Aussies encouraged to give up bottled water during Buy Nothing New Month

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­This October is Buy Nothing New Month and Australians are being challenged to reduce their environmental footprint by cutting out single use plastic bottled water.

Australians spend more than $736 million a year on bottled water, making it one of the most common and expensive single-use purchases in the country.

Nearly 375 million plastic bottles end up in landfill and waterways, contributing to Australia’s growing landfill problem and harming marine life. By 2050 scientists predict there will be more plastics in the ocean than fish.

Westernport Water’s Managing Director Peter Quigley said that by switching from bottled water to tap water, peoples would be saving both money and our precious environment.

“It’s important that we work together to protect the area’s unique biodiversity and pristine beaches from plastic pollution,” said Mr Quigley.

“Buy Nothing New Month is a unique initiative that will help contribute to improving the health of our environment. It’s really easy, simply buy nothing new for the month of October”.

“Bottled water should be one of the easiest things that people can give up – access to water is readily available, you just need a bottle to refill,” Mr Quigley said.

The average cost of plastic bottled water is $3.50 and while this may not seem like a lot, it is 2000 times more expensive than tap water and the cost on the environment is much greater.

A plastic water bottle takes around 450 years to break down and Australia’s annual use of bottled water generates more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Ditching plastic bottled water is just one way Australians can get behind Buy Nothing New Month. Some other tips include:

  • Use a reusable cup when you buy coffee
  • Remember your reusable shopping bags, jars and containers when food shopping.
  • Shop for clothes and homewares at op-shops – that way you’re recycling and not buying new.
  • Repair items instead of replacing them.
  • Sell things you don’t need – the good old garage sale is a great way to clear space, make some extra money and help your unwanted items find a new home.

Westernport Water is a proud to partner with Choose Tap to drive social change and encourage people to drink more tap water.

Choose Tap is a national campaign which promotes tap water as the best hydration choice for the environment, people’s health and hip pocket.

ENDS

 

Media enquiries to Manager Communications and Engagement on 1300 720 711 or email | communications@westernportwater.com.au