Life cycle of bottled water

Students investigate the costs of bottled water, both environmentally and economically. Students begin by conducting a 5 whys investigation into some of the reasons why people use bottled water. They then watch a video about the costs of bottled water and participate in a guided discussion, identifying some of the stages in the bottled water life cycle.

Students then work in groups to create a flowchart, infographic or 3D model of a bottled water life cycle. This requires students to think critically about all the obvious and hidden environmental or social impacts of bottled water, from its manufacture through to its final stages as waste. Finally, students reflect on their own opinions about bottled water and write a persuasive piece to share their thoughts. explore the concept of life-cycle analysis through looking at the life-cycle of bottled water.