In Lebanon, plastic bottled water has become a daily necessity for most households. With nearly 70% of families relying on it as their main source of drinking water, the issue goes far beyond convenience.
This episode explores the hidden environmental, health, and economic costs of bottled water consumption. From the rise of single-use plastics especially smaller bottles that generate more waste to the country’s struggling waste management system, the impact is significant and growing. Most plastic waste is not properly treated, with large amounts ending up in landfills, burned, or polluting the sea.
The discussion also highlights emerging health concerns around microplastics, as well as the unequal financial burden placed on lower-income households.
As bottled water becomes essential not only in daily life but also in emergency response, the episode raises a critical question: how can Lebanon ensure access to safe water without deepening its plastic crisis?
