A Netflix documentary series called Rotten was recommended to me by a trusted source. This episode is about an hour long and great for class activities, summer camps, informational meetings for organizations implementing change, and family time! My review contains a brief summary and reflection of the episode on season 2 and episode 3.
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The water crisis in Flint, Michigan is the first subject addressed. For many Flint residents, Nestle is the primary water bottle company supplying free clean drinking water to the community.
The bottled water comes from Evart, Michigan. The docuseries is clear and concise as it explains how the wells are used for Nestle to mass-produce bottled water. Local community water conservationists and activists share how the wells are decreasing the natural water resources in Evart, MI.
Wells provide groundwater which is supplied from natural water resources (streams).
Unfortunately, however, there is not enough scientific evidence to regulate Nestle's water production or well usage to benefit the community of Evart.
Nestle has had other conflicts within their business as well. For instance, they have lawsuits related to slave labor and lead in the noodles they sell in India.
Next, they explain the inception of bottled water in the United States with Perrier as the trailblazer. And transition into the history of advertising for spring and purified water in great detail (my mind was blown!).
If that isn't enough, the impact of Nestle does not stop in the United States either.
Under-developed countries with limited access to water or negligent governmental assistance, are also susceptible to paying for expensive bottled water which then contributes to the growing garbage crisis that contaminates the sewage, water, and oceans.
This episode left me speechless and reminded me it is important we develop universal solutions for our developing crises (pollution, water scarcity, access to food, access to quality medical services).
Some Things I Didn't Know:
-Bottled water was not accessible 40 years ago
-Bottled water is a $35 billion/year business
-The first bottled water in the United States was Perrier. They sold 3 million bottles in 1976 and then 200 million bottles in 1979.
-Nestle had businesses in India and Nigeria.
- Manderegi is one city Nestle made false promises to. Nestle initially promised to support the village because the water plant is built in their region, but the promise was not fulfilled.
-Water treatment plants, similar to the one featured in Philadelphia, want to build support and trust with their communities about access to clean water.
This episode reminded me to continue researching the history of businesses and corporations and how they are helping the community or lack thereof.
This article is an individual reflection. Thank you for reading our podcast review! Comment below your thoughts!
About the Author:
Ms. Lee Williams is a graduate student and Math Tutor. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Ms. Lee reviews blogs about podcasts, books, music, and more. This Blog is part of the ReachOut Organization. Donations are accepted here. All proceeds go to college students in need of financial support.