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MPs shun tap water as they drink 21,000 bottles a year
Sophie Goodchild and Mark Prigg25.08.09
MPs today came under fire for their use of bottled water in a report commissioned by Commons authorities.
The study warns that Parliament is damaging the environment by refusing to use only tap water.
Westminster's over-reliance on mineral water has created a 12-tonne carbon footprint, the equivalent of nine economy-class return flights from New York to London or seven Londoners commuting by car for a year.
Each year 10,000 bottles of sparkling and 11,400 bottles of still are delivered from Hampshire for Commons meetings. Delivery lorries have clocked up more than 70,000 miles in five years.
The report, from sustainability consultancy Best Foot Forward, was commissioned after MPs protested at the Commons administration committee's decision to offer only bottled water.
The study highlights the damage from chilling and carbonating water and suggests alternatives. These include using water coolers or fountains. There are coolers in the Palace of Westminster but MPs and staff have bought 850,000 litres of bottled water in five years.
The findings back the Standard's Water on Tap campaign to remove the stigma diners face when asking for tap water.
Thames Water calculates one litre of mains water accounts for 0.3g of CO2 and costs about 0.097p a litre. A 750ml bottle of mineral water can have a carbon footprint 300 times higher.
Environmentalists called on the Commons to use more tap water. "We should all be reducing the need to bottle and transport water which increases carbon emissions," said Friends of the Earth's executive director, Andy Atkins.
A Commons spokeswoman said scrapping bottles was not an option on "cost and practicality" grounds but said officials were considering other ways of reducing Westminster's carbon footprint.
Reader views (4)
What do you expect from that bunch of hypocrites - do as I say never do as I do.
Remember we the taxpayer are actually paying for this water as well ........
- Roger, ENGLAND
How does the Commons "spokesperson" justify the statement that 'scrapping bottles was not an option on "cost and practicality" grounds' I wonder? I assume that they would have to purchase large quantities of expensive crystal water jugs instead?
- Patrick, Dalston
Stop poisoning people by using fluoride in water, MP's know the damage that this chemical cause to health.
- William, Hay~Heath UK
Why wouldn't they want to drink tap water? Aren't they about to force Fluoride into it, which they insist is good for everyone.
- Bob, Cheam
