Tap It Talk: December 2009 Archives

How Your Bargain Fashion Habit Hurts Our Water Supply

By Julie Knapp on December 31, 2009 5:59 PM | No Comments

The next time you spot a must-have bargain fashion knockoff, you might want to consider more than its price tag before you pull out your credit card. Fast fashion pieces at budget-friendly, trend-driven stores like H&M, Zara, Topshop and Forever 21, are far from eco-friendly and can even impact drinking water.

Much of the cheap trendy clothing at these stores is shipped to the US from all around the world. Often, clothes is and produced from conventional cotton grown with pesticides on irrigation-based farms that can strain water supplies. Even the dyes used can lead to water pollution.

Take a simple cotton graphic t-shirt made in China, for example. In an article in Miller-McCune magazine, Chris Wood writes: "Only about 10 percent of dye wastes are recycled, and about a third of the rest flows directly to the environment. In provinces like Xinjiang, this waste is a major contributor to industrial and municipal pollution so severe that nearly 1 in 4 of China's 1.3 billion people drink contaminated water every day."

Not all foreign cotton producers are quite so bad. For example, cotton farmers in sub-Saharan Africa use six times less pesticides and fertilizers than those in China. But that hardly means the environmental impact is zero.

Now that $19.99 price tag has a higher cost, right? Are cheap fashion trends really worth ruining another countries water supply over? Not to mention the fact that the poorly made clothing often only lasts a season--or as long as the trend continues--before getting thrown away to spend the rest of its life in a landfill. So, next time you're in the mood for shopping, consider where your clothing comes from, what it's made out of and how long it'll stay in your wardrobe's rotation to determine its real cost.

Photo by jamesmellor on flickr under a Creative Commons license.

Australian Filmmaker to Swim Across the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

By Julie Knapp on December 30, 2009 5:56 PM | No Comments

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a giant mess of plastic junk in the middle of the Pacific Ocean nearing the size of the Northern Territory, has gotten a lot of attention this year from environmentalists to Oprah. Now, Australian filmmaker Richard Pain wants to show people what it looks like firsthand. He plans to swim 9,000 kilometers across the Pacific starting in Japan and ending in the US. In the middle he'll kick his way through the garbage disaster that marine life lives in every day.

The swim, which may take as long as 45 weeks, is obviously ambitious and no one has ever done it. The 45-year-old realizes it's a completely mad project to take on, but as the son of an Olympic bronze medalist, he thinks he has the drive needed.

Pain won't be out there with just a pair of goggles though. He plans to create a six meter-long bottle from used water bottles to swim in. It'll add to his message because plastic water bottles are a lot of what's floating around in the Garbage Patch. Plus, it'll keep him safe from sharks.

"But I'm aware there is a lot of green fatigue in the broader population. This is a way to try and raise awareness by doing something more compelling. It's like trying to do an environmental version of Super Size Me," Pain told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I want to create that iconic media image that everybody picks up and says, 'Oh my God, there's a man in the middle of the ocean in a gigantic water bottle," he said.

Beyond awareness for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Pain hopes to raise $1 million with his big swim to help research of the mess in the North Pacific Gyre. First up, 18 months of training.

Photo by cesarharada on flickr under a Creative Commons license.

Californians Look Downunder for Solutions to Water Crisis

By Kylie Harper on December 29, 2009 7:34 PM | No Comments

A delegation of California water experts recently toured Australian cities to get a handle on how that country has responded to water shortages after 13 years of drought.

Delegates were apparently struck by the effectiveness of conservation measures there. Water use is about 40 gallons per person, per day, including outdoor watering. California's per-capita average is 200 gallons. A huge difference!

Some of the conservation measures common in Australia are still rare in the US, like rainwater tanks that capture water for gardens and toilet flushing, dual-flush toilets, dual house plumbing for recycled water and water-efficient appliances in virtually every home.

Water use outdoors, which accounts for about half of consumption, is also much more efficient. Residents use hardy native plants with low-water needs instead of grass. Permeable pavement allows water to sink back into the ground rather than running down drains.

Desalination of ocean water is also common in most of Australia's major cities. But after visiting the plants some delegates came away thinking that conservation measures should be taken first because desalinized water is still fairly expensive. In addition, many water conservation programs involve retrofitting which would create green collar jobs in California.

