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March 22, 2009 was the 16th annual World Water Day, an “international day to celebrate freshwater” designated by the United Nations in 1992. As international celebrations go, this event ranks low on most people’s radar. Did anyone know the theme this year is transboundary water? To commemorate this day, I thought it would be appropriate to examine a water issue that has recently become a lightning rod for criticism throughout the country. What’s wrong with bottled water?
On the surface, it appears, not much. Thanks to splashy advertising and an increasingly health-conscious consumer, the market for bottled water has been increasing by 8-10 percent annually, according to the Beverage Marketing Association. In 2007, Americans consumed more than 8.8 billion gallons of bottled water, and it has become the second-most consumed beverage in the U.S. – after soda. Although drinking bottled water may be good for our ever-expanding waistlines, recent studies have shown it is not good for the environment.
Groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council have raised questions about the environmental impacts and overall safety of bottled water. The Take Back the Tap Campaign, active in restaurants, a few progressive cities and college campuses such as our own, encourages consumers to choose tap water over bottled. This campaign points out that tap water is not only better for your wallet, but better for the environment.
By refilling reusable bottles with tap water, we reduce the amount of plastic bottles produced, 86 percent of which eventually end up in landfills. Millions of barrels of oil are used every year to produce plastic water bottles and to transport bottled water throughout the country. Is it really necessary to drink water bottled in Fiji that has been shipped across the Pacific Ocean? What a waste of energy when all we have to do is grab a glass and turn on the faucet.
In these tough economic times, we are encouraged to cut back on unnecessary spending. There are countless articles on how to save money on your electric, gas and grocery bills. Here’s another way to save money – kick your bottled water habit. While most Americans pay only 0.002 cents per gallon for tap water, bottled water can cost as much as one dollar for 12 ounces, or up to 10 dollars for a gallon. We complain about paying two dollars for a gallon of gasoline but don’t have a problem paying 10 dollars for a product we can essentially have for free from our own taps.
I have nothing against using bottled water in places like rural Africa and India, where a lack of clean water sources can lead to diseases like cholera and dysentery. Where waterborne diseases kill 1.6 million people a year, bottled water is a lifesaver. However, in the U.S. – where our water is among the cleanest in the world – there are better ways to spend our money.
Next time you leave your house, think about bringing a reusable bottle. You’ll have access to water all day and won’t have to worry about harming the environment or hurting your wallet. We at UMaine can take back the tap by getting our water from water fountains, not vending machines. Bring a reusable bottle and drink up.
Marcienne Scofield is a junior ecology and environmental science student.
