COMMENTS: 43
Why Can't We Just Stop Drinking Bottled Water?
October 20, 2008 |
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And we bought it. Big time. According to the International Council of Bottled Water Associations, in 2003, Americans spent nearly $8 billion buying 24.5 million liters of bottled water. That's roughly 90 liters, or almost 24 gallons per person. The Earth Policy Institute says that figure has risen to more than 30 gallons in 2007 at a cost of $9 billion."
So we are spending fortunes on bottled water that may not even be any better than tap water. Just last week the Environmental Working Group found that 10 popular brands of bottled water contained an average of 8 chemical pollutants in each and more than one-third of the chemicals found are not even regulated in bottled water. And here's the crazy thing: in some cases bottled water comes from the same place as tap water -- a public water supply!
Now let's talk planet. Nearly a quarter of water bottles are shipped across borders -- in planes, in trucks, in boats -- emitting greenhouse gasses along the way. In addition to all the oil that is required for shipping, the plastic that holds the water is derived from crude oil. That's a lot of oil. In fact, Americans' demand for bottled water requires more than 17 million barrels of oil per year!
So what's wrong with us? It's not as safe, it's bad for our planet and it's clearly more expensive. It's just become a nation wide nasty habit. So let's all start today and SAY NO to bottled water. Done. Finished. Never again. The alternatives? Go buy a water filter pitcher or install a water filter in your house. Break down and buy one of those metal water bottles -- I think that you'll find it's stylish these days to carry one around.
Sloan Barnett is a contributor to NBC’s Today Show and the green editor for KNTV, the NBC affiliate in the San Francisco bay area. She's the author of the new book, Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet.
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Why do we have a system that filters all water to drinking standards?
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:19 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:19 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The moment some water filtration was necessary, people should have separately routed water for different purposes and processed them to different extents.
The clean water requirements for drinking and cooking is different from that for washing, bathing, growing plants (preferably food), ... It doesn't make sense that so very much water has to be filtered to drinking standards for so very little that is used for cooking and drinking.
Something to think about when planning future cities or revamping existing systems.
Sincerely,
Aouie
The clean water requirements for drinking and cooking is different from that for washing, bathing, growing plants (preferably food), ... It doesn't make sense that so very much water has to be filtered to drinking standards for so very little that is used for cooking and drinking.
Something to think about when planning future cities or revamping existing systems.
Sincerely,
Aouie
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Tap water concerns (solution filters) - Chlorine, Chloramines, ...
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:20 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:20 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Many cities are now switching to chloramines as it is not as noticeable as the chlorine taste. The problem is that the inexpensive filters that were good enough for reducing the chlorine content do not work well enough on reducing chloramines. The more expensive filtration solutions are still cheaper than bottled water. I personally settled on a recommendation for the reasonably priced ones at Pure Earth.
Sincerely,
Aouie
Sincerely,
Aouie
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"So what's wrong with us?"
Posted by: socialpsych on Oct 21, 2008 3:46 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: socialpsych on Oct 21, 2008 3:46 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Americans started becoming infantilized during the Reagan era in the 1980s. Bottled water, cell phones, and iPODs are the just latest tools by which Big Business keeps us that way. These products comfort and encourage the infant in us, and as a result Americans are helpless, dependent, and nauseatingly self-centered.
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» What? Surely Not iPods!
Posted by: ProgressiveManiac
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Marketing and elitism.
Posted by: colinmeister on Oct 21, 2008 3:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: colinmeister on Oct 21, 2008 3:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Bottled water has been heavily marketed to the American public. TV commercials are pushing bottled water all the time, as are roadside and magazine advertisements. The public have been caught by the marketers to spend money on something which they can get essentially free.
Then there is the showoff thing. Some people like to offer a bottle of "Moland Spring" or "Evian" to guests since they think it looks superior to offering a glass of tap water.
Bottled water is often more expensive than gasoline - compare next time you fill your car and go into the gas station convenience store. It is about time people looked at places they can easily save money during these hard times.
Then there is the showoff thing. Some people like to offer a bottle of "Moland Spring" or "Evian" to guests since they think it looks superior to offering a glass of tap water.
Bottled water is often more expensive than gasoline - compare next time you fill your car and go into the gas station convenience store. It is about time people looked at places they can easily save money during these hard times.
