Bottled Water: Is it a Green Choice or Not?

We are witnessing several decades’ long expansion of bottled water all around the world, even in places that are rich with natural water resources. Is it really a fact that bottled water is the best choice when drinking water is concerned? Is it truly being collected in the purest springs on the top of the mountain or are things somewhat different in reality? Let us answer these and several other questions and shed some objective light on the matter of bottled water being a green choice.

Plastic bottles and pollution

The estimate is that around 50 billion water bottles are consumed annually throughout the world. Given the fact that it takes around 450 years for a plastic bottle to fully dissolve it is no wonder that this amount of plastic bottles produced on regular basis significantly contributes to the overall devastating effect plastic has on our environment. These facts alone are sufficient to make us stop and think before we buy another plastic bottle of water.

Toxicity of plastic

Ever since they started being used for bottling water plastic bottles have been under constant testing and research. The primary interest lies in the question whether any toxic chemicals are being released into the water and whether they remain in the human body after consumption. The results are constantly shifting from positive to negative and bottles are constantly being improved to prevent any harmful influences. However, all potential consumers should ask themselves a question whether it is worth the risk in the first place?

Energy consumption required to produce bottled water

The figures are simply shocking. The estimate is that it takes three times the amount of water to produce one bottle than to fill it. Around 17 million barrels of oil are used to produce the annual volume of bottled water and over 50 million to transport them to the stores around the globe. Perhaps the most vivid way to fully comprehend these figures is to imagine one-quarter of every plastic water bottle filled with oil and ponder the impact it has on fossil fuel consumption and the environment in general, regardless if the bottles are made of glass or plastic.

Tap water

When it comes to economic angle, it goes without saying that using tap water is more affordable and convenient than buying bottled water. When it comes to health, unless your tap water has a high content of dangerous substances the experts agree that there are no justifiable reasons not to use it and that small amounts of impurities are in fact beneficial to our immune systems. Finally, the fact that tap water has been used for centuries must stand for something, as well as the fact that consuming it does not pollute the environment in any way. Having your water tested by professional is good idea for the safety and health of your family.

Filtered water alternative

If you do not wish to let anything to chance and want to be absolutely certain that you are drinking the healthiest household water available filtering is the way to go, claim Sydney-based experts for water filters. Tap water cleared of all chemical and bacterial impurities surely is the healthiest choice when it comes to drinking water and the easiness of installment, use and maintenance come as a bonus, as well. Clear clean water is surely the healthiest choice.

Having all this said, it is pretty obvious that bottled water, especially the plastic container version of it, cannot be called a green choice in any aspect of both production and consumption. Bear it all in mind the next time you enter a store.

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Marla

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Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!