The Observer, September 14, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 3
Bottled water provider defends practice
To the Editor:
[San Francisco] Mayor [Gavin] Newsom would lead people to believe tap water and bottled water compete with each other, when in fact they don't ("Global Scorning: Bottled water ban would show concern for environment, save money"). Bottled water is a convenient and healthful alternative to higher-calorie, sugared beverages, and fits the on-the-go lifestyles of people today. More than half of people who drink bottled water said they will drink more sugared drinks if bottled water is not available. Considering the average American gets 226 more calories a day from beverages than they did a generation ago and the number of overweight and obese children is up an alarming 370 percent across the nation, we at Nestlé Waters support people drinking more water, whether it comes from a tap or bottle.
But we share Udem's concern for the environment and are reducing our footprint. Our new Eco-Shape1/2 liter bottle contains 30 percent less plastic, on average, and is the lightest plastic bottle currently on store shelves. But lighter bottles are only half the solution since they make up less than 1 percent of the municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills. To really make a difference, more energy and attention should go to strengthen recycling programs that would keep a greater number of all plastic containers – regardless of what they contain – out of landfills.
Jane Lazgin
Nestlé Waters North America
