+ Bottledwater.org

To learn more about the bottled water industry, a good place to start is the International Bottled Water Association (Bottledwater.org). Last month, the IBWA met to talk about the future of their industry and address important issues. Whatever your opinion on bottled water, it's important to realize that it has a place in our society. Complaining alone will probably just make the problems messier. Here are a few quotes from President Joe Doss:

Over the past year, IBWA members and staff have been working diligently to communicate proactively the facts about bottled water and defend the industry against unwarranted attacks by activists. It is clear that a war is being waged against our products and the future of the bottled water industry is at stake. IBWA has therefore begun to significantly increase its level of government, media and other activity to deal with this continued serious threat.

We have a lot to feel good about. With the rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease on the rise, we make a healthy, safe, convenient product that consumers continue to demand. And bottled water is always there when it is needed; whether in times of natural disasters (such as floods, hurricanes, or wildfires) or other emergencies (such as boil alerts and contaminations of municipal water supplies).

Bottled water is an easy target for activists, but all packaged food and beverages contribute to packaging waste. Rather than attack the bottled water industry, it would be interesting to look at the places where it provides the most value for new opportunities.

Click here to read the full press release.