Tap Water vs. Bottled Water - Term Paper Example

Jhang Sonik Jhang (Prof’s of the 8 December Tap Water vs. Bottled Water We live in a consumerist scenario where there is a glut of products that are glossed over by marketing professionals with Freud’s insight. Then, how could something as abundant and widely used as water escape the clutches of the money making mafia that we so coolly call the “sellers” who keep up the flag of “free market” and “capitalism” with the help of us, the “buyers”. It’s almost as if buying has become a habit (mostly an unnecessary one, many would agree) that we cringe from questioning “Why is it being sold?” or “Do we really need it?” “A bottle of spring or mineral water has become the lifestyle accessory of the health-conscious. No longer a luxury item, the beverage has become a common sight worldwide” [Owen 1]. No matter that studies after studies have proven that there is no difference between the two types of water, Ann Pietrangelo, the author of Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: Which is really safer? raises questions on how clean and hygienic is the bottled water, when compared to the tap water and gives the answer that the bottled water is not at all better than the tap water, and in some cases could be even inferior to the tap water. Although it is generally assumed that bottled water is safe for consumption, the fact remains that municipal water coming from our taps could be safer as the same is backed with the guarantee of being germ-free and fit for human consumption by the relevant governmental authorities. Jhang 2 For the people who consider bottled water more safe and clean, they should know that there is no significant difference between tap water and bottled water. There have been many experiments done among random New York City citizens by ABC news. Most people strongly insisted that they can distinguish taste of tap water from bottled water, even specific brands. However, the result seems to tell us that tap water does not taste like dirt. In the video clip shown in the news, another test was done at a fancy restaurant. Giving out tap water in a glass water telling the costumer that its a famous bottled water brand. Guess what, they loved the taste of the tap water. Most people tend to say they disgust tap water, even someone said they would never drink tap water but they actually loved it. Huge bottled water companies like Evian, Dasani, and Fiji, are known for its water being pumped and bottled from certain places. French brands like Evian and Volvic export water to almost 60 locations, world-over. The transportation and packing expenses add to the total cost of the bottled water; while the water source remains, usually, the tap. However, certain arguments have also been made against the use of tap water. Studies show that the US federal laws on water are much too outdated and studies after studies show that tap water is harmful for health. The 35-year-old federal law regulating tap water is so out of date that the water Americans drink can pose what scientists say are serious health risks — and still be legal. Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, yet more than 60,000 chemicals are used within the United States, according to Environmental Protection Agency estimates. Government and independent scientists have scrutinized thousands of those chemicals in recent decades, and identified hundreds associated with a risk of cancer and other Jhang 3 diseases at small concentrations in drinking water, according to an analysis of government records by The New York Times. In another incident in the city of Los Angeles, to stop the carcinogens from forming, the city covered the surface of reservoirs, including one in the upscale neighborhood of Silver Lake, with a blanket of black plastic balls that blocked the sun. Then complaints started from owners of expensive houses around the reservoir. “They supposedly discovered these chemicals, and then they ruined the reservoir by putting black pimples all over it,” said Laurie Pepper, whose home overlooks the manmade lake. “If the water is so dangerous, why can’t they tell us what laws it’s violated?” [newyorktimes.com] As we can deduce, various arguments have been made both in favor and against the quality of bottled water and tap waste. However, the debate over drinkability of tap water Vs bottled water is just a miniscule part of the bigger debate, which extends to several dimensions. Should the government shy away from its responsibility of providing clean and safe water to its citizens just because the private shops are ready to sell an alternative? And should the citizens, let the government play them fool by resorting to a much easier option of buying bottled water? At a time when there is a need for increasing participation of the citizens, we can’t take a step back and make a mockery of democracy. And here Laurie Pepper’s question assumes importance. Also, the likes of Pepper should not stop questioning the government over the issues that concern their basic rights, however not just rhetorically. A great worry that arises on the use of bottled water is the amount of plastic waste that it generates which leads to serious global concern like global warming. At a time when the world Jhang 4 must try to achieve the Millenium Development Goals (Environment sustainability is goal seven) [un.org/millenniumgoals] set with the deadline of 2015, it seems that not much has been put to work due to a lax attitude adopted by the government. Although the Obama government is pushing for a bill for the achievement of MDGs, the urgency is largely missing. Consequently, the use of plastic bottled water continues indiscriminately. According to an estimate by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [http://www.dec.ny.gov], eighteen