Bottled water and the environmentBottled water has become a huge industry, both in terms of economics and environmental impact. Of course, all drinks in plastic bottles require the bottles to be made—using energy and raw materials—and produce waste when the beverage is finished, but many of these drinks are unique and viewed as more of a treat than an essential. Drinking bottled water when you have access to a tap of clean water causes you to waste plastic and energy that you wouldn’t have used otherwise. The bottles must also be transported across the country and are often stored in refrigerated units, resulting in more energy being spent.
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Is bottled better?Many people who chose to drink bottled water when tap water is available to them do so because it seems like a healthier choice. Bottled water is advertised as being from a natural source, or having been purified more rigorously than tap water. This is not always true—some companies imply their water is from a pristine spring or river when in reality, they’re just bottling municipal drinking water. “Natural” water is no better for you than properly filtered tap water; differences in taste are due to differences in minerals and harmless chemicals. Interestingly, water that has been completely purified is dangerous to drink. This water can be used to manufacture some electronics, but would damage your body if ingested.
If you have concerns about your tap water, you can have it tested. |
Drinking water tipsIncreasing the amount of water you drink is good for your health, and there are ways to up your water intake while avoiding bottled water:
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For more information on bottled water and water bottles, click here or here, or check out The Big Thirst by Charles Fishman.