Jane Powerson bottled water
Last year we drank approximately 160 million litres of bottled water in Ireland. We seem to have an insatiable thirst for the stuff, as our consumption increases significantly each year (it has risen by 45 per cent over the past four years). Excellent marketing has fed off the public's distrust of tap water, while also ensuring that the little bottle of water has become a fashion accessory. And, to be honest, the stuff that comes out of the tap can be relatively unpalatable - especially when your nose gets a whiff of chlorine as soon as you raise a glass to your lips.
Yet bottled water, despite its wholesome aura of purity, tranquillity and health, takes quite a toll on the environment. Its transport from bottling plant to retail outlet burns fuel and produces greenhouse gases - as well as adding to traffic on the roads. The bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is formulated from crude-oil extracts ethylene and paraxylene. Such bottles can - in theory - be reused, but few are in practice (and don't be tempted to sterilise them with boiling water as they crumple horribly). They may be recycled in some green bins and at some bring banks but, despite this, we throw out 70 per cent of our plastic bottles.
There isn't room here to discuss the different grades of bottled water, but if it doesn't say "mineral" or "spring", it may well be just filtered mains water - as both brand leaders in the US are.
If you're buying bottled water for your health rather than as a style statement, then think about the alternatives - and take some pressure off the planet.
A filter jug will remove unpleasant odour and taste from municipal water, provided that you change the cartridge regularly (about once a month) and keep it in contact with water so that it doesn't dry out.
If you are after perfectly pure and safe water (ie if your local supply is dodgy), then you need a more serious filter unit that attaches to the mains under your kitchen sink. Those supplied by Simply Water range in price from €198 to €298. They remove pathogens, parasites, cysts, bacteria, chlorine, sediment, foul tastes and odours - and just about everything else you don't want to drink, including fluoride (for an extra €128). Refills, which cost €48, need to be changed yearly. For more details see www.simplywater.com or call 01-4920414.
planetmatters@irish-times.ie