The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Kate Fried, Food & Water Watch (202) 683-2500

Food & Water Watch Lauds New York State's Rejection of Bottled Water

tatement of Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter

WASHINGTON

"This week, New York Governor David A. Paterson signed an Executive
Order to phase out the state's purchase and use of bottled water in
State agency facilities. Food & Water Watch applauds Governor
Paterson's actions and his demonstrated commitment to protecting one of
our most vital natural resources.

"In addition to being no purer than tap water and a waste of money,
the production and distribution of bottled water causes a host of
equity and environmental problems. These include taking water from
communities that depend on it; polluting the environment during the
production of plastic; contributing to global warming by transporting
bottled water over great distances; and irresponsibly disposing of
billions of empty bottles. Moreover, in our current economic climate,
no state should be squandering municipal resources on bottled water.

"Food & Water Watch's Take Back the Tap Campaign has been
working with restaurants in New York to eliminate bottled water from
their menus. We are thrilled that the State of New York is joining
these establishments in highlighting the benefits of tap water over
bottled water and supporting policies that promote clean, affordable
water for all.

"We encourage other states to follow New York's lead in eliminating
this unnecessary expense from their budgets; and we encourage Congress
to help maintain the integrity of our drinking water by establishing a
Clean Water Trust Fund to maintain and upgrade the infrastructure
systems that deliver this essential resource to American families."

Food & Water Watch mobilizes regular people to build political power to move bold and uncompromised solutions to the most pressing food, water, and climate problems of our time. We work to protect people's health, communities, and democracy from the growing destructive power of the most powerful economic interests.

(202) 683-2500