Mineral water: pros and cons
Human consumption water is defined as “water that is designed for human consumption and sealed in bottles or other containers with no additional substances, save that it may include a safe and acceptable antibacterial agent and restricted quantities of fluoride.”
Bottles, cans, and cartons are only a few examples of containers.
- In times of crisis and for low-income urban populations in developing nations who lack access to safe and easily accessible water sources, a large water bottle is an invaluable resource. The sustainable development goal to ensure everyone has reliable access to clean, inexpensive water is a good example of how bottled water may help get us there in the short term. 71% of inhabitants rely on bottled water, according to research evaluating the role of bottled drinking water in reaching SDG 6.1 in Indonesia.
- Bottled water has a major influence on the environment for the wrong reasons. Bottled water, throughout its life cycle, contributes to global warming and pollution, as stated by Sustainability Harvard. For instance, the Environmental Policy Center at Rutgers University reports that 86 percent of plastic water bottles used do not get recycled and end up as rubbish or litter, even though the plastic (polyethylene terephthalate PET) used to make modern water bottles is recyclable. Obesogens, or compounds found in plastic, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, may be present in bottled water. As shown in animal research, these chemicals may interact with hormones and contribute to weight gain.
