Bottled water has an important role

We respect Beth Bales' campaign to increase Aurora's efforts to be environmentally responsible (Daily Herald, April 20). We share those same goals, but ask that readers consider the important role bottled water plays in society.

People in large part choose bottled water because it is an easily accessible, zero-calorie alternative to sodas and other caloric or caffeinated drinks.

Unlike "the old days" children and adults have a dizzying array of packaged sugary, beverage choices.

What's happened is that nearly half of the increase in our daily caloric intake since the 1970s has come from sweetened beverages. Considering 70 percent of what people drink comes from a can or bottle, and current obesity and diabetes rates, bottled water is a choice that should be commended, not criticized.

Every manufactured good has an environmental impact, and we've been working hard for more than 15 years to continuously reduce ours. We are one of the most efficient users of water, compared to beer and soda companies. Our recyclable Eco-Shape bottle uses 30 percent less plastic than comparable half-liter beverage containers, reducing energy consumption and emissions. We make 98 percent of our bottles on site and are continually exploring new environmentally-minded packaging technologies, including recycled PET and bio-plastics.

While not trivial, used water bottles make up one third of 1 percent of the waste in landfills. Until other packaging options are viable, we advocate for model legislation that will create more consistent recycling programs across the country that will keep all containers - including those offered at meetings and events - out of landfills.

Jane Lazgin

Director, Corporate Communications,

Nestlé Waters North America

Greenwich, CT