Bottled Water and Biodiversity

Bottled Water and Biodiversity

 

 

At one point in time almost everyone has bought and consumed bottled water. You may wonder how bottled water has anything to do with biodiversity. In fact, what impact does bottling water have on biodiversity?

First, where does bottled water come from? As long as I can remember many people joke that bottled water really comes from an old couple that is making millions in some remote part of the country by filling up water bottles from their bathtub. But then we stop laughing and tell ourselves that the bottled water is not that simple, and there are things that make it special in order to make it worth the $3 you paid, right? Realistically, it’s coming from your local water supplies.  That’s right, the water that you pay as much as $3 for at the store was actually gotten from a local municipalities. Are you thinking what I am thinking: The higher priced water bottle named Aquafina and Dasani is the water that is NOT from the tap in some random state. No, regardless of the brand, that bottle still contains the same water that was cheaper via tap. It’s not cleaner or healthier; it’s just convenience with great publicity.

Second, why does it matter?
In the water cycle: clouds bring rain, rain fall down to the ground, the ground and trees absorb that water creating underground water pockets or lakes, water flows to rivers, the rivers carry nutrients, flows to the ocean, and due to bodies of water, water is evaporated then creates condensation (clouds), and the cycle continues. When water companies take water out of its ecosystem, the ecosystem is unable to replenish itself. For example, look at the wetlands of the world.  According to the film Blue Gold, “Over 60% of the wetlands in the world have been destroyed.”  3% of the world’s water is potable water. However, only 1% is not polluted.      Through the privatizing of that 1% freshwater by bottled water companies, lakes are diminishing, and water sources are becoming depleted. To sum it up, by transporting water out of its ecosystem, biodiversity is reduced and the natural habitat is forced to change thus endangering wildlife.  So why should you care about your local water supplies? Last summer did you have a drought? Were you told not to wash your car, water your lawn, or take showers during certain hours? Transporting water among other things contributes to droughts.  What about the bottles themselves? Did you know, “Americans throw away 35 billion plastic bottles every year,” Recycling plastic takes 88% LESS energy than making plastic from raw materials,” “Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth FOUR TIMES.”

Third, Where is this happening? Simply put, EVERYWHERE.

Fourth, what can you do?  Don’t buy bottled water.  Don’t let bottled water companies move into towns near you. Ask yourself what is the name of the watershed you live in? Where does your drinking water from your tap come from? Where does your waste water go? Buy BPA free water bottles to prevent the need to buy bottled water out of convenience. Watch such films as, “Blue Gold,” and “Tapped.”

For more informative sites go to:
            https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/bottled/

            http://thewaterproject.org/bottled_water_wasteful.asp

Sources include:

               http://students.arch.utah.edu/courses/Arch4011/Recycling%20Facts1.pdf

Access the film Blue Gold:            

               http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1a3tjqQiBI