Filtered Water Fountain Stations: The Future of Plastic Waste Reduction

As consumers in this fast-paced world we tend to purchase products because of convenience. T.V. diners, instant coffee, bottled water, all of these items share one thing in common: they’re exceptionally convenient. The problem with many of these goods, besides their health concerns, is that convenience comes at a cost. When it comes to bottled water and the production of plastics, it’s our environment that pays the price.

Consumer Dependence On Plastics

Water bottles are the most obvious of examples to consider when looking at plastic waste. When we finish a bottle of water, we do one of three things: 1) we throw it away, 2) we recycle it, or 3) we litter. Even the best of those three options, recycling, isn’t a viable solution. The resources it takes to recycle and repurpose plastic into packaging requires a high volume of energy and resources. EchoStar Recycling is one of the industry leaders in recycling. To be clear, saying recycling isn’t a viable solution is not to say it isn’t a viable option. You should always recycle, but the first goal should be reducing.

In the United States alone, it is estimated that 1500 bottles of water are used by consumers every second. The next three largest markets can be found in Mexico, Brazil, and China. But plastic water bottles are just the tip of the iceberg. What are most consumer-based water filters (Brita, PUR, Culligan) made of? How about those 5-litre jugs you see on top of office water coolers? Those are all consumables that eventually get replaced, and hopefully, recycled. So as mentioned earlier, it isn’t all about recycling, but also reduction-based solutions.

Filtered Water Coolers vs. Water Fountains, And Plastic Waste Reduction

Environmentally conscious companies are innovating products designed to provide alternative solutions for waste reduction. Drinking fountains today are designed not just for those looking for a quick sip, but for people wanting to refill their stainless steel water bottles. Such companies have been tasked with solving the problems plaguing tomorrow today; problems regarding the correlations between waste, product lifespans and cost efficiency. Replacing wasteful office coolers and filter systems that add to landfills and oceans with every refill and expiration date has evolved from a thoughtful conversation to an actionable solution. Furthermore, these environmentally-friendly drinking fountains are also making a huge difference for business owners looking to save money through optimisation.

So remember this motto and the order of these words if you’re interested in change the matters:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refresh.

How Water Fountains Can Save Your Life and Money

The topic of discussion when people talk about plastic water bottles is mostly  centered around concern regarding the environmental impact. The sad and unfortunate reality  is  not everyone cares about the  the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment. Some people need issues like environmental waste to have a direct immediate impact on their life before taking action. But there is a solution to this problem: change the topic. With that being said, let’s discuss the poisons leached from the plastics of consumer goods and how they negatively affect your health. And, let’s talk about how you can save money by using water fountains.

Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, and Antimony

Simply put, the plastic used in water bottles is slowly poisoning you.

Antimony, frequently found in PET plastic bottles, causes depression and dizziness in small doses, and nausea, vomiting and death in large doses. ¹

Phthalates, are most commonly used to make plastics like PVC more flexible. But did you know they’re also found in the majority of plastic beverage bottles? More importantly, phthalates are endocrine-disruptor chemicals linked to a wide range of reproductive and developmental issues (reduced sperm count, testicular abnormality and tumours, gender development issues). ²

Bisphenol A (BPA), is the chemical that makes plastic bottles hard and clear. BPA is yet another endocrine-disruptor chemical that’s proven to be a hazard to human health, and is associated to certain types of cancer, premature labour, defects in newborn babies, early puberty in girls, reduced fertility in women, and neurological difficulties. Keep in mind that’s just the short list. ³

Most bottled water companies are regulated by entities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who, a) don’t consider phthalates a human health hazard, b) perform weekly testing instead of daily testing like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and c) aren’t inclined to disclose their findings to the public records. ?

Save Your Life and Your Money

Less is more in certain situations, and in this case, buying less plastic water bottles equals more money in your pocket. Money is saved when less tax dollars are spent funding the FDAs of the world, when recycling costs are down, when you purchase a stainless steel water bottle once instead of 24 packs of plastic water bottles every week. And money is saved when you or your loved ones don’t have to see the doctor. In today’s world, drinking fountains and resource-friendly water coolers are enhancing the health benefits of water consumption. Water stations make it convenient and healthy to fill up your reciprocal and be on your way.

There are no excuses for not being able to follow this simple motto in the proper order:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refresh


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