September/October 2009 Issue

How Far Did Voss and San Pellegrino Travel to My Whole Foods?

We charted the miles per bottle for nine top water brands.

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NAME SOURCE MILES TO SF BOTTLE WEIGHT (IN OZ.) CO2 (TRAVEL ONLY; LBS./1 L. BOTTLE) SELLING POINT

Evian (Danone)

Evian-les-Bains, France

6,265

3.35

.61

“French Alps”

Volvic (Danone)

Volvic, Auvergne, France

6,255

2.34

.59

drawn from “deep inside the lush, green ancient volcanoes”

San Pellegrino (Nestlé)

San Pellegrino Terme, Italy

6,135

17.74 (glass)

.80

“preferred by top restaurants”

Perrier (Nestlé)

Vergeze, France

5,900

17.61 (glass)

.63

“50 million bubbles”

Fiji Water

Yaqara Valley, Viti Levu, Fiji

5,470

4.15

.49

“untouched by man”

Voss

Hordaland County, southern Norway

5,100

18.93 (glass)

.57

“pure water unlike any other”

365 (Whole Foods)

Shasta, California

223

1.5

.07

“replenish*refresh*rehydrate”

Balance

Baxter, California

149

2.14

.06

“Australian flower essences”

Dasani (Coca-Cola)

San Leandro, California

22

1.94

.01

“live positively”

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Thank you!

We didn't know what to expect when we told you we needed to raise $400,000 before our fiscal year closed on June 30, and we're thrilled to report that our incredible community of readers contributed some $415,000 to help us keep charging as hard as we can during this crazy year.

You just sent an incredible message: that quality journalism doesn't have to answer to advertisers, billionaires, or hedge funds; that newsrooms can eke out an existence thanks primarily to the generosity of its readers. That's so powerful. Especially during what's been called a "media extinction event" when those looking to make a profit from the news pull back, the Mother Jones community steps in.

The months and years ahead won't be easy. Far from it. But there's no one we'd rather face the big challenges with than you, our committed and passionate readers, and our team of fearless reporters who show up every day.

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