Drinking Water In Plastic Bottles: An Addiction That Proves Hard to Quit

The marine industry is preparing for the transition to a cleaner, or even net zero pollution operation. This could be the most significant challenge the industry has faced since the implementation of steam engines. All eyes are on the future, and while all minds are set on the same goal, obstacles start to appear in the background driven by geographical inequalities.

We may all agree that obstacles are meant to be overcome. However, the question is: are we really prepared to take on this challenge, and to what extent is the industry willing to contribute financially to achieve its environmental goals?

While Western nations spearhead initiatives to move from plastic packaging to alternatives, many countries in the East lag far behind in environmental goals. This isn't due to a lack of willingness but rather a lack of developed infrastructure, economy, and living standards. Similar to their counterparts in the West, those living in the East also detest seeing mountains of plastic polluting forests, rivers, and oceans. The simple fact, however, is that, even though pollution is recognised as a severe threat, it does not have priority over more pressing issues. Remember, the average salary in the Asia Pacific region ranges between USD 3.00 to USD 15.00 per day, depending on the country. Priorities, therefore, revolve around housing, food, and education. The environment has to wait a little.

Many areas lack proper water purification facilities, and people depend on drinking water in bottles. Besides the average family or manufacturer simply not having the funds to shift to glass bottles or Tetra pack, remote areas lack a proper supply infrastructure, let alone the means to return packaging for recycling. And that means that plastic is going to be part and parcel of life in the East for the foreseeable future.

Unless, of course, Western Nations are going to finance and build recycling facilities in Asia Pacific. This seems highly unlikely since, until recently, Western countries were exporting and dumping their waste on this side of the world. Western nations have their own problems dealing with waste, and coming to the rescue of countries in the East is not on the agenda.

Exceptions to the rule are rich countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, which are making large investments to put in place a recycling infrastructure. In the end, recycling is a matter of costs, and those who can afford it can implement it now. Those who do not have the money will have to kick the proverbial can down the road. Unfortunately, as things look now, most countries in the East will be kicking the can for the next decade to come.

Ship owners and managers are facing quite similar questions. Abandoning plastic bottles is not that easy. Sure, glass bottles and Tetra pack are available, but where can they be offloaded for recycling? In many countries in Asia-Pacific, recycling is not available, and all garbage ends up in a landfill or incinerator, precisely what we are trying to avoid.

Drinking water purification on board is the solution and an excellent alternative to packaged drinking water. However, for unclear reasons, this faces resistance from crew and owners/managers. For a person brought up in a country where the only safe drinking water comes from a bottle, the lack of enthusiasm for water purifiers may be understandable. However, the resistance by ship owners and managers, the lack of commitment to on-board water purification, or investment in it, is very hard—if not impossible—to explain.

Not only are water purifiers environmentally friendly, but they are also more cost-effective than bottled water or Tetra pack on a liter-for-liter basis. Many ship suppliers have invested in stocking Tetra pack drinking water. Additionally, easy-to-install and cheap water purifiers are readily available as well. Surprisingly, there appear to be few takers.

For once, crew, ship owners, ship managers, and ship suppliers embrace a common goal. A goal that is commercially and technologically achievable with minimal effort. The marine industry has always sailed its own course and has always considered itself a bit special. However, this time, even the marine industry itself cannot explain why it hesitates to implement something so desirable and obvious.

To those companies already on the path of on-board water purification: Kudos! Please step up and share your experience. For those still in doubt, others have preceded you. It is time to do the right thing.

Source: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/explainer-how-will-proposed-beverage-container-return-scheme-work-and-how-are-consumers-refunded-1998136