Issue #206 How Can the Water Industry Help Save the Planet on Earth Day 2025?

Hey Y'all,

Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we, as individuals and industries, can do our part to protect the planet. In the bottled water industry, there are important strides being made to combat environmental damage. While there are positive moves toward sustainability, the industry also faces criticism, especially regarding plastic waste. So, what exactly is being done, and what can we do as consumers to help?

The Good: Bottled Water Brands Making a Positive Impact

Several bottled water brands are leading the charge in adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental footprint. Here are a few key initiatives in the water industry that are working to make a real difference:

1. Packaging Innovations:
   Many water brands are moving toward eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, and biodegradable plastics. Brands like Voss and San Benedetto have long been champions of glass packaging, which is fully recyclable and more environmentally friendly than plastic. Others, such as Topo Chico, have shifted to aluminum cans, which have a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic bottles.

2. Water Sustainability:
   Brands are becoming more mindful of how they source their water, with an increasing focus on sustainable water practices. Companies like Aqua Carpatica are committed to sustainable sourcing, ensuring that they don’t deplete local water sources. Many brands are also working with conservation programs to monitor and protect aquifers.

3. Carbon Footprint Reduction:
   Several bottled water companies are reducing their carbon footprints by implementing greener manufacturing practices and renewable energy sources. For instance, Mountain Valley has invested in solar energy and other sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact.

4. Support for Water Access and Conservation Initiatives:
   Some companies are also using their platforms to raise awareness about clean water access. Evian, for example, has worked on water access projects in underdeveloped countries, while Perrier is actively involved in various water-related environmental causes.

The Bad: Brands That Are Contributing to the Problem

Unfortunately, some water companies are still contributing to environmental problems. The most common concern? Plastic waste. Many brands still rely heavily on plastic bottles, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. Even when plastic is recycled, the process still has a significant carbon footprint.

Brands that don’t prioritize eco-friendly packaging or sustainable water sourcing contribute to pollution and the depletion of vital water resources. These companies often use single-use plastic bottles that end up in landfills and oceans, causing damage to marine life and ecosystems.

What Can We Do as Individuals to Help?

As consumers, we have the power to make a difference with the choices we make. Here are some actionable steps we can all take to help protect the planet:

1. Choose Brands with Eco-Friendly Packaging:
   When purchasing bottled water, opt for brands that use glass, aluminum, or recycled PET plastic that is BPA-free. These packaging types are more sustainable and have a lower environmental impact.

2. Reduce Single-Use Plastics:
   One of the most effective ways to combat plastic pollution is by reducing our overall consumption of single-use plastic. Invest in a reusable water bottle and refill it with high-quality water. Many premium water brands, including Aqua Carpatica and San Benedetto, offer both large format bottles and eco-friendly options that make it easier to refill.

3. Recycle Properly:
   If you must use plastic, make sure it is properly recycled. Sorting waste and using recycling bins can help ensure that plastics are repurposed into new products rather than contributing to landfill waste.

4. Support Brands That Give Back:
   Consider purchasing from water companies that support sustainability, clean water access, and environmental conservation efforts. By choosing brands with strong ethical practices, you contribute to the larger effort of keeping our planet safe.

5. Educate and Advocate:
   Use your voice and platform to spread awareness about the importance of sustainable water sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and water conservation. Support policies that regulate waste reduction and encourage water conservation practices.

Wrapping Up: Let's Celebrate Water and Our Planet on Earth Day

This Earth Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the role water plays in sustaining life on our planet—and the steps we can all take to protect it. Whether you’re drinking from an eco-friendly water bottle or advocating for cleaner practices in the water industry, every action counts.

As we celebrate Earth Day, let's commit to making choices that help preserve the precious resource we all rely on: water.

Waterlady