Should Bottled Water be Banned?

This blog post discusses the pros and cons of plastic water bottle bans. While bans aim to reduce plastic waste, they might limit access to clean water and encourage sugary drinks. We propose a solution that balances convenience and sustainability: promoting reusable bottles, improving water fountains, and offering water delivery services. We conclude by suggesting additional ways to reduce plastic waste in daily life.

The Debate on Plastic Water Bottle Bans: Balancing Convenience, Sustainability, and Hydration

Plastic water bottle bans are a hot topic, with colleges, businesses, and even entire cities implementing them to address environmental concerns. While we understand the desire to reduce plastic waste, we believe there’s a more nuanced approach that considers convenience, sustainability, and hydration.

Sure, the argument seems legitimate on the surface. Proponents of bans argue that plastic water bottles contribute significantly to landfill waste and can pollute our oceans. Bans encourage people to carry reusable water bottles, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. But what if you are out and about and forget your reusable bottle? Or the water fountains aren’t working?

Bans limit access to clean, convenient hydration, especially for those who forget reusable bottles or lack access to functioning water fountains. The limited options might nudge people towards sugary drinks like soda and juices, potentially worsening health outcomes. We think we can find common ground, and everyone can win. Here is the solution we propose to address both sides of the coin:

Promote Reusable Bottles

• Educational campaigns: Encourage responsible water consumption and reusable bottle use through educational campaigns.
• Offer incentives: Provide discounts or promotions for customers using reusable bottles.

Invest in Water Infrastructure

• Maintain water fountains. Ensure water fountains are clean, functional, and readily available in public spaces.
• Consider filtration systems. Explore water filtration systems in public spaces to address concerns about tap water quality.

Offer a Viable Alternative: Water Delivery Service

Businesses and organizations should consider providing a water delivery service with 5-gallon jug refills. This offers convenient access to high-quality drinking water without the environmental impact of single-use bottles. It is a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Reusable jugs help minimize plastic waste, and water delivery services are priced competitively.

Plastic water bottle bans are a complex issue. We can create a more sustainable future without compromising public health by promoting reusable bottles, investing in water infrastructure, and providing alternative hydration options such as water delivery services. This approach encourages the responsible use of reusable bottles while offering alternatives for those requiring them.

Think Beyond the Bottle: Sustainable Solutions for a Plastic-Free Future

Plastic water bottle bans represent a positive step, but they are just one aspect of the solution. Here are numerous impactful ways we can all contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing plastic waste:

• Embrace reusables. This goes beyond water bottles. Invest in reusable shopping bags, coffee mugs, food containers, and produce bags. Making these swaps will drastically reduce single-use plastic from your daily routine.
• Shop second-hand. Prefer pre-loved items from stores or online marketplaces with minimal packaging.
• Recycle. Recycling is crucial, but it’s not a free pass to use excessive plastic. Ensure you know which plastics your local program accepts and recycle diligently.
• Ditch microbeads. Microbeads, tiny plastic particles found in some cosmetics, harm marine life by ending up in our oceans and waterways. Choose personal care products and laundry detergents that are free of microbeads.
• Remember to be creative in the kitchen by using reusable containers or beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap and aluminum foil for food storage. Plan your meals to minimize excessive packaging, and choose loose fruits and vegetables over pre-packaged options whenever possible.
• Remember to go beyond just skipping straws. While skipping straws is a good beginning, it’s also important to think about other single-use items such as cutlery, takeout containers, and condiment packets. Consider getting a portable cutlery set and bringing your own reusable containers for takeout; these actions can have a significant impact.
• Skip the ice cream bowl. Enjoy your ice cream in a cone instead!

By integrating these simple adjustments into your everyday regimen, you can significantly decrease plastic waste. Keep in mind, that every small action matters!

Bans simply are not necessary. With a drinking water service, you will encourage your patrons to refill instead of choosing single-use plastic bottles. Rather than limiting choices that may backfire with concerning health issues. 

Watch this video to see how our delivery service works:

Read more: 

• Sustainable Drinking Water Solutions
• 5 Must have Reusable Water Bottles for 2021
• Sustainable Water Delivery: How You Can Help