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Written by Erica
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Friday, 28 September 2007 |
In response to the recent stance some major US cities have taken against the use of bottled water in regards to its "environmental footprint," the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has launched a media advertising campaign in efforts ito inform the public of bottled water industry facts, environmental and otherwise.
In August the IBWA placed full-page ads in The New York Times and The San Francisco Chronicle (two cities that have taken more of a stance than others across the county--San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's ban on the government's use of bottled water and New York with its ad campaign promoting its tap water) to try and bring balance to a seemingly one-sided debate, says the organization.
"Some groups seek to pit bottled water against public drinking water systems," says Joseph K. Doss, IBWA president and CEO. "But bottled water is all about beverage choice, available to consumers in all walks of life who choose, or rely upon, bottled water for refreshment and hydration. Any actions that discourage the use of this healthy beverage choice are not in the public interest."
In the past and currently on the organization's website, bottledwater.org, are environmental facts on the industry in addition to statements that relay the bottled water industry's environmental stewardship, responsible use of resources as well as the industry's support of recycling.
"IBWA determined that the effectiveness of advertising would help cut through the clutter and provide a direct line to consumers with the facts and good news about bottled water," says Doss. "The bottled water industry has a right and responsibility to help ensure that consumers are not swayed from making bottled water--a healthy, safe, and convenient product--their beverage of choice."
In addition the IBWA notes that the bottled water industry supports and relies on safe, quality ground water resources as well as municipal water systems and is interested in strengthening municipal water sources.
"If the debate is about the impact of plastic packaging on the environment, a narrow focus on bottled water spotlights only a small portion of the packaged beverage category and an even smaller sliver of the universe of packaged products," says Doss. "Any efforts to reduce the resources necessary to produce and distribute packaged goods--and increase recycling rates--must focus on ALL packaging. Any other approach misses a real opportunity to arrive at a comprehensive solution to protecting and sustaining the environment." |
