As parents, we're often confronted with the water bottle conundrum.
We're traveling or at a concert or an event, and we get thirsty. Or we feel pressure to hydrate, because that's the advice of every single health expert. Or our kids get thirsty. We want them to stay healthy and hydrated. (And stop complaining.) But maybe we didn't bring a water bottle. And even if we had, where could we fill it with reliably clean, fresh water? Buying expensive bottled water is the go-to solution. Sure, it's probably just municipal water, trucked across the country. And we know bottled water is ruining the environment. (Just look at the infographic below to see the waste and pollution caused by our bottled water habit.) But thirst is happening in the moment. We - and our kids - are thirsty. So what should we do?
The Biggest Trend in Bottled Water Isn't Bottled Water
To reduce the environmental impact of concerts and events, event organizers are increasingly reducing and even banning sales of bottled water. The trend is for attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles. These bottles are refilled from water trucks or refilling stations. If you forget your water bottle, reusable water bottles are usually available for sale at the event. This solution is more sanitary than a drinking fountain, and far greener and cheaper than buying bottled water.
The ground is a sea of crushed water bottles and beer cups at the end of a typical concert or event. Not so at water bottle-free events.
Parents should be prepared for this trend. To reduce the environmental impact of concerts and events, organizers are replacing sales of bottled water with filling stations. Pack reusable water bottles for everyone and prepare to refill. We recently learned that our friends and partners at Clear Water Filtration are playing an active role in supporting water bottle free events. Around Vermont, What's Your Watermark? Filling Stations will serve delicious water for people who bring their bottles.
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