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Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: Nightowl on Oct 21, 2008 4:12 AM
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Posted by: Nightowl on Oct 21, 2008 4:12 AM
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Florine, chlorine, etc. Something in the water I'm sensitive to, nauseates me. I drink spring water. At least it doesn't make me ill.
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» RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: clvngodess
» RE: Chemicals from runoff.....OR Maybe Not???
Posted by: BigElectricCat
» RE: So many cats. So few recipes.
Posted by: albertrossi
» RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: anarchris
» Solution filters: RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: aouie01
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sterile alternatives
Posted by: mena on Oct 21, 2008 4:46 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: mena on Oct 21, 2008 4:46 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I've really been trying to go without plastic water bottles. The other day I noticed someone lifting their dog to the water fountain in the park. I've used that water fountain all summer, it is less appealing now. I worry about the metal water bottles because I don't want to risk Alzheimer's from aluminum contamination. I have a filter at home, but when away, rest room tap water and filthy fountains are pretty unappealing.
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» RE: sterile alternatives
Posted by: socialpsych
» Don't want a metal bottle?
Posted by: JoshuaLudd
» RE: sterile alternatives
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
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Flouride
Posted by: sunnywater on Oct 21, 2008 5:20 AM
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Posted by: sunnywater on Oct 21, 2008 5:20 AM
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As long as my tap water contains flouride I will purchase unflouridated water.
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» RE: Flouride
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» RE: Fluoride
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» Solution filters: RE: Flouride
Posted by: aouie01
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plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: dustdevil on Oct 21, 2008 6:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: dustdevil on Oct 21, 2008 6:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So why do so many of them end up littering our rivers and streams?
I live on a spring fed river in the Texas Hill country. Plastic bottles now far outnumber beer cans as the most common litter. I consider people who litter to be stupid and inconsiderate. Now when I see someone with plastic bottled water, I see someone who is easily manipulated by mass marketing and who values convenience over the welfare of this planet.
I live on a spring fed river in the Texas Hill country. Plastic bottles now far outnumber beer cans as the most common litter. I consider people who litter to be stupid and inconsiderate. Now when I see someone with plastic bottled water, I see someone who is easily manipulated by mass marketing and who values convenience over the welfare of this planet.
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» NOT: plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: ProgressiveManiac
» You are right. I should have said . . .
Posted by: dustdevil
» RE: plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
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True True True,
Posted by: sirios on Oct 21, 2008 6:57 AM
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Posted by: sirios on Oct 21, 2008 6:57 AM
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except , "where in europe tap water can sometimes be iffy" this is a very misleading statment. I lived in europe for eight years and can tell you that the tap water has less chlorine no flourine [in germany] less toxic chemicals etc. and yet they have succumbed to the chic of bottled water long before us. one big difference is the widespread use of glass bottles whic are returned to the store and then sent back to the company to be sterilized and reused. there is no "added" transportation costs , because the bottles are picked up when the new delivery is made. So it is just a simple exchange.
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» RE: True True True,
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
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Burning water bottles
Posted by: sedort on Oct 21, 2008 6:59 AM
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Posted by: sedort on Oct 21, 2008 6:59 AM
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I think the worst part of using plastic bottles for water is what happens to them after one use. They end up in our cement kilns as fuel. With all the negitive press on health concerns from plastics, we are being killed with all the fumes coming out of cement kilns stacks.
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John
Posted by: johntoconnor on Oct 21, 2008 8:00 AM
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Posted by: johntoconnor on Oct 21, 2008 8:00 AM
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For a slide show depicting "The Story of Bottled Water", try the library at www.h2oc.com.
Also, the water passed through carbon filters are examined microscopically in "Refrigerator Filters vs. Columbia Tap Water".
Finally, what makes any bottled water purchaser believe there is no fluoride in their bottled water? It is actually added to some to promote sales to children.
Also, the water passed through carbon filters are examined microscopically in "Refrigerator Filters vs. Columbia Tap Water".
Finally, what makes any bottled water purchaser believe there is no fluoride in their bottled water? It is actually added to some to promote sales to children.
