The backlash over the proliferation of bottled water has been roiling for years now. The objections over the large resource costs that go into the product — chiefly the petroleum-derived plastic bottle, with the water procurement being somewhat secondary — are countered by the consumer preference for the packaging convenience (more than anything else, including water quality) that it offers.

I’m wondering why no one’s come up with a sensible solution: Packaging this water in aluminum cans.

It would eliminate the lack of biodegradability that the current bottles have. Cans aren’t quite as convenient to tote around and refill, but at least they’re familiar enough that they’d be readily accepted. Besides, a while back someone was developing aluminum beer bottles; if the ergonomics are that important, maybe that container experiment could be resurrected for the ol’ agua.

Aluminum is not a wholly “clean” ecological solution either, but as far as I know, it’s easier to recycle than plastic. And there are already so many beverage cans out there now, so it’s just supplementing the current supply.

All sorts of beverages are already available in can form, carbonated and non-carbonated (lemonades, sports drinks, juices, etc.). I think water is a natural fit.