In January, California will get to return the favor and show the Australians their Groundwater Replenishment System in Fountain Valley that treats sewer water and uses it to recharge underground aquifers.

Photo: The Nullabor by amandabhslater on Flickr under Creative Commons License

Water Filtration System Gains LEED Certification

By Kylie Harper on December 28, 2009 7:33 PM | No Comments

The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded an Innovation in Design credit under its LEED program for a specific two-stage water filtration system to eliminate the need for bottled water.

The combination of filtration technologies - an automatic self-cleaning screen filter at the main water supply's point of entry, followed by point-of-use filters at each faucet - delivers tap water of a quality equal to bottled water, without the environmental impact associated with the production, distribution and disposal of plastic bottles.

The two-stage process is what makes this system so innovative and environmentally friendly. By removing suspended sediments from the building's water supply at point of entry, the automatic filter minimizes the load on the point-of-use filters. This significantly increases the longevity of the cartridges in the home units.

And, they're made by an NYC company!

Photo: Betterwaters.com

EWG Names Best and Worst Cities for Tap Water

By Julie Knapp on December 24, 2009 1:25 PM | No Comments

After the New York Times expose on toxic waters earlier this year and frequent reports of traces of other stuff being found in drinking water, you might wonder what's really in your tap water. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) just released their analysis of over 20 million records from municipal water supplies and found 315 different types of pollutants in tap water, many of which aren't regulated.

From their research EWG created a tap water quality database of 48,000 communities in 45 states so you can find out what you're drinking. They also ranked 100 cities to find the top 10 cities with the best water, which includes Austin, Boston, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Providence, Rhode Island and the 10 cities with the worst water, which includes Pensacola and Jacksonville in Florida along with San Diego, Las Vegas, Houston and Riverside, California. New York City is ranked either 13 or 41 depending on whether the water comes through Jamaica, Queens or the Catskill/Delaware area.

So should you stop drinking tap if you live in one of the worst cities? We don't think so, but EWG suggests filtering it. EWG thinks it's time for the federal government to assess drinking water quality nationwide and establish new safety standards to protect this precious resource so we don't have to worry about what's coming out of our tap.

Photo by malla_mi on flickr under a Creative Commons license.

Global Tap Launches The Water Fountain 2.0

By William Schwartz on December 23, 2009 12:25 AM | No Comments

Global Tap, who had its global launch with TapIt in San Francisco last week, is offering a new kind of water fountain specifically for refilling your reusable water bottle.

Designed by IDEO, the legendary design firm behind Microsoft's second mouse and the Palm V PDA, this refill station is very sleek. The Global Tap plan is to make this water refill fountain the symbol of water in public spaces.

The Global Tap fountain is pretty fun to use. You just place your water bottle on the platform, press the button on the base and a thin stream of water flows down filling your bottle. It is a lot easier than holding your bottle at an odd angle at a regular water fountain.

It would be really nice to have these fountains in parks, where it is often difficult to find a water fountain, let alone use one that is designed for your water bottle.

Ultimately, water fountains need the water bottle refill ability if they are going to compete with bottled water usage. This type of design is a good development for the tap water movement.

Greenwashing or Finally Green? FIJI Water joins 1% for Planet

By Kylie Harper on December 22, 2009 10:53 AM | No Comments

FIJI Water recently announced that it is joining 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses that pledge 1% of their annual sales to non-profit organizations focused on sustainability.

They say that joining 1% for the Planet underscores their deep commitment to sustainability and to preserving the environment in Fiji, a pacific island with a unique eco-system from which they draw the water for their best selling brand.

I can't help recalling the 'Spin the Bottle' article by Ann Lenzer of Mother Jones who contrasted the clean efficiency of the FIJI water bottling plant with these words '...crumbling pipes, a lack of adequate wells, dysfunctional or flooded water treatment plants, and droughts that are expected to get worse with climate change. Half the country has at times relied on emergency water supplies, with rations as low as four gallons a week per family; dirty water has led to outbreaks of typhoid and parasitic infections. Patients have reportedly had to cart their own water to hospitals, and schoolchildren complain about their pipes spewing shells, leaves, and frogs. Some Fijians have taken to smashing open fire hydrants and bribing water truck drivers for a regular supply.'

