Bottled Water vs Tap Water Essay Example for Free

Bottled Water vs Tap Water Essay Water is vital to human life. Humans can live for several weeks on water alone. However, they cannot survive for more than a few days without it. In fact, a human’s body primarily consists of 55% to 78% water (Geri Walton. ) Therefore, we need water. Life cannot exist without water. While some people prefer drinking bottled water, others prefer drinking tap water. In fact, controversy has been placed on the quality and safety of drinking bottled water versus drinking tap water. The bottled water industry has increased tremendously. They offer several brands of water including: mineral water, spring water, purified water and also well water. Water also comes in many different flavors. If you wish, you may also select carbonated water. In order to label these, each brand has to meet certain qualifications. They must be collected and strictly treated. The Food Standards Agency monitors bottled water. They adhere to rigorous guidelines as to what can and cannot be put on the label. Many believe that bottled water is much healthier than tap water. It is free of bacteria. It is free from filthy chemicals. In fact, the levels of lead in bottled water are much lower than those in tap water. Bottled water is free from contamination and safer for drinking. It prevents harmful substances and organisms from entering into the body. Bottled water has to pass through a purification process. Many companies like to include the word â€Å"pure† in their advertising of campaigns and trademarks. They realize that many people find it secure in health benefits over other products. This guarantees high-quality drinking water. Bottled water provides compelling vitamins and minerals to the human body. Sufficient amounts of minerals are important for managing a healthy human system. There are numerous health benefits for drinking bottled water. In some countries, such as Europe, humans believe that bottled waters have medicinal properties. It contains zero fat, calories and sugar. According to the International Bottled Water Association, â€Å"one of the main health benefits of bottled water is that it can replace less healthy beverages, such as soda, sweet tea, hot chocolate and sugary flavored coffees. (Ipatenco, Sara) In today’s society, bottled water may be found any and everywhere, from offices to homes and restaurants across the country. It is rejuvenating, healthy and convenient to carry around. It is great for those on the go. An accessible bottle in your bag will immediately quench your thirst. Having bottled water may result in more fluid intake. Sufficient utilization of water is important for preventing dehydration and for keeping our bodies functioning properly. Although there are several benefits of drinking bottled water, more and more people are questioning if it is actually better than tap water. In fact, many believe that bottled water is not safer or purer than tap water. Many believe that tap water tastes just as good as bottled water. During a blind taste test in New York City, the greater part of the people actually preferred the taste of tap water over bottled water. Tap water is not hazardous or harmful. In fact, it is well-regulated and inspected hundreds of times per month by the Environmental Protection Agency. These agencies make certain tap water is free of harmful toxins and other bacteria. With tap water, you are more likely to know what is in it. Tap water is tested cautiously. Every year, several tests are taken to ensure that tap water is as safe as it can possibly be. With strict standards, they are tested for micro-organisms and other chemicals and metals. It is also tested for water pathogens that could possibly cause intestinal problems. Tap water is composed of fluoride and chloronation. The enamel-protecting fluoride reduces tooth decay and enhances oral health. It is a major ingredient in toothpastes, while chlorination kills bacteria. Tap water is much cheaper than bottled water. It is free! Bottled water is extremely expensive compared to tap water. Bottled water companies make â€Å"tens of billions of dollars† per year. In today’s society, people are paying so much for bottled water when they could actually get tap water practically free. In fact, â€Å"bottled water costs 500 times more than tap water† (MacKenzie, Ashley. ) By drinking tap water, you save a tremendous amount of money. Drinking tap water is better on our environment. Water bottles are thrown into landfills. It takes more than 700 years for plastic to decompose. Reducing the amount of plastic water bottles in landfills can save energy drastically. Drinking water from a glass or using a refillable steel bottle also saves resources. By drinking tap water, you save the planet. Tap water has some bacteria that are actually beneficial to your health. The human immune system automatically strengthens its defenses against any possible harmful bacteria that it is exposed to. Our immune system is familiar with small amounts of bacteria and is equipped to prevent illnesses. For a fact, our bodies need water. Humans lose water every day through breathing, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. In order for our bodies to function properly, it is essential that we replenish it with water. Basically, bottled water and tap water come from the same sources: lakes, springs and aquifers. They each have many benefits. One must decide as to which is best. What type of water will you drink: bottled water or tap water? Make the healthy choice.

