World | UK
London drinks to earth's health
Mayor and Thames water lead campaign to cut use of bottled water.
- Evening Standard
- Published: 00:53 February 20, 2008
London: Thames Water and the Mayor of London yesterday launched a campaign to promote tap water in restaurants, cafes and pubs.
The London on Tap scheme urges people to use less bottled water. It also plans a competition to design a recycled glass water carafe which can be used in restaurants across the capital.
"The message is very simple: don't be embarrassed to ask for tap water when you eat out," said Mayor Ken Livingstone. "You will save money and help save the planet. By drinking less bottled water, we can cut the climate change emissions coming from its production and transportation, and cut the problem of disposing of used bottles."
A Panorama programme on Monday night claimed government departments spent £1.3 million (Dh9.3 million) on bottled water last year, with councils across England and Wales spending £4.8 million.
Experts also analysed the carbon footprint of a glass of water, finding London tap water used 0.3g of CO2, while Volvic used 185g and Evian 172g.
Too scared to ask
However, a recent National Consumer Council study found one in five people are "slightly nervous" or "too scared to ask" for tap water.
"The idea of the carafes is to help Londoners take a stand against one of the biggest con jobs of the last two decades," said Jenny Jones, Green Party member for the London Assembly. "This is a simple, money-saving way to brush up your eco-credentials."
Thames Water chief executive David Owens, said: "Luckily in London we have probably the best drinking water in the world. We should all be proud to drink it. At less than a tenth of a penny a litre, it's up to 500 times cheaper than bottled water."
The scheme was also backed by Environment Minister Phil Woolas. "I believe there is no place for snobbery about tap water, and no excuse for making people feel small if they ask for it. If this move by Thames Water and the Mayor of London gives people confidence to ask for what they want in restaurants that has to be a good thing.
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