Oh, and then there's the Pacific Garbage Patch... I guess if you ship all those plastic bottles to the U.S. they have a way of finding their way back to you! Good try FIJI.

So, what do you think? FIJI Water - Greenwashing or Green?

Photo:

"We are very happy to welcome Roll International and FIJI Water to the 1% movement," said Terry Kellogg, CEO of 1% for the Planet. "The company and its owners have a long-standing commitment to corporate philanthropy and the environment, and their membership will help us bring awareness of the 1% movement to a broader audience."

FIJI Water, natural artesian water bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands), is the number one premium bottled water in the United States and one of the fastest-growing brands worldwide.

The decision to join 1% for the Planet is part of FIJI Water's ongoing effort to help preserve and protect the environment. FIJI is also the only major bottled water brand to make its entire carbon footprint transparent on its website and was the first privately owned company to report its carbon emissions to the UK-based Carbon Disclosure Project Supply Chain Leadership Collaboration. ICF International, a global leader in analyzing emissions inventories and providing advice on climate strategy, independently reviews and verifies FIJI Water's carbon footprint annually. And in November 2007, FIJI Water announced that it would become the first carbon-negative bottled water brand in the world, by offsetting its annual carbon emissions by 120%.

As part of that commitment, FIJI Water joined forces with the people of Fiji and Conservation International, a leading conservation organization, in spearheading a major reforestation project in Fiji. The Nakauvadra Forest Carbon Project is Fiji's first community-owned forest carbon project and is intended to restore degraded grasslands and abandoned sugar cane farms by replacing them with a mix of native species, fruit and spice trees, and timber such as mahogany and teak. Planting of the first 250 acres of the project began in October 2009, and another 1,000 acres will be planted over the coming years to meet FIJI Water's ongoing carbon-negative commitment. FIJI Water is investing at least $3 million USD in the forest restoration projects.

In addition to FIJI's reforestation efforts, the company is also working to preserve and protect the Sovi Basin, the largest remaining lowland rainforest in the South Pacific. Partnering again with Conservation International, FIJI Water has pledged $5 million USD to support this extensive conservation work and endow a trust fund that protects in perpetuity more than 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest. The endowment aims to compensate landowners and offset concessions made to logging companies who harvest timber from the Sovi Basin. The ecological benefits are vast and multifaceted: the Sovi Basin is one of only 34 such unique biodiversity hotspots around the world, hosting over 3,300 unique and often endangered species, which will now be protected; important watersheds will be safeguarded in the region, improving water availability and quality for local communities; and significant amounts of carbon will be sequestered by eliminating logging activities and halting further degradation. A video highlight of the Sovi Basin is available at http://www.youtube.com/fijiwatercompany#p/u/4/USRWBIV3U7g.

Through a partnership with the Rotary Pacific Water for Life Foundation, FIJI Water has also committed to providing technical support and funding necessary to provide the delivery of safe and clean water to 100 Fiji communities each year. To date, the company has supported projects in 13 of Fiji's 14 provinces and helped to deliver clean water to more than 30,000 people in need. With FIJI Water's continued commitment to fund at least 100 new projects each year, hundreds of thousands of Fijians in some of the poorest parts of the country will soon benefit from the company's efforts. Video highlights of FIJI's water projects are available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G4x6d619EA.

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fijiwater and visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fijiwater

About 1% for the Planet:

1% for the Planet is a global alliance of businesses that donate at least 1% of their sales directly to non-profit organizations focused on sustainability. To date, its 1,100+ members spread across 38 different countries have donated more than $50M to environmental causes.

Membership in 1% is diverse. It includes icons of the socially responsible business world like Patagonia, Clif Bar and New Belgium Brewing. It also includes publicly traded companies such as Volcom and Diageo.

For more information, please visit: http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/aboutus/

About FIJI Water

FIJI^® Water, natural artesian water bottled at the source in Viti Levu (Fiji islands), is the number one premium bottled water in the United States and one of the fastest-growing brands worldwide. A product of one of the last virgin ecosystems on the planet, FIJI Water is forced by natural pressure out of its aquifer deep below the earth's surface and into iconic square bottles through a sealed delivery system free of human contact. FIJI Water's unique mineral profile lends to its refreshing taste and soft mouth-feel that have made it a favorite among top chefs and the winner of taste tests by Chicago Magazine, Cook's Illustrated Buying Guide, Men's Health, Every Day with Rachael Ray and others.

