CURRENT SITUATION

Consumption in Switzerland

As part of a globalised economy, Switzerland imports goods worth CHF 270 billion from abroad and ranks among the top 20 nations in terms of per capita imports. This creates 80% of our water footprint abroad, often in regions facing water shortages. Through our daily consumption, we are linked to production sites, transport routes and ecosystems around the world.

Daily consumption in Switzerland has ecological and social impacts on regions and people all over the world – resulting in a global responsibility.

Clean Drinking Water - A Daily Challenge

Global differences in access to water rarely occur in isolated events, but affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide every day. Yet, the issue does not evoke much media attention. To counter the challenge of global water scarcity, a systematic approach to social balance in everyday life is needed.

More than 780 million people without access to clean water

Over 2 billion people without access to sanitation

Over 200 million school days lost in Sub-Saharan Africa due to water shortages

Over 700 children die every day from the consequences of preventable diseases caused by contaminated water or poor hygiene

Water Control Point. WASSER FÜR WASSER (WfW)

Drinking Water is checked 24/7 for its quality. / Franca Pedrazzetti

PRICE OF DRINKING WATER

Water as a natural resource is a public good that is and should be available free of charge. However, the supply of clean drinking water requires a great deal of work in terms of infrastructure. This is why the price of water should cover these costs arising from the supply as well as the maintenance and expansion of the system.

WATER IN GASTRONOMY

Swiss gastro culture makes the billing of tap water difficult. However, the service of tap water requires time and effort such as filling carafes, service at the table and washing dishes. The pricing of tap water should take these factors into account and offer value for guests and the business.

CONSUMER GOODS

Economic inequality is partly caused by the purchase price, which does not adequately cover the real costs of the entire production chain. Profits are too unevenly distributed to make trade and consumption fair to all. Ecosystems and workers in production countries are particularly affected. The price of a product should include these factors to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability.