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Let's drink tap water instead of bottled water - legislation to reduce plastic packaging

Ubiquitous plastic packaging is slowly becoming the bane of humanity. A solution that has revolutionised the packaging industry over the years has contributed to massive pollution of our planet and environmental devastation. Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly used single-use plastic items on Europe's beaches. With concern for our environment in mind, the European Parliament has advocated that instead of buying bottled water, we should start drinking water straight from the tap. Not only is tap water much cheaper and better for the environment, but it is often of the same quality, and often better, than water in a plastic bottle. Spas, springs and drinking water stations are proven and safe solutions that contribute to reducing plastic waste entering the environment, and are therefore ideally suited to buildings seeking eco-certification.

Horrifying photos and videos can be found on the internet showing beaches, seas, islands, 'drowned' in plastic waste. Animals are no longer just killed by fishing nets, but also suffocated or trapped in plastic bags and packaging. All this is also affecting our health, as fish and seafood, which are considered valuable and desirable for our bodies, are even stuffed with plastic. Since animals eat plastic, it ends up in the human body.

Record amounts of plastic waste

One of the reasons for the record amounts of plastic waste in the environment is the huge number of plastic bottles and drinking straws. The increased popularity of drinking water, has contributed to the production of record amounts of plastic bottles not only in large but also in small capacities. When buying another bottle of water, few people consider how dramatic this is for our planet. The production of bottled water alone generates huge amounts of pollution, and the plastic packaging even inundates us.

Plastic bottles are one of the most commonly used single-use plastic items on Europe's beaches. With concern for our environment in mind, the European Parliament has advocated that instead of buying bottled water, we should start drinking water straight from the tap. Not only is tap water much cheaper and better for the environment, but it is often of the same quality, and often better, than water in a plastic bottle. According to the European Commission, households can save more than €600 million a year by drinking tap water.

New legislation restricting the production of plastic packaging

There has therefore been widespread public outcry over the draft new legislation, which is intended to help reduce plastic waste in the environment and encourage the public to switch to water straight from the mains. A very important issue in this regard is education, which will increase public confidence in drinking tap water. Introducing limits and a ban on plastic cutlery and packaging are other steps that could make everyone think for a moment about the tonnes of plastic in the environment and decide to change their behaviour.

Tap water instead of bottled water

All of this is primarily to influence the commitment of countries to provide unlimited access to drinking water in cities and public places. As a solution, they put forward drinking water dispensers and stations, whereby anyone can drink water directly from the dispenser in a convenient and hygienic way (without using a cup or bottle), or fill up a bottle. MEPs are encouraging tap water to be served in restaurants, either free of charge or for a token amount. This is an expression of customer care and a response to growing expectations from the public.

Ecological and safe solutions

Drinking water springs, fountains and stations are proven and safe solutions for providing unlimited access to drinking water in public spaces. They are part of ecological and health-oriented trends. They contribute to the reduction of plastic waste entering the environment and are therefore ideally suited for buildings seeking eco-certification. In addition, they are great solutions for fulfilling the obligation to make water available to children in schools or employees in workplaces. As you can see, thanks to the tap water distribution equipment we offer, you can adapt your company, building, office or city to the upcoming requirements efficiently and without problems.

Be eco-friendly and invest in tap water dispensers and you will not only gain health but also save a lot.