Water everywhere, but not a drop to drink
World Environment Day 2024
Theme: Beat Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution costs $300–$600 billion every year.
400+ million tonnes of plastic are made yearly.
Only 10% is recycled.
11 million tonnes end up in water bodies.
Microplastics are in food, water, and air.
Best solution: avoid single-use plastics.
Bengaluru’s Bottled Water Problem
The Issue
In public places, it’s hard to get safe drinking water.
People often choose bottled water for convenience.
Bottled water use is growing worldwide due to fear of unsafe alternatives.
Environmental Impact
Bottled water increases single-use plastic waste.
Search for a Solution
Idea
If people trust other water sources, they may avoid bottled water.
Technology can help provide this trust.
UK-India Partnership
Working Together
UK is helping India in:
Science and tech.
Climate and renewable energy.
Sustainable development.
Water Quality Study in Bengaluru
Who Did It
UK partnered with Ashoka Trust.
Focused on restaurants and consumer opinions.
Findings
People prefer bottled water because they doubt the safety of other sources.
Many water samples failed safety tests.
If people had water quality data, they would avoid bottled water.
What Can Be Done
At Home
People trust filtered water at home due to good maintenance.
New filters show when to service and how much water is used.
In Public Places
Show filter status in malls, offices, and restaurants.
This can build trust in public drinking water.
Bengaluru’s Role
Why Bengaluru?
It’s known for innovation.
Can lead in cutting plastic use.
Bigger Impact
Local solutions can inspire global progress.
Reducing bottled water use lowers plastic waste.
By: Shivam Saxena
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