You’ve probably seen the headlines: “Bottled Water is Bad for the Environment,” “Stop Buying Bottled Water, It’s Destroying the Planet!” While it’s true that the bottled water environmental impact is an issue, it’s important to understand why.
Bottled Water Isn’t Regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Let’s take a closer look at the environmental impact of bottled water. First, it’s important to know that bottled water is not regulated by the EPA, as they only regulate tap water. That means that there are no federal standards for bottled water quality. The bottled water industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA has established quality standards for bottled water, but these standards are voluntary. That means that not all bottled water companies choose to comply with them. This can be a problem for consumers, who may not know whether the bottled water they are buying is of the highest quality. However, there are ways to ensure that you are getting the best quality bottled water possible. Here are a few tips:
- Check the FDA website to see if the bottled water company you are considering is listed as meeting their standards.
- Read online reviews of bottled water companies to see what others have to say about their quality.
- Contact the company directly and ask them about their quality standards and testing procedures.
Though You Can Consume Water That’s Been Bottled in Plastic, You Should Know the Impact of Your Choice
With the increasing popularity of bottled water, it’s important to be aware of the environmental impact of this industry. In the United States alone, we use about 50 billion plastic water bottles each year. And sadly, only about 23% of these bottles are recycled. The rest end up in landfills, where they can take up to 1,000 years to decompose.
Not only does the production of plastic water bottles require a lot of energy and resources, but the bottles themselves are a major source of pollution. When they’re not properly recycled, they can end up in our oceans, where they pose a threat to marine life.
If you’re concerned about the bottled water environmental impact, there are some things you can do to help reduce your consumption.
- When possible, opt for tap water instead of bottled water.
- When you do buy bottled water, recycle the bottles instead of throwing them away.
- Look for brands that use recycled materials for their bottles and / or that are working to reduce their environmental impact in other ways.
Every little bit helps, and by making small changes in your own habits, you can make a difference.
A Great Way to Reduce the Bottled Water Environmental Impact Is to Install a Whole-Home Water Filter
Want to reduce your use of plastic water bottles and still enjoy great-tasting water? Add a whole-house water filter or even a drinking water station at your kitchen sink. Another great option is a bottleless water cooler.
For a complimentary quote and help choosing the right option for you, contact us today! We’d love to help your home reduce the need for plastic water bottles.
