Water UK

Bottled water and the environment

03/03/06

This month’s attack was from Washington DC-based NGO the Earth Policy Institute, which unleashed stats on sales, use of energy, ‘food miles’ and non-biodegradability, rubbishing one of the darling products of consumer society.

Such a negative message was irresistible to commentators everywhere, who mocked drinkers for having more money than sense. Most media pointed out that mineral water provided no advantage over tap, and the Daily Mail called tap water “one of the great, largely unsung, triumphs of the modern age”.

It can’t be denied, however, that convenience and clever marketing are keeping bottled sales buoyant, with sugary drink substitution providing an extra boost. ‘Evil’ is very strong; perhaps ’facing a superior business model‘ would be more appropriate.
Happy dinosaurs

Contact: Barrie Clarke