Bottled Water and its Positive Effects on Environment

The bottled water industry is concerned about the environment and is taking action to protect it. Substantial reductions in plastic use and significant increases in recycling rates make bottled water packaging a ‘face of positive change’ for Earth Day 2013, says the International Bottled Water Association.

The bottled water industry is a strong supporter of our environment and our natural resources. In fact, bottled water’s environmental footprint is the lowest of any packaged beverage according to a life cycle assessment conducting by Quantis in 2010. The bottled water industry’s dedication to protecting the environment and natural resources is also demonstrated by:

Using less PET plastic to make single-serve bottled water containers. The average weight of a 16.9-ounce(half-liter) PET plastic bottled water container declined 47.8 percent, savings of 3.3 billion pounds of PET resin.

Increasing the use of recycled PET (rPET) to make bottled water containers. While bottled water is just one of thousands of consumer items packaged in plastic, some bottled water companies already use bottles made from 100 percent rPET. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The bottled water industry supports strong community recycling programs. All bottled water containers are 100 percent recyclable, and of all the plastics produced in the United States, PET plastic bottled water packaging makes up only 0.91 percent; less than one percent. And, EPA figures demonstrate that plastic water bottles make up less than one-third of one percent of the U.S. waste stream. 3- and 5-gallon plastic bottled water containers are reused between 30-50 times before being recycled.

“PET can be recycled multiple times and virtually all recycling programs in the United States accept PET containers,” says Hogan. “rPET can be made into new bottles or items such as plastic lumber for outdoor decking, playground equipment, carpeting, clothing, and car parts.”

Bottled water Pros and Cons

Pro: For a busy, on-the-go populace, bottled water offers a convenient choice.

Pro: FDA regulates bottled water safety, and EPA enforces safety standards for bottled water. As new health and safety standards are created for tap water, bottled water standards adapt accordingly.

Pro: The type of plastic used in most bottled water containers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), is considered a safe plastic. You’ll know PET plastic by the recycling code No. 1, which is stamped on the bottom of bottles. Only use a PET plastic bottle for its intended single use and then properly recycle it.

Con: Once you’ve finished with a one-use bottle, a whole new set of costly processes begins. Though recyclable, many water bottles are either incinerated or discarded, ending up in crowded landfills.