Unpacking the reusable trend of the water bottle – the Appalachen

Similar to the people who have changed over millions of years and have developed, water bottles have developed from primitive disposable plastics to indestructible NALGENE, Stanley, Owala and beyond. The answer to the reusable water bottle enthusiasm extends over the mere trends and environmental protection.

Sydney Blume is an app State Alaun and additional trainers for sustainable development. She said the history of water in bottles Started with plastic disposable water bottles in the 1980s.

“People always drink out of the tap and do not carry any bottles,” said Blume. “The bottle water industry was basically able to create a market of something and to convince people that they needed them if they definitely did it.”

With the high amount of waste water bottlesBlume said that reusable alternatives are a good pivot point to prevent unnecessary plastic waste. However, she and her students noticed that the practice was commercialized over time.

“If it is about collecting bunches or a new trendy water bottle every season that turns off people, it is something pretty new and definitely harmful,” said Blume.

Blume said that the problem when buying an excessive purchase of anything, including reusable water bottles, are not only the materials and workers that are necessary for the production of products, but also where they go after people after the people.

“We don't see each other most of the time: 'When I throw it away, where are you going? What happens? Even if I try to recycle it, will it be recycled? “, Said Blume.

For some in the app state, their water bottles end up in various lost and found boxes on the entire campus. Most students saw the collection of water bottles at the reception of the Plemmons Student Union.

Kelly Russell, a high -ranking psychology major who is working on the reception of the student association, said that the lost and found find is referred to as the “cemetery of the water bottle”.

“We somehow lead it on an honorary system,” said Russell. “When you see your water bottle, just grab it. I just noticed it a few times, not much. “

Russell said that most water bottles stay in the cemetery and grow over the semester and grow the stack. The fate of the lost water bottles after the end of the academic year is ambiguous. Russell said that some employees take unused bottles and some are given away to the students, but she doesn't know for the rest.

However, it is not all bad news for reusable water bottles, said Blume. The culture around water bottles can be used up, but it can also be expressive if people decorate their water bottles with stickers who show their personality.

“Understanding the understanding of how important the fluid is also important,” said Blume. “By wearing a water bottle, you can gradually be moisturized all day, instead of getting all your water in certain places.”

For those who worry about their consumer practices, Blume encourages them to be more thoughtful when purchasing.

“Take the time to think about the life cycle of an article before buying what I encourage something with anything,” said Blume. “If you already have a bottle, do you need another? If you get another, how long will you use it? What will happen to this thing as soon as you stop using it? “

Blume said the system was not entirely the fault of the consumers, but they have the authority to contribute to waste. Making small decisions and steps towards a less consumerative lifestyle is an easy way to make a difference, she said.