million barrels of crude oil equivalent were consumed in 2005 to replace the 2 million tons of plastic bottles that were wasted instead of recycled. Manufacturing that amount of plastic releases more than 800,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. If recycled, the water bottles used in New York, would save more than 67,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases. In New York, the oil used to make our bottles is equal to 66 million gallons of gasoline; enough to power 120,000 automobiles for a year. However, only about 12 percent of "custom" plastic bottles, a category dominated by water, were recycled in 2003, laments industry consultant R.W. Beck, Inc. What happens to the other 88 percent? The worst kind of bottle is the kind that is used only once – the PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle found in grocery stores, gas stations, etc, that is used for water, soda and juice(Anne 1).This kind of plastic has been proven to leach DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate) after repeated use and is a probably carcinogen. They can also harbor bacterial growth inside any cracks and crevices inside the bottle, which cannot be too good for your health either (1). Due to such concerns the use of bottled water must be stopped completely. Jhang 5 When looking at the larger picture, it must not be forgotten that US is the only country that has not signed the Kyoto protocol. Per capita emissions in the U.S. have historically been far above most countries in the world, as well. In 2005, the United States emitted 23.5 tons of global warming pollution for every man, woman and child in the country. While much attention has been paid to the rising emissions of developing nations like China and India, the per capita emissions in the U.S. and across the developed world still far exceed those nations emissions levels. U.S. per capita emissions in 2005 were more than four times greater than Chinas (5.5 tons per person), and almost 14 times Indias (1.7) [greenpeace.org]. Therefore, it’s not in the order of things to cringe from the responsibility that global concerns bring with it, it will only make what might seem like small concern to turn in a Frankenstein monster. Many pro-development scholars might also sneer at the thought of containing development in order to save the earth. The US has often protested whenever there has been a need for concrete action to check its industries. In the absence of a sure shot magic pill to solve this matrix of complex issues it is important we make one. A combination of efforts from governments and people can help solve the acute problems that we currently face. The moot questions to be asked here are — What kind of grass root models do we need? Are we in a need of role models who can show us the way. (Although it’s ironic we should try to find one in fellow Americans like Al Gore whose home burned through 213,210 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity, enough to power 232 average American households for a month) [Tennesse Centre for Policy Research]. Jhang 6 In my opinion, there is a dire need of participation from the people if such sprawling issues need to be solved. If big companies have used globalization as a tool to increase their profits what stops from the civil societies across the globe from uniting over such crucial issues through information technology. The idea of a “global village” should not be limited to economic affairs, it can be used as a very effective tool to tackle important issues and unite people over it. Something on the model of a global society in order to meet such challenges assumes eminence. It must be understood that democracy must not be restricted to turning to voting every four years, it must be expanded to individual action, which consequently unites people over same goals and issues. Jhang 7 WORKS-CITED Owen, J. (2006). Bottled Water Isnt Healthier Than Tap, Report Reveals. Accessed on Nov 19, 2010, at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/02/0224_060224_bottled_water.html Pietrangelo, A. (2009). Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: Which is really safer? Accessed on Nov 19, 2010, at: http://www.care2.com/causes/health-policy/blog/bottled-water-vs-tap-water-which-is-really-safer/ Anne. "How To Choose A Safe Reusable Water Bottle." The Good Human. 17 Mar. 2008. Web. 01 Dec. 2010. http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2008/03/17/choosing-a-safe-reusable-water- bottle/ Stossel, John. "Is Bottled Water Better Than Tap? - ABC News."ABCNews.com - ABCNews.com: Breaking News, Vote 2010 Elections, Politics, World News, Good Morning America, Exclusive Interviews - ABC News. 5 May 2005. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Health/story?id=728070&page=1 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/waterbottles.pdf Americas Share of the Climate Crisis Greenpeace report on historic emissions, feature story, May 27, 2009 at: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/news-and-blogs/news/america-s-share- climate-crisis/ Eco-Messiah of Hypocrisy Al Gore Now Guzzles Even More Energy Than Ever Before By Scott Thong at: http://scottthong.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/eco-messiah-of-hypocrisy-al- Jhang 8 gore- now-guzzles-even-more-energy-than-ever-before/ Millenium Development Goals, Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability at: http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/environ.shtml That Tap Water Is Legal but May Be Unhealthy, Charles Duhigg, December 16, 2009 at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/us/17water.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=legal%20+%20water&s t=cse Read More