Explication of The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Essay -- Papers Robe

Explication of The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost When reading â€Å"The Road Not Taken,† by Robert Frost, I found that it was personal, especially to the author. The fact that it was written in first person form helped me to conclude that it was probably about the author. I think the reasoning behind his writing of this poem was because in life, you have many obstacles to overcome and many choices and decisions to make, which opens a path that leads the way to your future. Since those things relate to Frost, I think it motivated him to write this poem on a personal basis, like a short autobiography on his life. It motivated him because he could then tell others about his life and give advice and guidance to the people that read his poetry. â€Å"The Road Not Taken† basically talks about the many obstacles in life, the choices and decisions that you have to make, and how the things you choose affects everything in your life and in your future. Frost also tells how he chose a path or a road, that even though was odd or different from everyone else’s, he went on with his instincts and decided that it was the right choice. He tells how one single decision in life can make huge or drastic differences being either good or bad. This was expressed when he said â€Å"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.† I found that throughout this poem there was much symbolism within it. Identifying that it was written in first person form showed that this poem relates to the author on a personal basis, and that it was probably written to symbolize his life. But when talking about people’s lives, you can conclude that people’s lives are generally and individually very diffe... ...om, a split road. Never really knowing the correct road to take the person chooses one path or road after analyzing the other. He is sure and goes on from gut instincts and picks a path moving on with a strong will and a lot confidence, leaving the other road behind untouched. This poem relates to me in many ways because in my life, I was offered many options to choose from and many roads to take. Since it’s my life and my decisions to make, I never regretted a decision I made, I just look at it as, that’s the way it was meant to be. Sure, the decisions weren’t always easy to make, but when you put your mind to it, think, brainstorm, and analyze a little the correct path or road usually will light up and give you guidance. I’m not saying that all my decisions were correct, they where not at all. I’m just saying that when you tried your best it never hurts.

The Philippine Local Fiscal Administration

In the Philippines took three forms- devolution, deconcentration and delegation. As Carlno affirms, the framers of the 1987 Constitution institutionalized decentralization with the end-view of realizing democracy and development especially at the grassroots level. Devolution paved way for the transfer of political power from the central government to the local government units.This transfer of power and functions was accompanied by the provision of a higher Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), broader tax base and a just share In the national ealth to finance devolved responsibilities and provision of various goods and services. This was accompanied by deconcentration which is the transfer of administrative powers and functions from central offices of government agencies to the field offces at the regional, provincial, and municipal/city level.In consonance with the concept that local government units are more responsive to the needs of their communities, deconcentration was institution alized vis-a- vis devolution as a means tor national government agencies (NGAs) to provide assistance to LGUs by etung standards In the Implementation of various programs and monitor the operation and services of the LGUs along the different socio-economic and political dimensions.Contrary to the past practices wherein the central government through the national government agencies (NGAs) exercises a degree of control in the implementation of programs at the LGU level, deconcentratlon aims to lessen, If not remove, the control from the national government and replace it with supervisory functions. Ideally, through deconcentration, NGAs set standards and supervise LGUS provision of various services to the community (i. DOH and LGLJ health services).Decentralization in the Philippines also took the form of delegation, or what other author calls as â€Å"debureaucratization†. This was the result of the surmounting clamor for participatory governance and active citizenship during the ouster of the late President Ferdinand Marcos through the People's Power Revolution and even prior to and after the said historic event. The author of the Consitution saw it fit, as a response to the call of the times, to put greater emphasis on the Involvement of non- government organizations, people's organizations, and the private sector in governance.In this way, democracy and development was believed to be realized when the voices ot the marginalized, poor and other people aggrupations are heard and considered In decision-making at the different government level. In contrast to the experience of other countries, decentralization In the Philippines took a complete form. This may be attributed to the political atmosphere in the 1980S- 1 BOO's conducive to decentralization and democratic form of government. Colombia deconcentrated its state services but placed a limit In the delegation and devolution of powers.Same can be said with the experiences of Mexico and Togo. The Phil ippines also has a legal framework conducive to democratic decentralization. Decentrallzatlon tnroDs In tne Article x 0T tne IYB/ constltutlon wnere tne congress is mandated to enact a Local Government Code which â€Å"shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization†. Countries like Spain and China lack this legal framework despite substantial decentralization.This means that decentralization in the Philippines possesses a degree of â€Å"permanency' that would ensure the continuity in LGUs' exercise of devolved powers and functions. In the words of Katorobo, decentralization in the Philippines has a â€Å"more stable environment† (Katorobo, 2004). The system of decentralization in the country is also more responsive to the needs of the local community. Unlike the experiences of India, China and Russia where powers and functions were only devolved at the state and regional levels, decentral ization in the Philippines reaches down to the basic unit of government, the barangays.Due to our countrys bent towards democracy, the Philippines has a â€Å"higher form of decentralization† as compared to other countries (Ibid. . The central government has transferred more powers and functions to the local governments and has provided more avenues for civil society engagement in local governance. Role of Local Fiscal Administration in a Decentralized Setup The transfer of powers and functions to local government units (LGUs) necessitates the transfer and redistribution of financial resources. LGUs need sources and means to finance devolved services.Thus, the Local Government Code of 1991 provided LGUs with an increase in the IRA share, broader tax base, and a Just share in the national wealth. The redistribution of financial resources is essential for LGUs to realize local development as more responsive services are provided to the community. Local fiscal administration pla ys an important role in the attainment of local development as well as in the attainment of national goals. LGUs have to maximize powers and functions particularly their taxing powers and other functions in line with revenue generation and resource allocation to hasten development at the local level.A good local fiscal administration is needed to realize inclusive growth and poverty reduction as utlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2011- 2016. Improvements in the different aspects of local fiscal administration- systems, structures, processes, officials and personnel, and policy environment- is a means for the local government to obtain higher income levels to finance local government operations and services intended to uplift living conditions in the communities. As stated in the Handbook of Local Fiscal Administration in the Philippines by Celestino, et. al. these improvements may come in the form of new technology, good staffing patterns, adequate skills of ersonnel, height ened awareness of LGUs of available credit facilities, enhanced capacity of LGU for development planning, and the presence of political will among others. These contribute to increased LGU revenues and improved delivery of services to the community. Ultimately, poor living conditions and issues on human development (i. e. health diseases, malnutrition, illiteracy, unemployment, underemployment, environmental degradation, etc. ) are addressed when LGUs are able to provide more than adequate services.Improvements along these areas have an intrinsic value to the society. A healthier and educated population is a way of eradicating poverty. Same is true with the provision and generation of Jobs at the local level. same can De sala wltn eTTo rts to protect ana preserve ecological Dalance in any given community. These contribute to the achievement of inclusive growth and eradication of poverty. Local Fiscal Administration 20 Years after the Code's Enactment A closer look at the 20- year Ph ilippine experience of decentralization,however, shows that the country has succeeded only to a certain extent in its decentralization efforts.Llanto, in his iscussion paper, â€Å"The Assignment of Functions and Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations in the Philippines Twenty Years after Decentralization†, has observed that expenditure responsibilities with benefits confined within the territorial Jurisdiction of local governments were correctly assigned to LGUs. By these, he means that the Code correctly devolved functions and responsibilities on social demands and concerns that LGUs are in the best positions to respond to. He also mentioned that the Code ensured a clear tax- expenditure assignment.Nonetheless, despite success tories on decentralization particularly on local fiscal autonomy, Llanto observed pressing issues that need to be addressed if the country has to succeed in its decentralization efforts. These issues are: 1. The presence of two- track delivery system wher e NGAs perform devolved functions falling under the LGUs. 2. The increase in NGA budgets as a result of overlapping implementation of devolved programs 3. The misallocation of resources at the local level caused by the abuse of the pork barrel. 4. The low locally- sourced revenues in comparison to the total LGU expenditure. 5.The IRA-dependency of LGUs . The mismatch in the increase of expenditures and the quality of services 7. The inequitable access to local tax bases where cities have broader taxing powers than the provinces and municipalities. 8. The inability to raise adequate local revenues to the absence of competent staff and poor revenue generation systems. 9. The poor predictability in the size of the IRA. His suggestions to address these issues include the following: 1. The conduct of regular local public expenditure review 2. The use of poverty index, human development index, or resource indicator instead of the equal sharing criteria. The improvement of local tax admini stration. 4. The review and updating of local tax codes. 5. The institutionalization of a monitoring and reward system to recognize good local government performance in fiscal administration. 6. The avoidance of the imposition of unfunded mandates by the identification of source of funding apart from the coffers of the local government units 7. The alliance building/ resource pooling among LGUs for activities and services with inter-]urisdictional spillovers. There is still a lot of work to be done in our pursuit of successful decentralization nd the attainment of local development.Legislators and other policy makers have to pause and seriously consider the issues which surfaced in our first 20 years of decentralization. I believe that if we are to make any progress, incremental steps have to be taken towards countering these issues and challenges. And there is no importune time than the present to start providing interventions to the multiple concerns that confront the Philippine d ecentralization system.

