Prohibition of One-Time Use Plastic Water Containers

Prohibition of One-Time Use Plastic Water Containers

In a bid to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact, the Advanced Methods class, in partnership with the Office of Energy and Sustainability (OES), conducted a student survey to understand the use of single-use plastic water bottles on campus. While there is no direct mention of a specific college partnering with AVI, the food service provider, the initiative underscores the importance of such collaborations in achieving the goal.

**Why Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bottles?**

Reducing single-use plastic water bottles is a crucial step towards sustainability on campuses. By decreasing plastic waste, conserving resources, and minimising environmental impact, we can create a greener and healthier campus environment. Studies show that reusing and redistributing bottles can significantly reduce plastic waste and support community needs[1][3][5].

**How to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bottles: Common Strategies**

- **Encouraging Reusable Bottle Use:** Promote the use of reusable water bottles by providing water refill stations and raising awareness about their environmental benefits. - **Distributing Forgotten Bottles:** Collect and redistribute lost and forgotten reusable bottles to community members in need, preventing them from entering the waste stream and helping those who may not have easy access to clean water containers[1]. - **Educational Campaigns:** Involve students and staff in awareness programs, like “Plastic Free July,” to shift habits towards refusing single-use plastics and making smarter swaps, such as using refillable bottles[5]. - **Partnerships:** Collaborate with food service providers (like AVI) to limit the sale of single-use plastics and promote reusable options in dining halls and campus stores[3].

**Example: University of Florida (UF) Initiative**

At UF, staff and students have taken small but meaningful actions to reduce single-use plastic waste. For instance, maintenance staff collect forgotten reusable bottles from lost and found and distribute them to people in need, both locally and internationally. This not only prevents waste but also serves vulnerable populations. Campus-wide, water refill stations are available in nearly every building, supporting a culture of reusability[1].

**Results and Subsequent Actions**

- **Reduction in Plastic Waste:** Reuse and redistribution initiatives have made a measurable impact by diverting bottles from landfills and reducing litter on campus and in the community[1][5]. - **Community Engagement:** Programs have fostered a sense of pride and responsibility among students and staff, encouraging ongoing participation in sustainability efforts. - **Policy and Infrastructure Support:** The installation of refill stations and educational campaigns further embed sustainable practices into campus life[1][3].

**Summary Table**

| Action Type | Description | Outcome/Result | |------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Reusable bottle redistribution | Collect and give away forgotten bottles to those in need | Less waste, supports community| | Water refill stations | Install stations in most buildings | Encourages reusability | | Awareness campaigns | Educate on plastic waste and encourage smart swaps | Habit change, less plastic use| | Partnerships | Work with food service providers to limit single-use plastics | Reduced sales of plastic |

**Conclusion**

While the specific partnership between a college, AVI, and Psychology 308 Advanced Methods students is not detailed in available sources, the typical approach involves collaboration across campus groups, educational campaigns, infrastructure improvements (like refill stations), and community engagement to significantly reduce single-use plastic bottle use. The results include less plastic waste, greater awareness, and stronger campus sustainability efforts[1][3][5].

Interestingly, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 brought single-use plastic water bottles back on campus at the College. However, during the 2024 spring semester, the Advanced Methods students and OES staff worked on increasing filtered water bottle fillers on campus. The College previously banned single-use plastic water bottles as part of a resolution by the Student Senate in the late 1990s.

In the fall of 2023, Dr. Cindy Frantz taught Psychology 308 Advanced Methods, and the Advanced Methods students, in collaboration with Facilities Operations, AVI, and OES interns, created outreach directed at students on the benefits of reusable water bottles. The Office of Energy and Sustainability (OES) partnered with AVI, the campus dining service provider, in fall 2023. The student survey results showed that most students choose single-use plastic water bottles for convenience and perceived increase in water quality/safety. The final report from the Advanced Methods class can be found online.

1. The environmental-science discipline highlights the significance of reducing single-use plastic water bottles, as it contributes to sustainable-living practices and maintaining a healthier home-and-garden ecosystem.
2. Encouraging sustainable-living can be achieved through partnerships with food providers, like AVI, to limit the use of single-use plastic bottles in dining halls and campus stores, promoting reusable options instead.
3. Incorporating educational-science research and strategies into lifestyle changes, such as "Plastic Free July," can help shift habits towards refusing single-use plastics like water bottles and making more eco-friendly choices, contributing to a greener campus environment.

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