A company in San Francisco, California, has found a way to turn used plastic bottles into women’s shoes.

Every day, millions of Americans drink water and other liquids from plastic bottles. More than 60 million of them are thrown away each day. Many of the plastic bottles end up in landfills or are burned with other waste products.

A San Francisco start-up company called Rothy’s, however, turns this plastic waste into environmentally friendly shoes. Roth Martin is the company’s co-founder. He explains how they turn plastic into soft material for women’s feet. They take the plastic, clean it, and break it down into small pieces. Then they press them through a device that makes soft fibers. Those fibers are then combined together. This is done by a 3D machine. It is designed to reduce waste while making the shoes. The knitted stuff and the inner part of the shoe are then attached to the shoe’s outer part, called the sole (鞋底). This outer sole is also made from environmentally friendly material: responsibly sourced no-carbon rubber.

Rothy’s shoes are sold online. They are flat shoes, with either a rounded or pointed toe. They come in different colors and designs. They cost either $ 125 or $ 145 per pair, depending on the design. After American actress Gwyneth Paltrow discovered them last year, the demand for the shoes grew. Martin says there is no shortage of material to fill that demand. “We’re not going to run out of water bottles any time soon. So we have a limitless supply of material, and I think that is a good sign for our future.” When the environmentally friendly shoes wear out, customers can return them at no cost to a company that uses the recycled materials to make other products.

For now, the shoes are only available to be shipped in the United States. However, the company says it will add international shipping in the near future.

Will there be an outbreak of bird flu that threatens humans? Many experts disagree on when or whether a human pandemic (大流行病) will occur, but do say there is a chance that the virus could mutate(变异), leading to widespread infection.    35    Here’s what you need to know to help keep yourself healthy.

Stock up on food, water and household supplies. If there is a bird flu pandemic, you'll want to minimize your chance of catching it by staying indoors; you might even be required to stay home if the government asks that people remain in quarantine (隔离期). You’d better stock up today on at least 2-week worth of essentials such as water, food, emergency and medical supplies.     36    

Have an outbreak plan. It may feel odd or uncomfortable to talk to family members and loved ones about the worst-case pandemic scenario. But if that scenario strikes, you’ll all be much better off if you have a plan decided on and ready.     37     Figure out how you would care for them and what your first response and responsibilities would be; this is an especially important conversation to have with those with special care needs.

    38     Things like keeping a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting sufficient rest can help keep you healthy in an outbreak and also keep you from catching the common cold. Particularly in a flu outbreak situation, it will be important to wash our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be diligent about covering coughs and sneezes with tissues.

Moreover, know your essential health information such as blood type, allergies, and past or current medical conditions. Make a list of that essential information for all the members of your family.     39     And do make sure everyone in your household knows where to find it.