More than one million plastic water bottles are sold every minute in the world, according to a report published by The British Medical Journal. This trend is projected to continue, with experts forecasting a substantial increase in consumption in the years ahead. However, the industry's enormous global success comes at huge environmental, climate and social costs. The rising demand of bottled water is largely driven by convenience, portability, perceived nutritional advantages, mistrust of tap water quality and personal taste preferences. The use of plastic bottles for the consumption of beverages poses an immense toll on human and planetary health, as per the report.


Up to two-thirds of the bottled water in the US is repackaged tap water. "This finding becomes more impactful when considering the rigorous standards that tap water in high-income countries must meet, which far outstrip those for BW, particularly regarding chemical leaching from plastic containers," the report said.


What Are Its Implications?


Toxic Leaching: Plastic bottles leach harmful substances like microplastics, BPA, and other endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the normal functioning of reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and glucocorticoid receptors. BPA's exposure has been tied to a range of later-life health issues like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.


Environmental Degradation: Ranking as the second most prevalent ocean pollutant, plastic bottles make up 11.9% of all plastic waste, surpassed only by plastic bags.6 Globally, a mere 9% of these bottles undergo recycling, with notable disparities among countries. There are also changes to natural habitats such as soil and sediment contamination, marine accumulation and nutrient cycling.


Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production of plastic bottles is energy-intensive, contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.


Drivers of Demand: Increased consumption is fueled by convenience, portability, mistrust in tap water, and taste preferences, even in regions where tap water is safe and regulated. Research has suggested that many individuals cannot differentiate between tap water and bottled water in blind tests. Certain minerals like sulfur can give water a distinctive taste that many might find unpleasant, yet these minerals do not necessarily compromise water quality or safety, according to the report.


The study highlighted a need for low-income and middle-income countries to invest in making safe drinking water accessible. To achieve this, public awareness campaigns are essential. They can generate demand and push governments to make policy changes and can create governmental accountability for the provision of clean and potable water. "They should provide clear evidence-based information about tap water’s advantages, correct false beliefs and respond to worries about health risks and the taste and smell of tap water," the report added.