Local Bottled Water: Green(er) or Greenwashing?

Reader Comments
Back to blog

There is a company called Naturally Iowa that bottles certified pure spring water in 100% compostable, biodegradable bottles. Their water has won several taste awards, and their packaging, including cases the bottles are actually housed in, completely decompose in the right situation. If they end up in a landfill, they can be completely decomposed within a month, a lot faster than 1000+ years. I thought it was interesting and extremely revolutionary when I heard about it.

Michael Malone of NV 1:08AM October 21, 2009

If they remove the chlorine and chlorine compounds in tapwater, they are doing a real service, because they cause cancer-lots of cancer. If you don't want to buy bottled water, or filter it, you can just let a jug sit for 24 hours to remove the chlorine. I'm not sure if that removes the chlorine compounds, though.
It is possible to make water bottles biodegradable, removing one of the negatives from bottled water. See http://biogreenproducts.biz -Tim Dunn

Tim Dunn of WA 6:14PM March 28, 2009

Who pretends bottled water is "unsustainable?" It is the one of the oldest commerical offerings still in continuous operation. Some springs founded in 1820 are still virbrant and productive. The great irony of the bottled water debate is that water bottlers are strong, certifiable environmentalists, working to preserve and protect a precious natural resource, often for generations within the same family. Meanwhile, what is inherently "natural" about drinking chemical-laden municipal tap water? Once a person "filters" tap water, they are conceding -- in action if not words -- that there tap water is lacking in some way. Why does Maura Judkis insist everyone must drink tap water? One question for Maura: would you give a child under seven in Washington D.C. unfiltered tap water?

Tom lauria of VA 1:42PM March 06, 2009

The government should rather install water fountains, will do the same job without the extra bottling costs.

Chris of MA 10:18AM March 06, 2009

Many bottling companies sell local filtered water. The key issue is the bottle itself. If only the bottle in Tap'dNY was made from Recycled Plastic I would say its an "environmentally friendly bottled water". Otherwise it's like many other out there - just one with a lot more advertising.

MNR water of CA 9:26AM March 06, 2009