Go 'Head and "Tap That Glass"

The United States consumes more bottled water than any other country in the world, followed by Mexico and China.

American's have been purchasing bottled water for hundreds of years. In fact, historical records show bottled water being sold in Boston Colony as early as 1767 at Jackson's Spa. And in 1856, one of the most popular places to obtain bottled water was at Sarasota Springs, where production numbers exceeded seven million bottles. Early American believed that water bottled at the springs had certain medicinal properties and therefore "spring" water was in high demand.

Vintage Water Bottles

Although true "spring" water may be better for your health than say "tap" water, the problem is that the majority of water being bottled and sold does not come from a natural spring. 

Instead, many of the corporations selling consumers over-priced bottled water usually filter plain old tap water, then bottle and sell the product as "purified" water.

Some companies actually do get their water from natural springs, but only a handful. It is becoming more difficult for consumers to determine which company is selling "natural spring" water vs. filtered tap water.

For example, one company, "Aqua Springs", misleads customers with using the word "springs" in the company name, when in fact the only springs providing water to this company are the ones running the purification machines it so heavy touts on the company's website.

Even though the company does not advertise the source of their water as being from a natural spring, I still feel the name of the company is nothing more than a "gimmick" or form of advertising, in an attempt to trick consumers into believing that they are buying natural spring water. The company website even makes reference to their product being "nature's nectar".

Studies have proven that most of the bottled water being sold today is in no way better than the tap water running from your faucets at home, as far as health benefits go.

Drinking bottled water

 is not a healthy habit, 

but in fact a lifestyle habit.

In May of 2011, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) reported that in 2010 the United States consumed almost 9 billion gallons of bottled water, that's an average of about 30 gallons per person for the year.

I am glad to hear that Americans are in fact drinking water, even though I believe we probably still don't drink enough, but I want us to look at the cost of the convenience of having the "luxury" of bottled water.
 

According to a recent report titled "Tapping Congress to Get Off The Bottle", by the non-profit organization Corporate Accountability International, approximately one million dollars is spent per year on bottled water for members of Congress. That's approximately $2,000 per member annually.

The same report uncovers the fact that 90% of the money consumers spent on bottled water goes to the marketing, bottling, labeling, and shipping of the bottled water, as well as, of course, corporate expenses and PROFITS!

As Americans consume more bottled water, the costs will continue to increase and greedy corporations continue to profit.

Bottled water, what next? If we continue to rob the earth of its natural resources and continue to disrupt the natural flow of the environment, we will be buying "canned air" next. You think you stressing out now when the gas tank runs low, imagine running low on oxygen and water.