The company is committed to sustainable development and is the primary driver of economic development and social welfare in Fiji. FIJI Water reinvests substantial resources to expand access to clean, safe drinking water and to provide quality education and health care for the people in Fiji. As the first net carbon-negative product in its industry, FIJI Water is reducing carbon emissions across the product's entire lifecycle and offsetting at least 120% of remaining emissions through a rainforest restoration project in the Fiji Islands. FIJI Water has also partnered with Conservation International and the people of Fiji to protect and preserve the Sovi Basin, the largest remaining lowland rainforest in the South Pacific.

FIJI Water is widely available at fine restaurants and hotels, all major retail channels including grocery and convenience, and through an innovative home delivery program. Following the success of the flagship U.S. business, FIJI Water has expanded to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Western Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more, please visit www.fijiwater.com.

San Francisco Continues Campaign Against Bottled Water With TapIt

By William Schwartz on December 22, 2009 12:14 AM | No Comments

As you may know, TapIt launched its' network in San Francisco last week with a press event in Yerba Buena Gardens with the City of San Francisco and Global Tap, a company that installs water bottle refill stations in public spaces.

The launch was part of San Francisco's ongoing campaign to promote local water that started with Mayor Gavin Newsom banning the purchase of bottled water with city funds. The City seeks to educate the community on why bottled water is too expensive, wasteful, and unnecessary when San Francisco's Hetch Hetchy water is some of the cleanest in the country.

It is great to be in a partnership with a city that is committed to practical and sustainable goals. Reducing bottled water use reduces land fill costs, recycling costs and litter. It also engages communities in their local water system, which in the long run, is essential to protecting these valuable public resources.

We hope more cities take this stance in the future and spread the message that bottled water is against the public interest.

Water Privatizer Ready to Prosecute for Water Theft in California

By Kylie Harper on December 21, 2009 9:48 AM | 1 Comment

California American Water, a private company that supplies water and waste water services all over the U.S. and Canada, announced that it's on the lookout for instances of water theft from fire hydrants. And they're ready to prosecute offenders.

Contractors who need to use water from a fire hydrant for any project are required to obtain a hydrant meter permit that typically lasts 60 days. They are given a meter so their usage can be measured and billed. But sometimes in remote areas, contractors are using the fire hydrants without permits and hence, not contributing to American Water's bottom line. And that's a big no-no!

While we're all for reducing consumption of water, water privatization really annoys the hell out of me. When I hear about prosecution and law enforcement getting involved, I just can't help asking 'Who's water is it anyway?'

Photo: Sad Hydrant 2 on flickr under Creative Commons License

Amidst Drought, Californians Fight Over Sewage

By Kylie Harper on December 18, 2009 12:48 PM | No Comments

Fighting over water is nothing new in California but the latest battle has taken on a fun twist - water agencies are clamoring for their share of...you guessed it...sewer water.

Sanitation Districts of LA County has promised to deliver 45,000 acre-feet of recycled water to agencies but some think there will be less available and are worried about not getting their allotment.

Much of the recycled sewer water is promised to a $210 million project - known as the Groundwater Reliability Improvement Program (GRIP) that recycles the water to drinking standards. The project is a partnership between a number of California water agencies but not the Central Basin Water District - and that has sent them into a lobbying frenzy.

The GRIP project will be one of the biggest users of recycled water, taking about half of the remaining waste-water from sanitation districts. It would purify water through reverse osmosis and then use it to replenish dwindling groundwater supplies. Some believe this method of using the water could directly offset half of California's demand for imported water. But Central Basin says GRIP is asking for to much sewer water and that they had first dibs. Oi...

Photo: Wastewater treatment plant, Richmond, California on Flickr under Creative Commons License

Water Filtration Gone Bad, Tourists Killed in Miami

By Kylie Harper on December 17, 2009 12:01 PM | No Comments

One tourist has died and at least two others have become sick after staying at the Epic Hotel in downtown Miami and health officials think its a rare type of pneumonia called Legionnaire's Disease.

County and state officials say that they hotel installed a powerful water filter that removed almost all the chlorine from its city supplied tap water and that this encouraged bacterial growth.