Pulp Fiction Film Analysis - 1134 Words

Pulp Fiction is a black comedy crime film written and directed Quentin Tarantino (1994). The film’s â€Å"narrative follows the unpredictable actions and reflections of two hit men who philosophically meditate out loud about the Bible, loyalty, and McDonald’s hamburgers† (Corrigan, White, 368). The movie goes against the three-act structure of classic films as the story is told out of chronological order making the film so memorable to its viewers. Tarantino’s film begins in a coffee shop and also ends in the same shop. In the beginning of the film, it appears to be a soft, moist, shapeless matter of mass but as the movie progresses the audience can take away much more from the mundane acts they view on screen. The film’s odd narrative†¦show more content†¦Pulp Fiction employs various devices such as dialogue and visual motifs that provide narrative clarity and unity along the lines associated with classical Hollywood cinema (Bailey, 52). T he dialogue in the coffee shop indicates that the film has more to do with the mundane aspects of a life of crime than it does with the glamour, danger, and intrigue typical of thrillers or film noir (Howley). The film’s dialogue can range from absolutely pointless to completely captivating moments. These conversation establishes character and character relations early in the film in an entertaining fashion. This is depicted when Vincent and Jules are having a normal conversation about Amsterdam and foot massages directly before they are about to commit multiple murders. This organic conversation establishes the characters as reasonably ordinary people to the audience till they arrive at the apartment and appear stone cold. Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction clarity illustrates the style of mundane versus the extreme. A motif that remains constant in the film is the bathroom. Various of the film’s major events occur while someone is using the restroom. 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