July/August 2009 Issue

Big Gulp

How much H20 goes into everyday products.


Microchip

8 gallons

Apple

18 gallons

Pint of beer

20 gallons

4 oz. wine

32 gallons

16 oz. Diet Coke

33 gallons

4 oz. coffee

37 gallons

7 oz. orange juice

45 gallons

Diaper

214 gallons

1 lb. chicken

467 gallons

1 lb. cheese

599 gallons

Hamburger

634 gallons

Cotton T-shirt

719 gallons

Ream of white paper

1,321 gallons

1 lb. beef

1,857 gallons

Pair of leather shoes

2,113 gallons

Pair of jeans

2,866 gallons

Midsize car

39,090 gallons

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We don't answer to billionaires. We answer to you.

You've watched it happen in real time: corporate media cutting staff, killing stories, and bending to power. The giants of American media have owners to protect, and the truth pays the price.

None of it should surprise us. The problem with American journalism has always been that we entrusted this vital public service to for-profit companies whose allegiance could shift with the political winds and the bottom line.

That is why Mother Jones is independent from billionaires, corporations, and any other deep-pockets owner—and has been since we were founded 50 years ago. We’re only answering to our readers. To you.

We’re funded by our readers too. This week, we have a generous $50,000 match for all donations, meaning that your donation—and your impact—will be doubled. Gifts from readers like you help keep us fiercely independent and telling the truth about those in power.

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