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At Nestlé Waters North America, we fully understand our responsibility in protecting the environment.
After all, our business—and conscience—demands that we do our best to ensure that nature stays, well, completely natural.
Using water wisely
We begin with strong belief that water, or most valuable natural resource should be used efficiently and responsibly.
Our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)--certified plants ensure that only 1.3 gallons are used to produce
one gallon of spring water, compared to three gallons of water for every gallon of soda produced or 42 gallons of water for
every gallon of beer. * These plants have helped us conserve over nine million gallons of water over the last four years.
In fact, Nestlé Waters North America is the leading U.S. manufacturer in LEED facilities.
Nestlé Waters North America is actually a small consumer of water, using less than 1/1,000 of 1% of total U.S. renewable
fresh water annually. **
*Sources: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Coca-Cola Company; Drinking Water Research Foundation study summary;
International Bottled Water Association
**Source: water.usgs.gov
Lightening-up on packaging is easier on the environment
We've also been a leader in addressing one of the most pressing concerns in our industry by reducing plastic usage in our
packaging by 245 million pounds per year over the last decade.
We've even reduced the weight of the paper on our labels to conserve another 15.1 million pounds of paper since 1998 and eliminated
another 35.3 million pounds of corrugated cardboard from our packaging over the last decade. In addition, we've increased our factory
recycling by 28% over the last eight years, eliminating 53 million pounds of packaging material waste from landfills.
Supporting environmental causes and education
Of course, at Nestlé Waters North America, we're also looking beyond our walls. Our Project WET and Make a
Splash programs have educated 25 million students and trained 200,000 teachers since 1994. Our partnership with The
Nature Conservancy has protected 426,000 wilderness acres and fresh water reserves. And our hearts and 1.5 million
bottles of water went out to victims of Hurricane Katrina. We're always looking for opportunities to make a difference,
both locally and nationally.
Promoting emergency preparedness
Over the last few years, the need for emergency preparedness has never been more apparent. All of the members of the bottled
water industry are acutely aware that we are an important source for the emergency water supply.
Aside from being great-tasting, healthy and convenient, bottled spring water and drinking water can actually be a lifesaver
in the case of an emergency or natural disaster. In the event that your public water supply is inaccessible or unsafe,
having an ample supply of bottled water can make all the difference. The American Red Cross recommends commercially bottled
water as the safest, most reliable emergency water source. Here are a few tips to help you prepare an emergency water supply:
- Store at least two weeks worth of water. This equates to one gallon per person, per day for hydration needs, cooking and hygiene.
- A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts (half gallon) of water each day. People in hot environments, children,
nursing mothers, and ill people will require even more.
- If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow.
- You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.
- Keep bottled water in its original container and don't open it until you need it.
Learn more about our Commitment to the Environment.