Prompt Cast
The Growth of the Bottled Water Industry and Its Environmental Impact
TLDR The bottled water industry has experienced significant growth since the 18th century, becoming the most consumed beverage in the US. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and the quality of tap water compared to bottled water.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The hosts discuss the growth of the bottled water industry and the problems associated with it, including the increase in consumption and the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
05:24
Bottled water has been around since the 18th century and became popular in the 70s and 80s as a status symbol, but it wasn't until the 90s that Coke and Pepsi got into the game and it became the most consumed beverage in the US in 2017.
10:27
Tap water in America can vary in taste and quality, but some places, like New York City, have tap water that is just as good, if not better, than bottled water; however, there is a disconnect between those who prefer tap water and those who prefer bottled water.
15:13
Bottled water comes in various types, including artesian, mineral, naturally sparkling, and purified, with each type having specific characteristics and regulations set by the FDA.
20:21
The FDA allows more poop in bottled water than the EPA allows in tap water.
25:47
The FDA regulates bottled water and categorizes it as low risk, but they do not personally check the sources or conduct thorough testing.
30:53
Bottled water can contain certain amounts of poop, bacteria, viruses, parasites, radon, and lead, with the FDA having stricter regulations on lead levels than the EPA, and state regulations for the industry vary, but about 80% of bottled water in the US is a member of the International Bottle Water Association, which has its own self-enforced regulations.
36:11
A 2018 study found that 93% of bottled waters tested had microplastics in them, with Nestle Pure Life Bottle Water having an average of 10,000 particles per liter, and microplastics are becoming recognized as endocrine disruptors.
41:18
The podcast discusses the issue of single-use plastic bottles and the challenges of recycling them, particularly since China stopped accepting plastic for recycling, leading to an increase in plastic water bottle usage.
46:37
Extended Producer Responsibility Laws are being considered in some states, which would hold companies responsible for dealing with the packaging waste of their products, signaling a shift towards greater accountability for plastic pollution.
51:28
The Safe Drinking Water Act in the US needs to be updated to reflect current scientific research and ensure that tap water is actually safe to drink.
56:38
The Environmental Working Group has a tap water database where you can enter your zip code and water utility to find out what's in your water, which can be quite alarming.
Categories:
Society & Culture
