Introduction
The bottled water industry is a multibillion dollar one, meeting an ever growing craving for easy hydration around the world. There are costs however, to doing so, with an environmental toll. Producing, distributing, and disposing plastic bottles makes such a huge ecological impact from the water it contains as well as the plastic it’s made from; from GHG emissions to plastic waste. The environmental impact of bottled water is something we’ll discuss here, the extent to which sustainable alternatives are used, and advice for the consumers to reduce their footprint.
The Scale of Plastic Waste
Plastic Bottle Production
Bottles require a lot of petroleum and a great deal of energy to make. This year, almost 480 billion plastic bottles were made worldwide, most for water in bottles. The process is damaging to natural resources and the process is high emitters of greenhouse gases.
Recycling Challenges
Although it’s technically recyclable, only 9 percent of plastic bottles get recycled. Most bottled plastic ends up in landfills or on the street as litter because of contamination, a lack of recycling infrastructure, and the habits of consumers.
Microplastic Pollution
But rubber comes apart into microplastics which then contaminate soils and water over time as discarded plastic bottles break down. Oceans, rivers and even the bottled water itself have been found to have microplastics — which are just too small to spot — posing risks not only to the health of marine life but also of our own.
Carbon Footprint of Bottled Water
Energy-Intensive Production
Bottled water production follows this sourcing, then purification, then bottling, and finally packaging, all of which require a lot of energy. But the carbon footprint of bottled water is also increased by the transporting of bottled water from regions to others.
Transportation Emissions
Natural springs or purification facilities trap a quantity of water and transport them to retail outlets and consumers over long distances, sometimes even over a wide area. This extra environmental cost is added in as the energy for shipping and refrigeration.
Comparisons with Tap Water
It’s far cheaper and less expensive for tap water because systems in each area also rely on local infrastructure and have a far smaller carbon footprint than bottled. Transporting and packaging with tap water, particularly with a reusable bottle, takes away the energy heavy transportation and packaging.
Impact on Ecosystems
Plastic Pollution in Water Bodies
Plastic bottles are been littered all over the world rivers, lakes and oceans, harming our aquatic ecosystems. Plastic is often eaten by marine animals, due to becoming mistaken for food, which results in ingestion, entanglement, and death.
Over-Extraction of Water Sources
Bottled water companies don’t simply suck the water directly from pipes, they extract natural springs and aquifers, taking resources that neighboring communities and ecosystems depend on. Water this way disrupts normal water cycles and may worsen conditions of drought in thirsty areas.
Sustainable Alternatives to Bottled Water
Reusable Water Bottles
You can also invest in your reusable stainless steel, glass or BPA free plastic bottles to minimize plastic waste. They are durable, portable and you can fill the bottles with tap or filtered water.
Home Water Filtration Systems
Home filtration systems improve the taste and quality of water coming out of the tap, making it a sound substitute for bottled water. There is simple pitcher filters to advanced under sink systems.
Public Water Refill Stations
Public water refill stations are being placed up in many cities to encourage people to use tap water. They are convenient, and, most of all, they are environment friendly, they allow you to hydrate without waste.
Eco-Friendly Bottled Water Brands
Though many bottled water companies have adopted sustainable practices, some are partnering with sustainable bottled water companies that minimize their carbon footprint and provider renewable bottle water. If we as a brand can support brands like this, it actually brings change across the whole industry.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Countries Leading the Way
- Germany: Plastic bottles are recycled and it has a system with a 98 percent return rate for plastic bottles, a recycling leader.
- Norway: It is a deposit return system for bottles that decimates litter and dramatically increases rates of recycling.
Corporate Initiatives
But there are innovative solutions afoot, such as bottles made from plant based materials or, for instance, 100% recycled plastic. The initiative has shown potential for more sustainable production practices.
Consumer Actions to Reduce Impact
Reduce Bottled Water Consumption
- Drink regular tap water daily whenever you have the option.
- Rather than relying on single use plastic bottles, strengthen your practises by bringing a reusable water bottle.
Advocate for Recycling
- Work the local recycling programs in.
- Support determinants of recycling infrastructure improvement and is based on promoting the circular economy.
Educate Others
Bottled water has an environmental impact, but raising awareness of this means that friends, family, and communities can take on more sustainable habits.
Policy and Industry Solutions
Improving Recycling Infrastructure
Governments can invest in recycling facilities and implement deposit-return systems to increase recycling rates and reduce waste.
Regulating Water Extraction
Stronger regulations on water extraction can protect natural resources and ensure fair access for local communities.
Promoting Public Tap Water Systems
Expanding access to safe and reliable tap water, including the installation of public fountains and refill stations, can reduce dependence on bottled water.
Conclusion
Bottled water is a problem, but one that needs attention from consumers, governments, and the industries that make water in the first place. Were it not for the purchasing power of our corporate customers, organizations could have sought out those sustainable alternatives, reduced their consumption of bottled water, and lobbied for systemic changes long ago. Each bit counts when it comes to making our planet a little more sustainable for future generations.