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Bottled Water Sometimes Necessary Evil
Posted by: Sanitee on Oct 21, 2008 8:13 AM
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Posted by: Sanitee on Oct 21, 2008 8:13 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
As an older adult with a malabsorption problem, I suffer from rapid dehydration. My mouth gets cotton dry within 2 to 3 minutes of any minor exertion, including walking. I need to carry water with me at all times. I don't want to carry a heavy, clumsy metal container everywhere I go. Plastic bottles fit in my handbag conveniently. I do buy bottled water occasionally, but I take the bottle home and refill it with tap water and reuse it dozens of times. Fortunately, I live in a city with very good water. But there are times when I've forgotten to take my water bottle with me, and the only source of water is to buy a bottle. So I do. But the big problem is not bottled water. It is also plastic containers for soft drinks, juices and milk. What do we do about those?
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There are those who are CARELESS with plastics and take them for GRANTED.
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 8:40 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 8:40 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
My wife was turned on by my zeal to preserve and reuse plastic bottles a few more times before discarding it. My sister, on the other hand, would think that something was mentally wrong with me for reusing and recycling over simply just throwing them away after first use. And yes, she's a die-hard Republican and thinks that her husband has a mental problem with being even a little frugal. That, my friend, is the problem with this country. Until we the people learn the art of sharing, frugality, and humbleness and learn to quit exploiting each other as somehow being a threat to the "economy" just because some of us do not spend, we're all losers.
And by the way, back in the days my uncle could sell lemonade and soda before the days of those bottled drinks going mainstream and back then nobody complained and were happy to put folks like him out of business. We need to look at this whole thing long term and draw the lines somewhere on all this bottled "name your drink" issue.
And by the way, back in the days my uncle could sell lemonade and soda before the days of those bottled drinks going mainstream and back then nobody complained and were happy to put folks like him out of business. We need to look at this whole thing long term and draw the lines somewhere on all this bottled "name your drink" issue.
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bottle water is a healthy alternative to soda/pop
Posted by: someone8 on Oct 21, 2008 9:12 AM
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Posted by: someone8 on Oct 21, 2008 9:12 AM
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why all this attack on bottle water? I drink it because it is better than soda pop. I want to be able to have an alternative. Why is no one attacking soda manufacturers or beer in a plastic bottle?
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» Schools could replace soda machines with healthy bottled drinks including water.
Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: Schools could replace soda machines with water fountains.
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» I do prefer improved fountains over bottled drinks. My apologies for the hasty title.
Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: bottle water...healthy alternative to soda/pop...So is tap water!
Posted by: BigElectricCat
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Another Option...
Posted by: WhuThe?!? on Oct 21, 2008 10:10 AM
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Posted by: WhuThe?!? on Oct 21, 2008 10:10 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I am also abhorred by the irresponsible use of so many environmentally-destructive plastic bottles in use. I swear, most people that drink that crap aren't health-conscious individuals, but insecure people that want to fit in. Why else would somebody spend $1 for a pint of water they can go get out of the tap? Kind of like most SUV drivers don't need to haul alot or go 4-wheeling, however, like the prestige that environmentally-destructive individuals obtain in this sick, confused society. Strange phenomena.
Recycling or not, the less plastic bottles being used, the less environmental damage, as although recycling is better than tossing, it still takes a lot of extra energy to melt down and recycle something that shouldn't have been used in the first place. Also, I doubt melting down and recycling that shit doesn't release toxins to the air.
I drink treated water because tap water has two substances I don't feel I should be consuming: chlorine and flouride. Especially that flouride crap; that is downright scary. I recommend googling it; you'll be amazed. Anyway I buy my water in bulk by refilling 5-gallon jugs at the local food coop. It is double-osmosis treated water and I don't have to damage the environment with all those damned plastic containers.
On the other hand, I don't look cool without an environmentally-destructive plastic bottle in my hand. Oh well. I always did have a tough time fitting in.
Recycling or not, the less plastic bottles being used, the less environmental damage, as although recycling is better than tossing, it still takes a lot of extra energy to melt down and recycle something that shouldn't have been used in the first place. Also, I doubt melting down and recycling that shit doesn't release toxins to the air.
I drink treated water because tap water has two substances I don't feel I should be consuming: chlorine and flouride. Especially that flouride crap; that is downright scary. I recommend googling it; you'll be amazed. Anyway I buy my water in bulk by refilling 5-gallon jugs at the local food coop. It is double-osmosis treated water and I don't have to damage the environment with all those damned plastic containers.
On the other hand, I don't look cool without an environmentally-destructive plastic bottle in my hand. Oh well. I always did have a tough time fitting in.
