Bottled Water has contributed double-digit growth for Nestlé, and has become one of the reason for the company’s success. However, environmental concerns are starting to escalate regarding the use of plastic bottles, energy for transportation, as well as the issue of water scarcity.

Many have opposed Nestlé’s plans to tap 100 million gallons of water annually in Cascade Locks, Oregon. Environmentalists argue that the demand for bottled water has decreased over the last few years, and so there is no reason for Nestlé to tap new sources of water. In addition, the area is known for being a habitat to the endangered species, the Idaho Sockeye, hence many worry Nestlé’s actions would jeopardize the existence of this species.

This issue remains a dispute between two parties, as Nestlé will be able to employ 53 workers as the bottling plant operate, thus obtaining the favor of the local government. Even so, its actions might aggravate the mentioned issues above that have caught the attention of many environmentalists. In the end, Nestlé must choose whether to proceed with its previous plans and able to provide workforce, or to obtain the favor of the environmentalists by leaving the local water supply unharmed.

Ball, D. (2010), Bottled Water Pits Nestlé vs. Greens, Dow Jones & Company, Inc. (online). Available at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704414504575243921712969144.html (14/9/11)