March 27, 2013
Linda Mathieson

1. Millions of plastic water bottles are thrown away annually in Australia alone, only 36% of those are recycled
2. It can take up to 1000 years for a plastic bottle to breakdown which means millions of  plastic bottles pollute our environment every year either ending up in landfill or floating around our oceans
3. Plastic bottles contain Bisphenol (BPA) which has been proven to be harmful to humans as it interferes with the body’s natural hormonal messaging system
4. It can take 3 litres of water to produce a 1 litre plastic bottle of water and Australia’s usage of bottled water generates 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually
5. 80% of the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch is made up of debris from land such as plastic bottles and bags
6. Plastic waste is killing our bird and marine life who mistake it for food
7. Australians spend more than half a billion dollars each year on bottled water
8. In Australia Tap Water is a safe drinking choice as municipal water managers are required to regularly test tap water

Sources: Clean Up Australia, Go Tap

aquafil Water Refill Stations and Drinking Fountains

Water is essential for healthy living and is crucial for sporting, mental and academic performances. Tap water represents value for money as it’s cheaper for the community than buying plastic water bottles or other soft drinks.

The aquafil range of Water Bottle Refill Stations and Drinking Fountains serve as a dynamic educational tool in the fight to reduce plastic waste and conserve precious resources. Full colour graphics are available on most of the aquafil range and are a valuable educational tool in helping promote a sustainable way of living and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

March 4, 2013
The Sydney Morning Herald, Environment
David Sygall

It’s a battle over billions, but both sides agree plastic bottle sales are falling

Bottled water producers are facing increasing pressure as the product falls from favour among the industry’s most loyal buyers.

Figures provided to Fairfax by Roy Morgan Research show that in the 12 months to September last year 30 per cent of 25- to 34-year-olds said they drank bottled water, compared with 36 per cent in 2007. In the 14 to 25 age group, 33 per cent drank bottled water compared with 35 per cent in 2007.

The industry’s opponents believe the numbers show a tipping point has been reached, and bottled water sales will fall as people learn more about a product that is, according to Clean Up Australia chief Ian Kiernan, ”a bloody disgrace”.

The Australasian Bottled Water Institute claims volume growth is expected to be between 7 and 8 per cent this year, but concedes there has been a marked drop in the number of young people buying the product.

”We think it’s due to a number of reasons,” says the institute’s chief executive, Geoff Parker. ”Maturity of the category is part of it, the anti-bottled water detractors are good in their messaging, and other categories within health and wellness, such as iced teas, are doing very well.”

aquafil Water Refill Stations and Drinking Fountains

Water is essential for healthy living and is crucial for sporting, mental and academic performances. Tap water represents value for money as it’s cheaper for the community than buying plastic water bottles or other soft drinks.

The aquafil range of Water Bottle Refill Stations and Drinking Fountains serve as a dynamic educational tool in the fight to reduce plastic waste and conserve precious resources. Full colour graphics are available on most of the aquafil range and are a valuable educational tool in helping promote a sustainable way of living and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.