Is this a case of luxury gone wrong? Officials seem to think so. The county's top epidemiologist says that the hotel installed the powerful filtration unit to enhance the quality of its tap water.

To fix the problem, the hotel will adjust its water system so that incoming city water bypasses its special filter and health officials plan to temporarily triple the amount of chlorine normally used to stave off bacterial growth.

Yep, chlorine is necessary guys, I could even learn to love it. Next time someone moans at me that they drink bottled water because they don't like the taste of chlorine, I'll just politely say 'google Epic Hotel and water.'

Farting Cows to Gain Share of Gas Market and Save NY Drinking Water

By Kylie Harper on December 16, 2009 9:22 AM | No Comments

NY State cows are moving in to take their share of the green energy market and save NY drinking water from natural gas drilling contamination.

Working their way through the recruitment process as we speak, those hired will provide sustainable manure-derived methane bio-gas to NY State homes. Along with other alternative energies, the bio-gas could reduce the need for unsafe natural gas drilling (or hydrofacking) which is dangerous to our drinking water supplies.

The statewide recruitment drive began this fall at NY State's Dairy Power Summit. And while initial goals are modest, by 2020 the cows hope to produce enough methane to power about 30,000 homes. Working with GE, they hope to transform their farms into the central feature of hundreds of bio-energy communities across the state. They'll have to fart a lot!

Given all this hiring, I'm wondering if we can add these beasts to our jobs numbers - it could be a win-win!

Photo: Cow on Flickr by JelleS under Creative Commons License

Drought Stricken Californians Slurp from Sea

By Kylie Harper on December 15, 2009 1:49 PM | 1 Comment

As supplies of fresh water dwindle and the price rises, Californians are turning to the pacific ocean to supplement their water needs. There are now more than two dozen seawater desalination plants in various stages of construction throughout California, including local projects slated for Long Beach, Huntington Beach and Dana Point.

San Diego County has the largest and most technologically-advanced seawater desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere, capable of sustaining 300,000 residents. The Huntington Beach project will be capable of producing 50 million gallons of drinking water every day.

The majority of Southern California's water comes from Northern California and the Colorado River but costs have risen over the years and show no sign of stopping. Desalination costs however, continue to drop. Desalination technology has been available for years but water was cheap so the technology wasn't feasible. That's no longer the case - desalinated water is now only slightly more expensive than imported water.

Along with seawater desalination, California is promoting water conservation and water recycling. In fact, Orange County boasts an internationally-renowned Groundwater Replenishment (GWR) System, which treats waste water for consumptive use. Go Orange County!

Photo: Desalination Plant in Israel

Water Bottlers Lose Out as Creeks Protected in Pennsylvania

By William Schwartz on December 14, 2009 7:22 AM | No Comments

Laurel Hill Creek in Bakersville, Western Pennsylvania was set for protection as a "critical stream" earlier this month. In an encouraging example of the government conserving waterways for the public good, the stream is set to be fully protected by the Pennsylvania DEP.

The stream was not threatened by pollution so much as bulk water extraction. There had been plans for the river to be used by a nearby resort as well as a supply for a bottled water operation.

Two other streams, Connoquenessing and Indian Creek, are also in consideration for the protection as a "critical stream".

In recent days we have seen the New York DEC take a clearly irresponsible position on hydrofrac natural gas drilling in watersheds and have observed the continued failure to enforce the clean water act. Seeing stories like this gives us hope that maybe these blunders are not the overall trend.

Recycle Your Electronics with YouRenew at the Wired Pop Up Store to Help Keep Water Clean

By Julie Knapp on December 11, 2009 9:43 PM | No Comments

Do you have a stash of old cell phones, outdated digital cameras and other unwanted electronics? Or have you thought about what you'll do with your cell phone when you (fingers crossed) get the new iPhone this Christmas? If you send your old devices to the landfill--and many people do considering 117 million cell phones end up there each year--they can adversely impact our water supply. As electronics sit in landfills, lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxic chemicals leach into the soil and travel to our waterways.

Luckily there's a better solution that's incredibly easy and might provide you with some extra shopping money. If you're shopping for gadgets this holiday season check out the Wired Store pop up at 415 West 13th Street in Manhattan. Bring your old devices with you and toss them in YouRenew.com's recycling bin.

