This is the first in a series of posts about water. This one will explore whether bottled water is a safer alternative that some claim it to be, or whether the entire system is a cash-grab that is killing the environment.
Water is a basic human right. Right? So why do so many of us across the world pay so much for this basic human right? Today, we will explore ways in which private corporations have usurped control over this basic necessity of life, and what we as citizens across the world can do to stop this. Some of the resources to educate about bottled water are from the United States, some from Canada. Regardless, a lot of the facts discussed can be applied across the planet.
What happens when a basic human necessity like water is held hostage in plastic bottles controlled by private corporations? People suffer, the environment suffers. Let’s explore how this happens by first taking a look at the bottled water industry. Now, don’t get me wrong, in many parts of the world, drinking public tap water is unsafe for people, and can even prove fatal. However, in many other regions of the world, public tap water is safe, free (or less expensive) and environmentally-friendly.
Teachers, you can begin by showing your students this video on The Story of Bottled Water, published in 2010. While this 8 min. and 4 sec. video was created nearly a decade ago, the facts are still relevant today and can be used as a great starting point for the discussion around this one aspect of the privatization of water.
Critical questions that this video explores, and focal points for class discussions:
- Where does bottled water come from?
- How does advertising play a role in the increased purchase and use of bottled water?
- Who benefits from the purchase of bottled water?
- Who suffers as a result of an increase in the purchase of bottled water?
- What does the production of bottled water cost the environment?
- Are there any health risks associated with drinking bottled water? What are they?
- What are some of the moral and ethical implications of bottled water?
Encourage students to take point-form notes as they watch the video, and then put them in groups to explore some of the questions above. You can then bring groups together for a larger class discussion and consolidation of ideas.
ACTIVITIES TO FURTHER EXPLORE THIS TOPIC:
1. Flow Chart of Manufacturing Bottled Water with Critical Analysis Response:
In groups, have students create a visual representation of the process of manufacturing bottled water. They can use a medium of their choice (Prezi, Padlet, Google Slides, a poster, a skit etc.) to showcase the process by which bottled water is produced.
Critical-Analysis Piece: As part of this presentation, have students answer this question for each stage of their water production process: Whom/What does this stage of the process affect, and how?
2. Organize a Debate:
Teachers, whether you teach Law, English, Religion, Social Sciences, General Science or Geography, a debate on this topic can push your students to think for themselves while researching more about this area. You can use the following question for a debate: Is Bottled Water a Necessity? Why or why not?
Teachers, below are PDFs I have created to help you facilitate this debate:
- IS BOTTLED WATER A NECESSITY? DEBATE RULES & OUTLINE
- IS BOTTLED WATER A NECESSITY? DEBATE EVALUATION CHECKLIST
Here are some resources students can explore when preparing for this debate. Make sure to advise students about bias in articles. That is, have them question the writer’s motivations before they accept the argument being presented. These resources can be used as a starting point, and by no means are the be-all and end-all in the debate about bottled water.
- Tap Water Vs. Bottled Water
- The Truth About Tap | NRDC
- 10 Things You Need to Know About Bottled Water
- Bottle vs. tap: 7 things to know about drinking water
- Should Bottled Water Be Banned? – Top 4 Pros and Cons
I hope this helps begin a discussion about the necessity of bottled water in our world today, especially given the huge environmental impact of the same. As always, readers (and fellow teachers), please get in touch with any feedback; I would love to hear from you! Please follow me on Instagram for additional lesson ideas @creativeteachingbybd
With this segment on water, I wrap up Day 2 of the 31-Day Social Justice Education Project! See you tomorrow!
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