1. The containers are mostly made from trees, which eventually grow back.
REALITY: even if they're made from "well managed" forests, they are not taking into account the hazardous chemicals used in the bleaching and processing of the paper.
2. They take up less space (than compared to plastic bottles) when they are shipped to the filling location.
REALITY: they might take up less space, but these plastic-lined cardboard boxes are sure heavier than the all-plastic alternative.
3. They're recyclable!
REALITY: Only 21/50 states have recycling facilities that accept this type of carton. On the other hand, plastic bottles (commonly made with PETE type 1 plastic) are much more widely accepted.
I definitely do not want to advocate the use of bottled water. My point is simply that if this company really cared about a green alternative to bottled water, they would focus on bettering the public municipal systems that we already have in place. We need organizations to fight for stricter regulations for what constitutes safe drinking water, and we need to do a better job of using that water (for example, we need to set up grey-water systems in homes, so that people are not pissing in perfectly good drinking water).
I was so upset by the "Boxed Water is Better" campaign that I decided to write them a letter. It read:
Hello,
I recently found out about your "Boxed Water is Better" product, and I wanted you to know that I strongly disagree with the concept behind your product and the green-washing involved within your marketing scheme. If you really want to do some good while you hydrate the human population, try turning your efforts to strengthening tap water regulations within the United States (and possibly the rest of the world).
I sincerely hope that you find a more responsible way to make money.
Thank you,
Bess McLaughlin
If you agree with me, feel free to copy/paste the body of this email to them. Their email address is: hello@boxedwaterisbetter.com
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