Respond to: Editor
http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/site/chi-lettertotheeditor,1,5676846.customform?coll=chi-navrailhome2-nav (online form)
The Chicago Tribune
October 18, 2007
Re: Daley tax plan has ward offices buzzing (Gary Washburn, October 16, 2007)
Dear Editor:
Ice Mountain agrees with Ald. Patrick O'Connor’s opinion that taxing a healthful beverage like bottled water may contribute to increasing obesity rates as consumers substitute water for sodas and other higher-calorie beverages. It is telling that Mayor Daley’s plan taxes Chicagoans more for water than for a six-pack of beer or a bottle of wine, both of which have more calories and alcohol, are less efficient users of water and are heavier to transport.
A tax on bottled water is the wrong solution to the right problem. Used plastic water bottles contribute less than one-third of 1 percent to the municipal waste stream in this country. Discussions about plastic waste reduction need to start with how to improve municipal recycling programs so that all household containers – regardless of whether they hold water, peanut butter or laundry detergent – are kept out of landfills.
It’s also interesting that, due to lack of political support, Mayor Daley backtracked on plans to double Chicago’s gasoline tax to the same level as what is proposed for bottled water. Which would go further to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Curbing gasoline consumption, by a long shot.
Sincerely,
Jane Lazgin
Director, Corporate Communications
Nestlé Waters North America
777 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 863-0111