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WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: fg on Oct 21, 2008 10:12 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: fg on Oct 21, 2008 10:12 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Some twenty years ago the air in my house began to have an unpleasant smell. I thought an animal may have died in an air duct, but sniffing at all the duct openings showed that was not the case. The odor remained a mystery. I finally discovered it was being caused by the water vapor emitted by the humidifier in my living room.
I dispatched a message to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, or to the EPA, or both, that there was a problem with water quality. I kept in touch over the ensuing weeks with an individual at one of these agencies. At length I was informed that the agency had never encountered as much resistance to inspection from the water company as it had when the problem I reported was brought to its attention.
From that time on I have been drinking bottled water and will contiunue to do so until I'm convinced the public water supply is being properly regulated. (My water company sends customers an annual "report" on water quality, which I suspect, alas, is a fairy tale.)
Finally, I have running through my property a brook--an open storm sewer--which runs chronically with feces and other contaminants. This empties, a couple miles downstream, into a holding reservoir owned by a (another) water company!
I dispatched a message to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, or to the EPA, or both, that there was a problem with water quality. I kept in touch over the ensuing weeks with an individual at one of these agencies. At length I was informed that the agency had never encountered as much resistance to inspection from the water company as it had when the problem I reported was brought to its attention.
From that time on I have been drinking bottled water and will contiunue to do so until I'm convinced the public water supply is being properly regulated. (My water company sends customers an annual "report" on water quality, which I suspect, alas, is a fairy tale.)
Finally, I have running through my property a brook--an open storm sewer--which runs chronically with feces and other contaminants. This empties, a couple miles downstream, into a holding reservoir owned by a (another) water company!
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» RE: WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: techcafe
» RE: WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: techcafe
Comments are closed-
gathaiga
Posted by: gathaiga on Oct 21, 2008 11:21 AM
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Posted by: gathaiga on Oct 21, 2008 11:21 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I refill one gallon plastic bottles at Wally World which is used for drinking and cooking...and making coffee. If I make coffee with the local tap water it has a VERY disagreeable (crappy) taste and I like my coffee the best that it can be.
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By the way, I was going to call for hemp for plastics but
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 12:06 PM
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Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 12:06 PM
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I do think conservation must come first. Yes, America has acted like a bad student in class and must be made to sit in the corner and reflect on the careless attitudes they had and its affects on other countries and even its own. Hell, Ellis Boy Redding of Shawshenk Redemption learned his lessons and finally got paroled. Moderation please !
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Why?
Posted by: nzo on Oct 21, 2008 8:29 PM
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Posted by: nzo on Oct 21, 2008 8:29 PM
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Because people are stupid.
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Gaping Hole in the piece... spotty water delivery infrastructure
Posted by: DaBear on Oct 22, 2008 1:52 PM
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Posted by: DaBear on Oct 22, 2008 1:52 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
When was the last time you saw a functioning, sanitary drinking fountain, let alone one with filtration gear attached, in a public space? Think about it.
That's why we use bottled water. It's there, whereas "tap water" a.k.a. the drinking fountain, isn't. DUH.
Fewer owning class writers please. They just have these mental gaps that show up all over the place no matter the topic. I think their money and privilege just makes them prone to stoopid, or sumpin'.
That's why we use bottled water. It's there, whereas "tap water" a.k.a. the drinking fountain, isn't. DUH.
Fewer owning class writers please. They just have these mental gaps that show up all over the place no matter the topic. I think their money and privilege just makes them prone to stoopid, or sumpin'.
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vitamin water, et al
Posted by: techcafe on Oct 25, 2008 9:04 PM
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Posted by: techcafe on Oct 25, 2008 9:04 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
and have you noticed that the beverage industry has introduced 'value-added' drinks to their arsenal of water products? this 'fortified' water is apparently infused with healthy things like vitamins & minerals, yadayadayada... and enough sugar to choke a horse, plus other 'mystery' ingredients.
it makes better sense to just pop a vitamin and pour yourself a glass of (filtered) tap water... but even that is TOO inconvenient for many people; they'd rather waste money (and non-renewable petroleum resources) on a plastic bottle filled with something they could have had for little or no cost - to themselves or the planet.
just STOP drinking bottled water products... it's a bad habit we've gotten ourselves into.
it makes better sense to just pop a vitamin and pour yourself a glass of (filtered) tap water... but even that is TOO inconvenient for many people; they'd rather waste money (and non-renewable petroleum resources) on a plastic bottle filled with something they could have had for little or no cost - to themselves or the planet.
just STOP drinking bottled water products... it's a bad habit we've gotten ourselves into.
