Bottled Water - Rationalising "True" Cost

Came across a dated but interesting article that tries to quantify the environmental cost of bottled water at http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/01/14/ask_pablo_water/. Some headline numbers stand out, in particular "Based on my calculations, an empty 1-liter bottle requires over 7 liters of water in its manufacturing process, uses 162 grams of oil, and results in over 100 grams of greenhouse gas emissions.". This of course excludes other eco-unfriendly contributions for the transportation process.

Pretty scary numbers eh. No idea how accurate they are, and I did come across another post that said the author of the article subsequently revised down his original estimates.

Accuracy aside, I think the point that should be made is this: ultimately, the environmentally conscious consumer (and you should try to be one if you aren't already) should be guided by common sense. If you have 2 options as a consumer, and one is considerably less resource intensive than the other, take it. Example in point - bottled water. Doesn't take a genius to figure out that this is a lot less friendly than the alternative tap (even filtered / boiled). Bottled water uses plastic (which in turn is made from petroleum based products, uses water in the manufacturing and cleaning process, and needs to be subsequently disposed of), and consumes fuel when being transported to your local market (the French Alps are pretty far away from most places).

Don't be extreme. If you're out at a bar and you feel like a Perrier, have one. But where concessions can be given, give them. There's no need to drink bottled water at home if you live in a country where tap water is potable. If you don't like the taste of tap, boil it or run it through a filter.