Bottled Water: Atlanta, It’s Healthy For You

The relationship between the bottled water industry and Atlanta consumers has had its ups and downs. But recent news from the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is good news for everyone. A recent study found that bottled water now has the lowest water footprint of all packaged drinks, using a total of 1.32 liters of water, including the 1 liter of consumable water, to produce a 1-liter bottle product.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

To decrease the amount of water used, the amount of energy spent, and also the amount of plastic materials needed for the production of bottled water, the bottled water industry has developed new and innovative ways to decrease the number of resources spent. According to the IBWA, some of the changes include:

• “Auditing total water use at bottled water facilities
• Reducing groundwater extraction through improved water processing and bottling processes
• Looking for leaks in all of their piping and tanks
• Planting drought-resistant vegetation at bottling facilities
• Reminding employees to be good stewards of the environment and encouraging water conservation
• Implementing water use restrictions at their facilities
• Implementing ultra-efficient cleaning methods inside plants to reduce water usage when cleaning reusable 3- and 5-gallon bottles for water coolers used in homes and offices
• Reducing the use of cleaners when sterilizing water pipes, storage tanks, and finished products
• Managing water withdrawals in a manner that ensures the long-term viability of the watershed
• Using hydro-geological evaluations on springs to assess any potential impact on local groundwater levels and stream flows.”

The result is an industry that uses fewer natural resources, creates less waste, and produces one of America’s most purchased packaged drinks. As Jill Culora, IBWA’s vice president of communications, said, “consumers who are drinking bottled water instead of other packaged drinks are making a healthy choice—and also reducing the impact on the environment.”

HEALTH BENEFITS

Water offers multiple health benefits to those in Atlanta who drink it. According to the Centers for Disease Control, water helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate and cushion joints, and protect the spinal cord. Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, the director of nutrition at WebMD, writes that water keeps our body hydrated which helps all of its systems to function properly, decreases muscle fatigue which can contribute to poor performance, and helps skin to stay hydrated and healthy.

Additionally, most of us don’t drink nearly enough water to make up for the water that we lose every day. This can lead to dehydration. Side effects of dehydration also include lack of energy and fatigue. To combat dehydration, the Mayo Clinic recommends that people drink about 9 cups or 2.2 liters per day. Additionally, research at the University of Illinois determined that hydration correlated to fewer overall calories consumed. For most individuals, a decrease in calories, even by a small amount, can positively impact long-term health.

Do your Atlanta employees enjoy water as a pick-me-up during the day? If so, be sure to include bottled water in the office break room vending machine. For the ultimate employee bonus, consider covering part or all of the cost of healthy vending machine snacks and beverages.

For more information about customizing your current vending machine options, or adding new healthy vending machines to your office break room, contact Southern Refreshment Services at 770-939-9299.