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Clear Choice Tap Water campaign launched

19th February 2008, 11:52am

Thames Water and the Mayor of London have joined forces to launch a new campaign to promote tap water across the watering holes and eating establishments of the capital.

By using less bottled water, Londoners can help to cut climate change carbon emissions associated with its production, storage, transportation and disposal.

London On Tap, sponsored by Green Party London Assembly member Jenny Jones, and supported by Environment Minister Phil Woolas aims to:

Raise awareness of the high quality of London's tap water, the impact of bottled water on climate change and the environment, and its benefits to health and well-being

Empower customers in bars and restaurants to ask for tap water rather than feeling obliged to ask for more expensive bottled brands

Encourage restaurants, bars and hotels across London to support London On Tap and proudly serve tap water to customers, giving them a real choice about what water they can drink.

The centrepiece of the campaign will be a competition, open to London based designers, to design an iconic carafe made from recycled glass to be used in bars, restaurants and hotels across London to serve tap water to customers.

The competition will kick-off in May this year, with the challenge to come up with a design that matches good looks with environmental sustainability.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone explained why consumers need to speak up when asking for tap water: "My message is very simple: don't be embarrassed to ask for tap water when you eat out. You will save money and help save the planet. By drinking less bottled water, we can cut the climate change carbon emissions coming from its production and transportation, and cut the problem of disposing of used bottles.

"Choosing tap water is cheaper and a perfectly acceptable alternative to bottled water, and it will help to protect the environment. I have joined forces with Thames Water on this campaign to help people feel more confident in asking for tap water rather than bottled water in our restaurants and cafes, and to encourage businesses to make it easier for their customers to make that choice."

Environment Minister Phil Woolas said: "We've got some of the best tap water in the world and we should be prouder of that. I'm not going to tell people what to drink, but I believe there is no place for snobbery about tap water, and no excuse for making people feel small if they ask for it. If this move by Thames Water and the Mayor of London gives people confidence to ask for what they want in restaurants that has to be a good thing."

Many environmental groups, including Friends of the Earth are backing the campaign and welcoming new initiatives.

Words Clare Riley 0 comments

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