Water Bottle Initiative

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Goal

To reduce the consumption of bottled water on the Vanderbilt University campus.

Why the Water Bottle Initiative

• Drinking bottled water results in large amounts of waste. Plastic recycling on campus has become overburdened by the number of waste bottles.
• Worldwide, about 80% of water bottles end up in landfills.
• Bottled water is no better than properly filtered tap water.

Local Precedent

Belmont University discontinued the sale of water bottles on its campus in May 2009.

What SPEAR Is Doing

SPEAR is preparing to launch a campus awareness campaign in Fall 2009. Talks are underway with Vanderbilt Dining, Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO), and other campus entities. We are also pushing for the installation of more water filtration systems.

How You Can Help

• Spread the word. Many people grab bottled water without thinking about its environmental impact. Talk to your friends. Let them know that they can generate less waste by drinking tap water.
• Buy reusable water bottles. If you must bring water to an event, bring your own water in a sturdy reusable bottle.
• Be in the know. Receive updates from SPEAR's email list. Email Leslie Labruto, SPEAR president, at leslie.c.labruto @at vanderbilt .dot edu to sign up.
• Get involved. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact our officers. Come to SPEAR meetings; a calendar of upcoming meetings and service events is on our front page.
• Most importantly, you can help by choosing tap water rather than bottled water.