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Alternet Comments:
» What? Surely Not iPods!
Posted by: ProgressiveManiac
» RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: clvngodess
» RE: Chemicals from runoff.....OR Maybe Not???
Posted by: BigElectricCat
» RE: So many cats. So few recipes.
Posted by: albertrossi
» RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: anarchris
» Solution filters: RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: aouie01
» RE: sterile alternatives
Posted by: socialpsych
» Don't want a metal bottle?
Posted by: JoshuaLudd
» RE: sterile alternatives
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» RE: Flouride
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» RE: Fluoride
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» Solution filters: RE: Flouride
Posted by: aouie01
» NOT: plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: ProgressiveManiac
» You are right. I should have said . . .
Posted by: dustdevil
» RE: plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» RE: True True True,
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» Schools could replace soda machines with healthy bottled drinks including water.
Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: Schools could replace soda machines with water fountains.
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» I do prefer improved fountains over bottled drinks. My apologies for the hasty title.
Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: bottle water...healthy alternative to soda/pop...So is tap water!
Posted by: BigElectricCat
» RE: WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: techcafe
» RE: WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: techcafe
Comments are closed-
Why do we have a system that filters all water to drinking standards?
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:19 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:19 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The moment some water filtration was necessary, people should have separately routed water for different purposes and processed them to different extents.
The clean water requirements for drinking and cooking is different from that for washing, bathing, growing plants (preferably food), ... It doesn't make sense that so very much water has to be filtered to drinking standards for so very little that is used for cooking and drinking.
Something to think about when planning future cities or revamping existing systems.
Sincerely,
Aouie
The clean water requirements for drinking and cooking is different from that for washing, bathing, growing plants (preferably food), ... It doesn't make sense that so very much water has to be filtered to drinking standards for so very little that is used for cooking and drinking.
Something to think about when planning future cities or revamping existing systems.
Sincerely,
Aouie
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
Comments are closed-
Tap water concerns (solution filters) - Chlorine, Chloramines, ...
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:20 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: aouie01 on Oct 21, 2008 1:20 AM
Current rating: 3 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Many cities are now switching to chloramines as it is not as noticeable as the chlorine taste. The problem is that the inexpensive filters that were good enough for reducing the chlorine content do not work well enough on reducing chloramines. The more expensive filtration solutions are still cheaper than bottled water. I personally settled on a recommendation for the reasonably priced ones at Pure Earth.
Sincerely,
Aouie
Sincerely,
Aouie
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Comments are closed-
"So what's wrong with us?"
Posted by: socialpsych on Oct 21, 2008 3:46 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: socialpsych on Oct 21, 2008 3:46 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Americans started becoming infantilized during the Reagan era in the 1980s. Bottled water, cell phones, and iPODs are the just latest tools by which Big Business keeps us that way. These products comfort and encourage the infant in us, and as a result Americans are helpless, dependent, and nauseatingly self-centered.
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» What? Surely Not iPods!
Posted by: ProgressiveManiac
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Marketing and elitism.
Posted by: colinmeister on Oct 21, 2008 3:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: colinmeister on Oct 21, 2008 3:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Bottled water has been heavily marketed to the American public. TV commercials are pushing bottled water all the time, as are roadside and magazine advertisements. The public have been caught by the marketers to spend money on something which they can get essentially free.
Then there is the showoff thing. Some people like to offer a bottle of "Moland Spring" or "Evian" to guests since they think it looks superior to offering a glass of tap water.
Bottled water is often more expensive than gasoline - compare next time you fill your car and go into the gas station convenience store. It is about time people looked at places they can easily save money during these hard times.
Then there is the showoff thing. Some people like to offer a bottle of "Moland Spring" or "Evian" to guests since they think it looks superior to offering a glass of tap water.
Bottled water is often more expensive than gasoline - compare next time you fill your car and go into the gas station convenience store. It is about time people looked at places they can easily save money during these hard times.
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Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: Nightowl on Oct 21, 2008 4:12 AM
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Posted by: Nightowl on Oct 21, 2008 4:12 AM
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Florine, chlorine, etc. Something in the water I'm sensitive to, nauseates me. I drink spring water. At least it doesn't make me ill.
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» RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: clvngodess
» RE: Chemicals from runoff.....OR Maybe Not???
Posted by: BigElectricCat
» RE: So many cats. So few recipes.
