Nicole Kreshpane, Grade 8
Mr. Lacina, Teacher / Marlborough High School
"Bottled Water -- Is It Worth It?"
If you could choose between something that is cheaper, healthier, cleaner, and more environmentally safe than the alternative - wouldn't you?
Then, why do Americans spend $7 billion dollars annually on bottled water? It's numbers like these that have raised awareness about the many benefits of tap water. These statistics have also changed my view on the issue.
Now after researching the topic, it seems silly that millions of Americans, including myself, pay for virtually the same water we could get from the faucet in our homes. According to tappening.com, if you choose to get your recommended eight glasses of water a day from bottled water you could spend up to $1400 annually. Whereas if you got your recommended water by tap, it would cost you just 49 cents.
Now, it could be argued that the money is worth it because the product is cleaner and better tasting. However, according to a study
conducted in New York City by Showtime Television, 75% of people who participated in a blind taste test preferred tap water to bottled water.
The cleanliness of the water we drink is probably the main reason people don't drink tap water. But, contrary to popular belief, tap water goes through more rigorous testing than bottled water does and must meet standards that bottled water companies don't have to adhere to. Also, municipal water systems must publicize their reports and tests that the water is put through but private companies do not have to abide by this. This helps us know exactly what is
in our water and its quality when we drink tap water.
Especially in recent years, the environment, health, and "going green"
have been more of a public concern. By not purchasing bottled water you're helping the environment by saving 1.5 million tons of plastic. Producing plastic bottled water bottles requires a lot of energy and drains fossil fuels. Even though plastic bottles can be recycled a large majority end up in the trash and not in recycling bins.
Tap water is also beneficial to your health. It contains many minerals and other important chemicals like fluoride that bottled water lacks.
The fluoride in water is extremely important to prevent tooth decay, especially in young children and the elderly. Personally, I think the most damaging argument against bottled water is that 25% of bottled
water is just tap water, sometimes further treated, sometimes not. So next time you go to the vending machine or store to buy bottled water, stop and think if it's worth it.
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