A strange image was recently spotted in Qingdao, Shandong, China, where middle-aged people gathered outside Laoshan Reservoir clutching bottled mineral water and emptying it into the reservoir, evidently engaged in a strange activity known as “releasing bottled water.” On the 23rd, a video of this occurrence became popular on the internet, sparking immediate debate among netizens.
The video shared showed dozens of mineral water containers put near the reservoir, with around 10 persons pouring the water into the reservoir and others delivering additional bottled water continuously. In reaction to the crisis, Water Management Bureau authorities indicated that they would investigate and rectify the issue.
Many netizens were perplexed by this occurrence, questioning the need to “release” bottled water and emphasizing the waste of water resources. Some even mocked, asking,
“Should I be proud of releasing carbon dioxide all year?”
However, several internet users stated that, as compared to the random discharge of other live organisms, “releasing” bottled water may have a lower impact on the ecology and ecosystem, implying that it should be considered.
Interestingly, numerous netizens pointed out that the “released” mineral water came from a low-cost brand, implying that the “releasers” might consider purchasing more expensive brands to demonstrate a more sincere intention.
One responder joked,
“Buy some pricier ones, show some sincerity.”
This is not the first time such an occurrence has occurred in China, according to Red Star News. A similar “releasing” deed occurred beside a river in Guangdong in September of last year. Some locals sought to inform the participants that the bottled water was still fresh, but they were met with angry retorts by the “releasers,” who considered that such recommendations undercut their good intentions and qualities.
Mr. Chen, a staff member of the Guangdong Association of Animal Release, expressed confusion in response to this behavior, stating,
“Bottled water does not possess life, and pouring it into the water does not qualify as an animal release; this behavior is not within the scope of research by the Animal Release Association.”
Officials from the Qingdao Water Management Bureau have declared this act unacceptable and have launched an investigation to find out what happened.
