University Bottled Water Ban Actually Increased Consumption Of Less Healthy Bottled Beverages

Scientists have discovered that there have been unintended consequences to the bottled water ban at the University of Vermont that took effect in 2013. A new study published this month in the American Journal of Public Health investigated how the removal of bottled water affected consumer purchasing behavior, healthiness of beverage choices and consumption of calories and added sugars.

It found that with the removal of bottled water, consumers increased their consumption of less healthy bottled beverages. Additionally, the ban did not reduce the number of bottles entering the waste stream from the university campus (the ultimate goal of the ban).

The study was done by Elizabeth R. Berman and Rachel K. Johnson with the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Vermont, Burlington.

University administrators still stand by the ban, according to BeverageDaily. However, administrators are in the processing of making changes in light of the study. Among the changes, the university will introduce Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in dining outlets with reusable cups and a free water option.