I read with interest the article that appeared in the July 5 edition of the Guelph Tribune entitled, “Student councils to drive bottled water campaigns.”
In the piece, it stated that Upper Grand District School Board approved a student-led political campaign against bottled water and plastic beverage containers in its schools, effective September 2012.
What the article didn’t state was that the board formally rejected yet another attempt to ban the sale of bottled water in its facilities, for which it should be commended. Once again, the board has put the health of its staff and students ahead of all other considerations.
While we are disappointed that a political campaign against the Canadian beverage sector and the Canadian plastics industry is being counselled in our schools, we are hopeful that those in positions of leadership at the board will step forward and advise student organizers about the importance of investigating all sides of the issue, of building a narrative based on independent, peer-reviewed scientific fact, and of engaging all stakeholders in the research, dialogue and decision-making processes.
John B. Challinor
Director of Corporate Affairs
Nestlé Waters Canada
I’m sorry, but I have to disagree strongly. There is nothing wrong with drinking tap water. I come from a university that has banned the sale of bottled water. New water fountains were installed to facilitate this change.
There is nothing wrong in banning such a non-essential item. Yes, water is essential, the plastic it gets packaged in, is not. I am sure the movement isn’t based around water, but around the plastic that populates the land fills. Here lies the issue; throwing water bottles into landfills. Students, the leaders of tomorrow are taking a stand against something that affects their future. The company, instead of fighting this change, could try to help improve the situation. They could start producing reusable bottles in which students would be allowed to use throughout the year.
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I thought Nestle used recyclable plastic for their water bottles. Our Guelph was the best in the world until Walkerton happened and the government ordered ridiculous amounts of chlorine in our water. Now it is unpleasant to drink to say the least. pour a glass of tap water ,let it sit for 15 minutes , it will taste like a swimming pool. No wonder we have so many people with IBS and other intestinal problems. i gave up on tap water. now you have to either filter the crap out of it or put up with the taste. nevertheless ,Water is a necessity of life and should be available no matter what form it is in. How can we deprive a necessity because of a plastic fight. Canada is about choice , one option is not choice in my books.
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