YouRenew, an e-waste recycling start up, will data clear, refurbish and resell your unwanted electronics. If you bring something beyond repair (a Zach Morris phone circa 1989 for example), they'll send it to We Recycle, an e-waste recycling company that makes use of the plastics and metals.

Wired's gadget-filled store will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 12pm to 9pm now through December 27 if you want to donate your old stuff. But you can always visit YouRenew.com to recycle your gadgets and that's how you'll get paid! Simply visit YouRenew.com, search for your device and input information about its condition to find out how much YouRenew will pay you for your item ($100 on average). They'll provide a free shipping label so all you need to do is print the label, pack up your device, drop it in the post and wait for your check.

The Most Dangerous Bottled Water In The World

By William Schwartz on December 10, 2009 11:27 AM | 4 Comments

A water bottler in South Korea has gone to the most untouched place on the planet to source its bottled water.

It turns out this source is the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea (DMZ) that has not been touched by humans since agreements made in 1953. Because of this, the DMZ is said to support 900 plant species, 320 types of birds and over 70 mammals.

While it is true the area has been untouched by humans, it is also known to be one of the most dangerous places on earth. The 155 mile long 2.5 mile wide strip of land is filled with land mines and is under constant military surveillance due to tension between North and South Korea.

The water will be called DMZ, the acronym for the demilitarized zone, to represent the pristine nature of the water's source. Bottles are now available in South Korea for about 50 cents

Worst marketing strategy of all time or entrepreneurial genius?

A Water Bottle That Fits in Your Pocket

By William Schwartz on December 9, 2009 4:34 PM | No Comments

Another excuse is gone for not carrying your own refillable water when on-the-go. The Vapur "anti bottle", is the solution for all those who don't carry a bag or who just don't want the inconvenience of lugging a water bottle around.

The Vapur is made from a BPA free, flexible polymer material. It acts as a normal water bottle when it is full, but when it is empty, you simply fold it or roll it up and put it in your pocket or purse.

This flexible material also allows the vapur to be safely washed in the dishwasher or placed in the freezer. All things that cannot be said for most other water bottles on the market.

Add in the $8.95 price tag, and you really have no more excuses to become one of the growing water bottle toting crowd.

photo credit: vapur.us

Water May Decide General Election in California

By Kylie Harper on December 8, 2009 7:18 PM | No Comments

You remember the old wild west saying, "whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting over." Well, the California general election is 11 months away and already the water maneuvering has started.

California's water supply agency announced that urban areas and irrigation districts can expect only five percent of their contracted water allotments in 2010 due to the ongoing drought and environmental restrictions.

The allocation is the lowest since the agency stared in 1967 and reflects the worst drought in the State's history. Federally mandated restrictions on water deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to protect endangered fish (Chinook Salmon and Smelt) have compounded the problem.

The California legislature took a major step forward earlier this month to address the State's water needs, passing the most comprehensive water package in California history.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said that the $11 billion bond is the greatest investment that could be made in the future of California given that its current water system was built to serve only 18 million people and now serves 38 million people.

But those seeking office are using the State's water problems as a wedge issue. Water cutbacks in the State's Central Valley gives office seekers like Carly Fiorina (seeking the republican nomination for Barbara Boxer's seat), and Meg Whitman who is seeking the governors mansion, a chance to favor farmers.

They're paying very, very close attention," Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, said of the myriad GOP candidates for statewide office. "I've taken calls from all of them; they all want to know about it."

Barbara Boxer could be in for a tough fight. The longtime environmental champion will need to show Central Valley farmers that she feels their pain if she is to keep her seat. Although she can always point out that environmental protections only account for one quarter of restrictions this year and the rest results from...ah...living in a desert...duh!

Photo: Sacremento Delta; Circle of Blue

No Bottled Water at Copenhagen Climate Summit

By Kylie Harper on December 7, 2009 8:10 PM | No Comments

Organizers are trying to make the Copenhagen Climate Summit as 'green' as possible and one of the first things they targeted - bottled water. If that isn't enough to convince you the stuff is bad news, I don't know what is!

Instead of refrigerators full of bottled water, delegates are being offered ordinary Copenhagen tap water from biodegradable corn starch cups filled from drinking fountains dotted around the Bella Center convention hall.

