In 2008 America witnessed an economic downturn of considerable size, considered by some to be the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression. With crumbling U.S. financial markets, massive lay-offs, and a reduction in local government spending, people across the Nation have been denied critical state provisions. Yet in some states, millions of tax-payer dollars are being spent on bottled water.
Corporate Accountability International (CAI) reported that “In Massachusetts, nearly half a million dollars was spent between July 2008 and June 2009 on bottled water. The same corporation doing business with Massachusetts, DS Waters, was awarded contracts worth more than $234,000 in Pennsylvania, representing nearly a third of the $670,000 of state funds earmarked for bottled water. Connecticut spent more than $500,000 annually on bottled water as recently as 2008. Even Vermont – a small state by comparison with a reputation for outstanding water quality – spent more than $200,000 on bottled water last year.”
Finding alternatives to bottled water is essential in the coming years. Alternatives such as tap water, or bottleless water cooler technology are pioneering the switch from bottled water to a more eco-friendly, sustainable means to drinking water. This movement is growing, as CAI reports that “mayors [across the nation] are responding to growing public concern over the quality and health of public water systems, the environmental impacts of bottled water, and the pitfalls of water privatization. City leaders have taken action to halt such an unnecessary use of taxpayer dollars by canceling bottled water contracts.”
How can you make a difference? Join the millions that are urging their local officials to stop spending on bottled water and start supporting an eco-friendly alternative. If you currently use a bottled water cooler, see what Blue Reserve can do for your bottom line by visiting http://www.bluereserve.com or by calling 207-619-4422.
