled water, sells for about a dollar a bottle, and it takes 7 and a half of these 500mL bottles to make a gallon.
PepsiCo is making a fortune off of thirsty consumers. Someone must stop these billionaires from further lining their pockets!! Before it's too late. Perhaps our government should impose fines or taxes. Or perhaps subsidize water prices.
And!!!! To make matters worse. I was at Disney world, and their vending machine charged me $2.50 for one bottle of water. That is a whopping $18.75 a gallon. Price Gouging!!!
OK, Enough Silliness, read the rest here.
Of course, this article isn't really about water. Rising oil prices are big in the news right now. Politicians are up in arms, consumers are outraged, and everyone is looking for someone to point the finger at. Oil companies, the president, greedy oil-rich nations.
Oil is, however, a commodity, bought and sold on the market. Many things affect oil prices. Let's keep in mind though, that oil is a natural resource. Its supply is limited. At some point in the future, extracting oil from the earth will require more energy than the oil will produce.
In other words, it's not gonna get better. Oil will get more expensive, and eventually only governments and extremely wealthy individuals or corporations will be able to afford it. Hopefully we'll get over the whole fossil fuel craze of the last 100 years or so and find a better way to do things.
It's hard to imagine, really, a life without oil and gas. Much as it would've been for people who had never seen a lightbuld to imagine life with electricity. Think about the phrase: Industrial Revolution. Key Word: Revolution.
So, in conclusion, we aren't going to drill in ANWR and find a magical, endless supply of oil. Gas prices will not go down... If we did, we should be more concerned about the destruction of the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve, and the unabated pollution of our air caused by burning up cheap gasoline in our SUV's and Hummers.
Oh, and while I'm on the subject of the environment, can we stop pretending global warming doesn't exist...? I live in Florida, and after the record breaking 2004 hurricane season, and then 2005 which broke the 2004 records, I'm convinced. I'm sure there are some people in New Orleans who would agree.
Blah, I'm out. TGIF!
04/05/2006, 17:46
Well, if you buy it in gallon jugs, instead of those ridiculous little bottles, it costs about 79 cents a gallon. At least here in the midwest.
04/05/2006, 23:17
I think you are missing the point...
And who has time to go to the grocery store these days anyways...???
10/05/2006, 18:52
Why buy it then? I carry my own water. If I can't do that, I find a water fountain. They do exist just people don't take the 'time' to find them.
If you don't have time, then you do pay for the convenience. They have a right to have you pay for convenience--hence the always higher prices at a 'convenience' store. :)
10/05/2006, 21:26
Wow, people are really dumb... lol.
This article is NOT about bottled water. It is about perspective... *sigh***