They're also cutting down on transportation. There are no special buses laid on. Instead participants will be encouraged to use public transport links serving the venue. Bicycles are also available and high-level delegates are being offered limousines powered by ethanol made from organic waste.

Photo: One liter of tap water = 5.90 from Olivier Bruchez on Flickr under Creative Commons License

Jackson Browne Tour Bans Bottled Water

By William Schwartz on December 4, 2009 10:35 AM | No Comments

Last month, musician and occasional activist Jackson Browne, came out strongly against bottled water in an interview with FakePlasticFish.com that we reported here.

This month Jackson Browne has taken the next step: His whole tour has quit using bottled water. His 6 city US tour and 6 city Japanese tour will now be bottle-less. Browne is requiring everyone involved in the tour, including the roadies to carry their own refillable water bottles.

As Browne said in his interview last month, he will never buy bottled water, even at the airport. He empties his bottle before security and refills it again afterward.

We do want to let the Jackson Browne tour know, TapIt is now in 10 states. If you happen to be in Des Moines', Portland, San Francisco or elsewhere, the TapIt network has got you covered. Perfect for the traveling musician.

New App Helps Illegal's Crossing Border Find Water

By Kylie Harper on December 3, 2009 11:16 AM | 1 Comment

If you want to break into the U.S. there's an App for that!

A University of California at San Diego professor has developed an application for cell phones that he believes will help illegals cross the border more safely.

The application helps illegals, who are tired and weary after trekking through the brutal desert terrain, find their way quickly to the nearest town and a clean supply of drinking water by using a GPS locator similar to the one you have in your car. It's developers say the application will reduce the number of desert deaths.

Not everyone agrees that this is a good idea. Fellow professor of immigration policy at UCSD, Pete Nunez, who is also a retired U.S. Attorney, says that people who are caught distributing these types of applications could be committing a crime because the program is used only to assist people entering the country illegally. But the professor, along with a local advocacy group hopes to distribute the App online and through churches that offer illegals safe haven.

What do you think? 'Crime' or 'they're crossing the border anyway, might as well give them some water.'

Urbanites and Environmetalists vs. Farmers in California Water War

By Kylie Harper on December 2, 2009 7:32 PM | No Comments

Here's a sign of things to come if I've ever seen one. California environmentalists are appealing a judge's decision to keep active more than 100 long-term water delivery contracts to farmers in the agriculturally rich Central Valley.

In an appeal filed Monday in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the San Francisco Baykeeper say the decades-long water contracts would harm aquatic life (particularly Smelt) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Based on a 2005 Biological Opinion that has been thrown out in federal court, they are asking the appeals court to have the contracts renegotiated to reflect current science to safeguard the Smelt which is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Some of the contracts being challenged allow the diversion of over 300,000 acre-feet of water from the Delta to San Joaquin Valley growers for the next 25 years. Others allow diversion of 2.2 million acre feet annually.

"We're talking about agreements that hand over California's real wealth, its water, for decades to some growers watering desert soils full of toxic minerals for a fraction of the real value of that water, all at taxpayer and urban water users' expense," said Earthjustice Attorney Trent Orr.

Photo: Wikimedia commons

Nancy Pelosi Spends Nearly $3K on Bottled Water in Three Months

By Kylie Harper on December 1, 2009 9:30 PM | No Comments

We at TapIt love Nancy Pelosi. First woman speaker of the house, more left leaning than the Berkeley Student Council and tough as nails. But we were disappointed to hear today that she spent nearly $3000 on bottled water over the last quarter. Your tax dollars!

Pelosi's offices defended the charges, saying the Speaker's office holds more ceremonial events with visiting dignitaries than other congressional offices. My question would be, what's wrong with D.C. tap water served in beautiful glass pitchers? I mean, seriously, is there anything cheaper looking than a plastic water bottle?

This is shocking for a someone who represents 4/5ths of the City and County of San Francisco, one of the nations most progressive areas when it comes to the local food and water movement.

We encourage you to email Nancy and let her know what you think of this fiscal outlay. If you're one of her constituents (8th District) you can use her email form. If not, email her as Speaker of the House at AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov

Photo: Janeqrepublican.wordpress.com


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