Posted by: albertrossi
» RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: anarchris
» Solution filters: RE: Chemicals from runoff
Posted by: aouie01
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sterile alternatives
Posted by: mena on Oct 21, 2008 4:46 AM
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Posted by: mena on Oct 21, 2008 4:46 AM
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I've really been trying to go without plastic water bottles. The other day I noticed someone lifting their dog to the water fountain in the park. I've used that water fountain all summer, it is less appealing now. I worry about the metal water bottles because I don't want to risk Alzheimer's from aluminum contamination. I have a filter at home, but when away, rest room tap water and filthy fountains are pretty unappealing.
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» RE: sterile alternatives
Posted by: socialpsych
» Don't want a metal bottle?
Posted by: JoshuaLudd
» RE: sterile alternatives
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
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Flouride
Posted by: sunnywater on Oct 21, 2008 5:20 AM
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Posted by: sunnywater on Oct 21, 2008 5:20 AM
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As long as my tap water contains flouride I will purchase unflouridated water.
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» RE: Flouride
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» RE: Fluoride
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» Solution filters: RE: Flouride
Posted by: aouie01
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plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: dustdevil on Oct 21, 2008 6:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: dustdevil on Oct 21, 2008 6:52 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So why do so many of them end up littering our rivers and streams?
I live on a spring fed river in the Texas Hill country. Plastic bottles now far outnumber beer cans as the most common litter. I consider people who litter to be stupid and inconsiderate. Now when I see someone with plastic bottled water, I see someone who is easily manipulated by mass marketing and who values convenience over the welfare of this planet.
I live on a spring fed river in the Texas Hill country. Plastic bottles now far outnumber beer cans as the most common litter. I consider people who litter to be stupid and inconsiderate. Now when I see someone with plastic bottled water, I see someone who is easily manipulated by mass marketing and who values convenience over the welfare of this planet.
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» NOT: plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: ProgressiveManiac
» You are right. I should have said . . .
Posted by: dustdevil
» RE: plastic bottles are refillable . . .
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
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True True True,
Posted by: sirios on Oct 21, 2008 6:57 AM
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Posted by: sirios on Oct 21, 2008 6:57 AM
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except , "where in europe tap water can sometimes be iffy" this is a very misleading statment. I lived in europe for eight years and can tell you that the tap water has less chlorine no flourine [in germany] less toxic chemicals etc. and yet they have succumbed to the chic of bottled water long before us. one big difference is the widespread use of glass bottles whic are returned to the store and then sent back to the company to be sterilized and reused. there is no "added" transportation costs , because the bottles are picked up when the new delivery is made. So it is just a simple exchange.
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» RE: True True True,
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
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Burning water bottles
Posted by: sedort on Oct 21, 2008 6:59 AM
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Posted by: sedort on Oct 21, 2008 6:59 AM
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I think the worst part of using plastic bottles for water is what happens to them after one use. They end up in our cement kilns as fuel. With all the negitive press on health concerns from plastics, we are being killed with all the fumes coming out of cement kilns stacks.
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John
Posted by: johntoconnor on Oct 21, 2008 8:00 AM
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Posted by: johntoconnor on Oct 21, 2008 8:00 AM
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For a slide show depicting "The Story of Bottled Water", try the library at www.h2oc.com.
Also, the water passed through carbon filters are examined microscopically in "Refrigerator Filters vs. Columbia Tap Water".
Finally, what makes any bottled water purchaser believe there is no fluoride in their bottled water? It is actually added to some to promote sales to children.
Also, the water passed through carbon filters are examined microscopically in "Refrigerator Filters vs. Columbia Tap Water".
Finally, what makes any bottled water purchaser believe there is no fluoride in their bottled water? It is actually added to some to promote sales to children.
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Bottled Water Sometimes Necessary Evil
Posted by: Sanitee on Oct 21, 2008 8:13 AM
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Posted by: Sanitee on Oct 21, 2008 8:13 AM
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As an older adult with a malabsorption problem, I suffer from rapid dehydration. My mouth gets cotton dry within 2 to 3 minutes of any minor exertion, including walking. I need to carry water with me at all times. I don't want to carry a heavy, clumsy metal container everywhere I go. Plastic bottles fit in my handbag conveniently. I do buy bottled water occasionally, but I take the bottle home and refill it with tap water and reuse it dozens of times. Fortunately, I live in a city with very good water. But there are times when I've forgotten to take my water bottle with me, and the only source of water is to buy a bottle. So I do. But the big problem is not bottled water. It is also plastic containers for soft drinks, juices and milk. What do we do about those?
