Beverages

Beverages are liquids that have been prepared by various means for human consumption. The term is broad and encompasses both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, carbonated and noncarbonated drinks, and hot and cold drinks; ranging from beer, wines, liquors, coffee, tea, bottled water, soda, milk, juice, and more. Beverages have a history as long as humans have existed and have as much cultural significance as physical function.

Commercial beverages are one of the most ubiquitous manifestations of modern consumer society and generate waste both upstream and downstream in production and disposal. In the United States alone, consumers purchased more than 57 billion liters of carbonated soft drinks, 31 billion liters of bottled water, 24 billion liters of beer, and 21 billion liters of milk in 2006. Globally, more than 200 billion liters of bottled water are sold annually. Most [Page 72]of these beverages come in relatively small container sizes, up to one gallon. This means that there are billions of beverage containers (made of plastic, glass, aluminum, and paper) that require disposal or recycling every year.

Before the 20th century, beer and sodas were often consumed at the point of purchase (at the saloon or soda shop), and beverages like milk were delivered in refillable glass containers. Drinks—or “tonics” as they were often called—like sarsaparilla and root beer were popular in U.S. saloons in the 1800s. Historically, bottled beverages developed hand-in-hand with mobility and leisure.

In the post–World War II era, leisure time increased along with higher incomes in the entire Western world. Car ownership became more common in the United States and in Europe, which, combined with expanded and improved highways, encouraged both work and leisure on the go. Single-serving beverages became popular for consumption in the home and during recreational activities. No longer tied to the point of purchase, consumers could bring along their favorite drink wherever they went. Beverage container packaging also served as a branding and marketing surface in an increasingly competitive marketplace.