Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Politics & Government


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Friday, March 14, 2008 at 12:00 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Seattle giving bottled water the boot

To cut down on trash and help the environment, the city of Seattle will stop buying bottled water, Mayor Greg Nickels announced Thursday...

Seattle Times staff reporter

To cut down on trash and help the environment, the city of Seattle will stop buying bottled water, Mayor Greg Nickels announced Thursday.

The city could save as much as $58,000 a year, officials said, by not purchasing bottled water for events or water-cooler jugs for its workers.

"It is to really highlight the fact that Seattle has one of the best municipal water supplies in the country," said Marty McOmber, the mayor's spokesman. "When you look at the cost of bottled water, both in terms of financial costs and costs on the environment, it's a pretty clear choice that using city water is a much better choice."

Nickels on Thursday signed an executive order that states that producing bottles for U.S. consumers requires more than 17 million barrels of oil annually, not including the fuel required to transport the bottles. Only one of 10 bottles is recycled, according to the city's announcement. The order takes effect immediately.

Tap water in Seattle comes from the rain and snowpack in Cedar River and Tolt River watersheds, which are protected natural areas. It costs a fraction of a penny per gallon.

City workers still will be allowed to bring bottled water to work. Vendors who operate on city property, such as KeyArena and Seattle Center, will still be allowed to sell bottled water. The city also will make exceptions in emergencies.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958

or schan@seattletimes.com

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

More Politics headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

NEW - 10:32 AM
Landrieu to vote to move ahead on health-care bill

Constantine to trim personal staff and salaries

Republicans blast 'bait and switch' health bill

AP sources: Giuliani leaning toward Senate run

Ethics committee: No punishment for Burris

Advertising

Video

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.

Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors
Interview with New Moon actors
Artistic Roller Skating
Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Smash Putt! Miniature Golf
Opening day at Crystal Mountain

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising