Book explores plastic water bottle consumption habits and access to safe drinking water
Book explores plastic water bottle consumption habits and access to ... Hawaiipublicradio
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The Fight Against Plastic Water and For Water Justice
Introduction
Bottled water is the world’s most sold and packaged beverage. It represents the largest share of the 600-plus billion plastic beverage containers that are discarded worldwide every year. Unfortunately, only one-quarter of these bottles are recycled in the United States.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The issue of plastic water bottles aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. These goals include:
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
Interview with Daniel Jaffee
Sociologist Daniel Jaffee recently authored a book titled “Unbottled: The Fight Against Plastic Water and For Water Justice.” In an interview with The Conversation, he discussed how we can address the plastic crisis by examining our attitudes towards drinking water.
Jaffee emphasized that bottled water is not only an environmentally problematic consumer product, but it is also intricately tied to the social justice crisis of unequal access to safe and affordable water in the United States.
Unequal Access to Safe Drinking Water
Jaffee highlighted that bottled water consumption is highest among low-income individuals and communities of color across the country. Despite the fact that most tap water in the U.S. meets federal regulations and is safe to drink, approximately 7% to 8% of water systems in the country violate the Safe Drinking Water Act each year.
However, Jaffee noted that these violations are not evenly distributed. They are disproportionately concentrated in low-income communities, communities of color, and rural areas with groundwater contamination.
Steps Towards Reclaiming the Tap
Jaffee shared examples of initiatives taken by certain places, such as Detroit, to promote tap water usage and advocate for clean drinking water. He emphasized the importance of educating children about alternative sources of water, stating that if children are taught that water can come from clean and attractive drinking fountains, they will be more inclined to choose tap water over bottled water.
Conclusion
The issue of plastic water bottles not only poses environmental challenges but also raises concerns regarding social justice and access to safe drinking water. By addressing these issues and promoting sustainable alternatives, we can work towards achieving the SDGs related to clean water, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and the preservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
This interview aired on The Conversation on Nov. 9, 2023. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The article discusses the issue of uneven access to safe and affordable water in the U.S., which is directly connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article highlights that bottled water consumption is highest among low-income people and communities of color in the U.S., indicating a connection to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
The article emphasizes the need for equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, aligning with Target 6.1 under SDG 6.
Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
The article highlights the disparities in access to safe drinking water among different communities, indicating a need to address social and economic inequalities. This aligns with Target 10.2 under SDG 10.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services
The article mentions that about 7% to 8% of water systems in the U.S. each year have at least one health violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which indicates a need to improve the proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. This aligns with Indicator 6.1.1 under Target 6.1 of SDG 6.
Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
The article highlights that bottled water consumption is highest among low-income people and communities of color, indicating a need to address economic inequalities. This aligns with Indicator 10.2.1 under Target 10.2 of SDG 10.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: hawaiipublicradio.org
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