Bottled Water Part II: Breaking the habit

Bottled water is fast becoming a habit, a habit that takes a huge environmental toll as was discussed in Part I of the blog.

Bottled water, no doubt, is convenient. At times, it even makes a lifestyle statement. And it is becoming increasingly common to think that it’s the only alternative, as one may have lost faith in local public utilities to deliver uncontaminated water, regardless of whether one lives in the developed or developing world.

Here are some ways to help break the habit

- Learn more. Read the books recommended at the bottom of this blog as well as this excellent report by Food and Water Watch.  This insightful report is a must read. It’s entitled “Take back the tap:Why choosing tap water over bottled water is better for your health, your pocketbook and the environment”

 

- Invest in a good filter. If you live in the developed world, chances are that your bottled water is no safer than your tap water, as scientific studies have shown time and again. This doesn’t mean that tap water is necessarily safe by itself.  Regardless of where you live, the presence of chlorine and chlorine by-products, pesticides, synthetic fertilisers and chemicals, dirt and bacterial contamination in pipes and overhead tanks are genuine concerns. It makes sense to research into a good quality water filter, such as one with activated carbon, with natural magnetic stones to energise the water.

Here’s a guide that may help you choose one:
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/take-action/consumer-tools/choosing-a-water-filter/

Another website which has loads of information on the contaminants in bottled as well as tap water is www.thefreewaterreport.org

- Carry your own bottle of water, preferably a stainless steel one with filtered water from home.

- If you’re dying of thirst and can’t get hold of any potable water, look for alternatives such as fresh juice or fruit or pick up bottled water that has been manufactured as close as possible to where you live. Please recycle your used bottles. My friend, Vinisha suggested a great website for recycling ideas. It’s http://www.instructables.com/contest/keepthebottle/

 

-Refuse free bottled water that is dispensed liberally at events, parties and functions and avoid providing them when you are organising an event. Hire or install a water dispenser instead.

- Encourage your company not to distribute bottled waters at seminars and conferences and place water dispensers instead

Your saying NO to bottled water can make a huge difference in reducing a host of environmental ills, conserving oil and reducing carbon emissions. More importantly, you will help in conserving water that belongs to communities, and in ensuring water quality that belongs to future generations.

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