Bottled water has seen an increase in use throughout the years. It is convenient, and readily available. People presume it is safe to drink, as it has been advertised in labels and commercials in print ads and other forms of media. But is it really safe as what is it advertised on?
In an article by Reader’s Digest Bottled Water Vs. Tap Water: Rethink What You Drink, a lot of research cited point to its pros and cons. The most evident advantage of bottle water is its availability: it is found everywhere. Moreover, it refreshes, it is calorie-free and convenient to carry around with its features of easy to grip. We’ve seen joggers bringing it around while in their routine, for anytime they get thirsty, they can just take a sip from the bottle. It is also healthier than sodas, another player in bottled beverages. Despite these advantages, bottled water has been in the light for a lot of its disadvantages. Some of these are on the fact that these bottled water, despite being advertised as coming from “pristine” sources, are actually mixed with about 25% municipal water, which is basically tap water. With that, a lot are asking why pay for something I can get for free? Another issue raised was the safety of these drinks: in a research cited in the article, some brands of bottled water contained levels exceeding state/industry standards for bacterial or chemical contaminants. Even the bottle where the water is stored is gaining attention, with health effects of long-term exposure to chemicals contained in the bottle itself being questioned. Bottled water manufacture also generates waste, consuming a lot of energy whenever it is treated and manufactured.
An article from National Geographic points out on bottled water in that the bottles generate a lot of waste, with only one out of the six bottles used only makes it to the recycling plant and the rest to landfills. Its manufacture uses a lot of fossil fuels which in turn pollutes the environment.
Based on these facts in the article, my perception of bottled water changed. There are a lot of disadvantages and uncertainty surrounding it, and I would not risk it for something I can remedy on by thinking of alternatives, such as bringing a water canister.
REFERENCES:
Torres, Prisculla. “Bottled Water Vs. Tap Water: Rethink What You Drink.” Reader’s Digest http://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/rethink-what-you-drink/ Accessed 08 September 2016.
Fox, Catherine. “Drinking Water: Bottled or From the Tap?.” National Geographic Kids. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/spacescience/water-bottle-pollution/ Accessed 08 September 2016.
