According to a new study by the Earth Policy Institute (United States), the consumption of bottled water has more than doubled in the past six years and is having a serious impact on the global ecosystem.
The research findings indicate that after consuming bottled water, the discarded plastic bottles pose a significant risk to the environment, as they are often made from non-biodegradable materials. Researchers estimate that it can take up to 1,000 years for the current waste of bottles to fully decompose after being buried in the ground.
Furthermore, the study highlights that the growth of the bottled water industry has led to water shortages in some areas, including India, where the production of bottled mineral and soft drinks by Coca-Cola has left more than 50 villages without access to drinking water.
