This week at All School Meeting the Green Team kicked off a campaign to encourage the use of reusable water bottles. Ms. Bonani shared a fun and engaging story, "What a Strange Planet" and introduced the “water bottle challenge” – a school wide challenge to increase the use of the hydration station in the cafeteria.
Okay, I can hear the groaning already. Plastic bottles are so convenient. I get it. You forgot your water for the gym. Your kids are whining for a drink when you stop for gas. You want to grab an iced tea when you are checking out at the grocery store. I have been there. Many times.
But, there are three big reasons why you may want to consider changing your ways when it comes to plastic bottle use:
If any, or all, of these reasons concern you the good news is that it’s a quick fix (at least at the individual level). Here’s a few steps you can take to cut down on plastic water bottle use:
Have any thoughts or questions you’d like to share on this topic? Feel fee to leave a comment!
Okay, I can hear the groaning already. Plastic bottles are so convenient. I get it. You forgot your water for the gym. Your kids are whining for a drink when you stop for gas. You want to grab an iced tea when you are checking out at the grocery store. I have been there. Many times.
But, there are three big reasons why you may want to consider changing your ways when it comes to plastic bottle use:
- Plastic bottles are bad for our environment. Make no bones about it, plastic water bottles are a real problem for our environment. This short animated video captures the journey of three plastic water bottles – thrown out, litter and recycled - in case you want to see difference these choices make. While recycling plastic bottles is surely better than throwing them away the best way to reduce waste is by using a reusable bottle.
- Plastic bottles are expensive. Many students buy water with their lunch at 75 cents per 8 oz bottle. Anecdotally, The Green Team has heard that many of these bottles are thrown away often with most of the water in them. If your kiddo buys water every day for a month that’s $15 a month, most of it literally going in the trash.
- Who knows what’s in plastic water bottles? There is some research out there that speaks to the concerns over plastic water bottle use (yes, even reusable ones).
If any, or all, of these reasons concern you the good news is that it’s a quick fix (at least at the individual level). Here’s a few steps you can take to cut down on plastic water bottle use:
- Invest in stainless steel water bottles. There are good options out there at every size. (My 3-year old is especially partial to this one made by Kleen Canteen.) Green Team is researching bottles for Wizard Wear too so stay tuned for updates.
- Switch from plastic bottles to paper or composable cups for parties. Consider making it a fun pre-party activity with your kiddos to make up some mocktails. You can even have the kids decorate their cups so they will actually remember whose cup is whose! Both types are available in local grocery stores.
- Make it a competition. Every time you or a family member goes to buy a plastic bottle take that money and put it aside. See how much you can save in a month – and then use that money for something fun or maybe a treat!
Have any thoughts or questions you’d like to share on this topic? Feel fee to leave a comment!