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There are those who are CARELESS with plastics and take them for GRANTED.
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 8:40 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 8:40 AM
Current rating: 5 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
My wife was turned on by my zeal to preserve and reuse plastic bottles a few more times before discarding it. My sister, on the other hand, would think that something was mentally wrong with me for reusing and recycling over simply just throwing them away after first use. And yes, she's a die-hard Republican and thinks that her husband has a mental problem with being even a little frugal. That, my friend, is the problem with this country. Until we the people learn the art of sharing, frugality, and humbleness and learn to quit exploiting each other as somehow being a threat to the "economy" just because some of us do not spend, we're all losers.
And by the way, back in the days my uncle could sell lemonade and soda before the days of those bottled drinks going mainstream and back then nobody complained and were happy to put folks like him out of business. We need to look at this whole thing long term and draw the lines somewhere on all this bottled "name your drink" issue.
And by the way, back in the days my uncle could sell lemonade and soda before the days of those bottled drinks going mainstream and back then nobody complained and were happy to put folks like him out of business. We need to look at this whole thing long term and draw the lines somewhere on all this bottled "name your drink" issue.
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bottle water is a healthy alternative to soda/pop
Posted by: someone8 on Oct 21, 2008 9:12 AM
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Posted by: someone8 on Oct 21, 2008 9:12 AM
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why all this attack on bottle water? I drink it because it is better than soda pop. I want to be able to have an alternative. Why is no one attacking soda manufacturers or beer in a plastic bottle?
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» Schools could replace soda machines with healthy bottled drinks including water.
Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: Schools could replace soda machines with water fountains.
Posted by: Bliss Doubt
» I do prefer improved fountains over bottled drinks. My apologies for the hasty title.
Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: bottle water...healthy alternative to soda/pop...So is tap water!
Posted by: BigElectricCat
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Another Option...
Posted by: WhuThe?!? on Oct 21, 2008 10:10 AM
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Posted by: WhuThe?!? on Oct 21, 2008 10:10 AM
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I am also abhorred by the irresponsible use of so many environmentally-destructive plastic bottles in use. I swear, most people that drink that crap aren't health-conscious individuals, but insecure people that want to fit in. Why else would somebody spend $1 for a pint of water they can go get out of the tap? Kind of like most SUV drivers don't need to haul alot or go 4-wheeling, however, like the prestige that environmentally-destructive individuals obtain in this sick, confused society. Strange phenomena.
Recycling or not, the less plastic bottles being used, the less environmental damage, as although recycling is better than tossing, it still takes a lot of extra energy to melt down and recycle something that shouldn't have been used in the first place. Also, I doubt melting down and recycling that shit doesn't release toxins to the air.
I drink treated water because tap water has two substances I don't feel I should be consuming: chlorine and flouride. Especially that flouride crap; that is downright scary. I recommend googling it; you'll be amazed. Anyway I buy my water in bulk by refilling 5-gallon jugs at the local food coop. It is double-osmosis treated water and I don't have to damage the environment with all those damned plastic containers.
On the other hand, I don't look cool without an environmentally-destructive plastic bottle in my hand. Oh well. I always did have a tough time fitting in.
Recycling or not, the less plastic bottles being used, the less environmental damage, as although recycling is better than tossing, it still takes a lot of extra energy to melt down and recycle something that shouldn't have been used in the first place. Also, I doubt melting down and recycling that shit doesn't release toxins to the air.
I drink treated water because tap water has two substances I don't feel I should be consuming: chlorine and flouride. Especially that flouride crap; that is downright scary. I recommend googling it; you'll be amazed. Anyway I buy my water in bulk by refilling 5-gallon jugs at the local food coop. It is double-osmosis treated water and I don't have to damage the environment with all those damned plastic containers.
On the other hand, I don't look cool without an environmentally-destructive plastic bottle in my hand. Oh well. I always did have a tough time fitting in.
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WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: fg on Oct 21, 2008 10:12 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Posted by: fg on Oct 21, 2008 10:12 AM
Current rating: 1 [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Some twenty years ago the air in my house began to have an unpleasant smell. I thought an animal may have died in an air duct, but sniffing at all the duct openings showed that was not the case. The odor remained a mystery. I finally discovered it was being caused by the water vapor emitted by the humidifier in my living room.
