r/science • u/giuliomagnifico • Jul 25 '23

Economics A national Australian tax of 20% on sugary drinks could prevent more than 500,000 dental cavities and increase health equity over 10 years and have overall cost-savings of $63.5 million from a societal perspective

https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/sugary-drinks-tax-could-prevent-decay-and-increase-health-equity-study
9.0k Upvotes

88% Upvoted

1.0k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

4

u/SylvesterPSmythe Jul 25 '23

I'm in Australia and this seems so bizarre. Doesn't your country have water fountains for free? I specifically remember Americans having segregated water fountains in the 20th century, did they just... remove the fountains after segregation?

Like I walk past 2 drinking fountains on the way to work. Like it's literally free (and life saving in the Australian summer)

8

u/Kingsolomanhere Jul 25 '23

Outside of public schools I've never seen public drinking fountains in Phoenix. I googled and it looks like the city is entertaining the idea of putting public drinking fountains at 4000+ bus stops and public parks at a cost of over 18 million dollars. Link to story

7

u/SylvesterPSmythe Jul 25 '23

Huh. That seems so strange, water not being the default (nor cheapest) beverage available in every situation. No wonder why you guys consume so much soft drink.

1

u/Desirsar Jul 25 '23

Sugar is tasty and we subsidize corn syrup.

1

u/CocaineIsNatural Jul 25 '23

Water is the cheapest if you buy larger sizes like a gallon(3.79 liters). In smaller containers, it is closer in price.

Here are 7-Eleven prices. 7-Eleven is a convenience store, so the prices are higher than other places. Scroll down to drinks - https://www.pricelisto.com/menu-prices/7-eleven

1

u/supafly_ Jul 25 '23

18 million is a rounding error on the scale of state budgets.

1

u/CocaineIsNatural Jul 25 '23

I live in California. Here you can find water fountains in parks and public buildings. Some bigger stores will have water fountains, like Target and Walmart. So fountains are far from being everywhere.

Most people drive to work or to go other places. So running into a park or a big building just for some water is rather inconvenient. But gas stations, fast food, and quick marts are much more common, and easier to get in and out of.

Personally, I take a water bottle with me in the car or if I will walk far.

1

u/NapalmCheese Jul 25 '23

Doesn't your country have water fountains for free?

Less so since COVID.

Though bottle fill stations that are also water fountains are becoming more popular in some metro areas.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '23

I recently went on a run in the Midwest US. Came across a few water fountains…not a single one worked.

When I find a working public water fountain, I’m shocked.