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Museum first to sell zero-plastic canned spring water
Canned water will be replacing single-use plastic bottles.
In November, the Museum pledged to stop selling single-use plastic water bottles.
There is growing concern from many scientists and environmentalists, including those working for the Museum, about the impact of plastic on the world's oceans.
Research by Museum scientists, conducted in collaboration with Royal Holloway in 2014, has shown the extent of unseen plastic pollution in the Thames and the presence of plastics in the stomachs of fish.
The Life Water cans, containing the UK's first zero-plastic canned water, will be available later in 2018.
Introducing the recyclable Life Water cans in its cafes will allow the Museum to meet its commitment to stop selling single-use plastic water bottles.
Ian Owen, Director of Science at the Museum, says, 'Our marine biologists know only too well the destruction plastics can cause and the critical need to halt the tide of plastic entering our oceans and endangering fragile marine ecosystems.
'As a world-leading research institution and visitor attraction, we need to lead by example, and this marks an important milestone in our efforts to build a more sustainable future.
'We are delighted to be pioneering Life Water’s first zero-plastic water cans, which is just one of the actions we are taking at the Museum to be more sustainable.
'We want to encourage visitors to join the refill revolution by bringing their own reusable bottles to top up at our water fountains, and recycle more on site. All small steps in our ongoing commitment to reduce plastic waste and empower everyone we interact with to make better decisions to sustain and improve life on Earth.'
The Life Water can is BPA free, made from 70% recycled aluminum and contains water from British natural springs.
Every can sold also helps fund clean water projects for communities in need through its charity partner drop4drop.
Other initiatives
The Museum will also be improving access and signposting to water fountains in public spaces. Staff are encouraging visitors to bring their own bottles to refill, and reusable bottles will be available to buy.
The Museum has also put more recycling bins in all its cafes, and there are signs making it clear which plastic products can be recycled.
