Someone purchases a disposable water bottle, uses it several times, then throws it in the garbage.

How would you evaluate these actions in terms of conservation?

A. It is better than using a glass to drink water from the tap, but they should not be drinking so much water.
B. It is better than reusing it only once, but they should not drink so much water.
C. It is better than using a glass to drink water from the tap, but they should recycle the bottle.
D. It is better than using the bottle only once, but they should recycle the bottle.

D. It is better than using the bottle only once, but they should recycle the bottle.

D. It is better than using the bottle only once, but they should recycle the bottle.

To evaluate these actions in terms of conservation, we need to consider the impact on resources and waste management.

Using a disposable water bottle multiple times before throwing it away can be seen as better conservation than using it only once. By reusing the bottle, the individual is extending its useful lifespan and reducing the amount of waste generated.

However, it is important to note that disposable water bottles are not as sustainable as reusable alternatives such as glass or stainless steel bottles. So, options A and B, which suggest using a glass to drink tap water and drinking less water, respectively, are not the best choices in terms of conservation.

Option C, which states that using the disposable bottle is better than using a glass to drink water from the tap but emphasizes the need to recycle, is partially correct. Recycling the bottle after use can help reduce its environmental impact by diverting it from landfills and allowing the materials to be reused. So, C is a valid response, but it doesn't take into account the benefits of reusing the bottle.

Option D, which acknowledges the benefits of reusing the bottle and also highlights the importance of recycling it, is the most comprehensive answer in terms of conservation. By reusing the bottle multiple times and then recycling it, the individual minimizes waste generation and resource consumption while also considering proper disposal.

Therefore, the best answer would be D.