I dispatched a message to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, or to the EPA, or both, that there was a problem with water quality. I kept in touch over the ensuing weeks with an individual at one of these agencies. At length I was informed that the agency had never encountered as much resistance to inspection from the water company as it had when the problem I reported was brought to its attention.
From that time on I have been drinking bottled water and will contiunue to do so until I'm convinced the public water supply is being properly regulated. (My water company sends customers an annual "report" on water quality, which I suspect, alas, is a fairy tale.)
Finally, I have running through my property a brook--an open storm sewer--which runs chronically with feces and other contaminants. This empties, a couple miles downstream, into a holding reservoir owned by a (another) water company!
I dispatched a message to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, or to the EPA, or both, that there was a problem with water quality. I kept in touch over the ensuing weeks with an individual at one of these agencies. At length I was informed that the agency had never encountered as much resistance to inspection from the water company as it had when the problem I reported was brought to its attention.
From that time on I have been drinking bottled water and will contiunue to do so until I'm convinced the public water supply is being properly regulated. (My water company sends customers an annual "report" on water quality, which I suspect, alas, is a fairy tale.)
Finally, I have running through my property a brook--an open storm sewer--which runs chronically with feces and other contaminants. This empties, a couple miles downstream, into a holding reservoir owned by a (another) water company!
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» RE: WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: techcafe
» RE: WHY BOTTLED WATER?
Posted by: techcafe
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gathaiga
Posted by: gathaiga on Oct 21, 2008 11:21 AM
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Posted by: gathaiga on Oct 21, 2008 11:21 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I refill one gallon plastic bottles at Wally World which is used for drinking and cooking...and making coffee. If I make coffee with the local tap water it has a VERY disagreeable (crappy) taste and I like my coffee the best that it can be.
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By the way, I was going to call for hemp for plastics but
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 12:06 PM
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Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 21, 2008 12:06 PM
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I do think conservation must come first. Yes, America has acted like a bad student in class and must be made to sit in the corner and reflect on the careless attitudes they had and its affects on other countries and even its own. Hell, Ellis Boy Redding of Shawshenk Redemption learned his lessons and finally got paroled. Moderation please !
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Why?
Posted by: nzo on Oct 21, 2008 8:29 PM
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Posted by: nzo on Oct 21, 2008 8:29 PM
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Because people are stupid.
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Gaping Hole in the piece... spotty water delivery infrastructure
Posted by: DaBear on Oct 22, 2008 1:52 PM
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Posted by: DaBear on Oct 22, 2008 1:52 PM
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When was the last time you saw a functioning, sanitary drinking fountain, let alone one with filtration gear attached, in a public space? Think about it.
That's why we use bottled water. It's there, whereas "tap water" a.k.a. the drinking fountain, isn't. DUH.
Fewer owning class writers please. They just have these mental gaps that show up all over the place no matter the topic. I think their money and privilege just makes them prone to stoopid, or sumpin'.
That's why we use bottled water. It's there, whereas "tap water" a.k.a. the drinking fountain, isn't. DUH.
Fewer owning class writers please. They just have these mental gaps that show up all over the place no matter the topic. I think their money and privilege just makes them prone to stoopid, or sumpin'.
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vitamin water, et al
Posted by: techcafe on Oct 25, 2008 9:04 PM
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Posted by: techcafe on Oct 25, 2008 9:04 PM
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and have you noticed that the beverage industry has introduced 'value-added' drinks to their arsenal of water products? this 'fortified' water is apparently infused with healthy things like vitamins & minerals, yadayadayada... and enough sugar to choke a horse, plus other 'mystery' ingredients.
it makes better sense to just pop a vitamin and pour yourself a glass of (filtered) tap water... but even that is TOO inconvenient for many people; they'd rather waste money (and non-renewable petroleum resources) on a plastic bottle filled with something they could have had for little or no cost - to themselves or the planet.
just STOP drinking bottled water products... it's a bad habit we've gotten ourselves into.
it makes better sense to just pop a vitamin and pour yourself a glass of (filtered) tap water... but even that is TOO inconvenient for many people; they'd rather waste money (and non-renewable petroleum resources) on a plastic bottle filled with something they could have had for little or no cost - to themselves or the planet.
just STOP drinking bottled water products... it's a bad habit we've gotten ourselves into.
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