Why Clean Water is a Human Right: Chambres on Bottled Water and Corporate Responsibility
I recently witnessed an interaction at Arlanda Airport that struck me deeply. A man complained about the high cost of bottled water, and I pointed him to the free, clean tap water just a few steps away. His surprise quickly turned to gratitude when I shared some crucial facts about bottled water. "Thank you, I’ll refill this bottle before boarding," he said.
In Sweden, we are fortunate to take clean water for granted. We turn on the tap and have fresh water ready without a second thought. However, globally, access to clean water remains a privilege, not a guarantee.
As the Director-General of the WHO reminds us:
“Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene at home should not be a privilege for the rich or those in urban centers. They are basic requirements for human health.”
The Reality of Water Privatization
While organizations like the WHO emphasize water as a fundamental human right, corporations such as Nestlé continue to push for the privatization of water. By extracting water from public sources for profit, they exploit local ecosystems and communities. The consequences are deeply unethical and harmful, yet the push for water privatization persists.
The global water crisis is stark—more people die annually from unsafe water than from all forms of violence combined, including wars. But even as this issue intensifies, some entities continue to claim ownership over public water supplies. This raises important questions:
- Water is our human right
- How can we secure access to clean water for future generations?
What Can We Do?
At Chambres, we believe clean water isn’t just a necessity; it’s a vital human right and a core element of our ethos. We believe in the shared responsibility to protect this essential resource, which is why we support initiatives like Solvatten. We also aim to raise awareness about the impact of bottled water and its consequences on the environment.
Here’s what you can do to help:
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Choose reusable bottles and refill them instead of buying bottled water.
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Support local efforts to preserve and protect water sources.
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Sign petitions like Nestlé’s Troubled Waters to demand accountability for unethical water practices.Water Is Our LifebloodWater is the source of all life, and it’s essential we protect it for ourselves and future generations. At Chambres, we are committed to supporting safe water access, not just as a resource but as a shared right. Let’s stand together to ensure that clean, safe water remains accessible for all.
