In the Know About H20. By Martha Bursey.

Without a doubt, bottled water has become seriously taxing on our environment. We toss 100 million bottles annually in Toronto alone … and an astounding 50 billion bottles are trashed across North America. One water bottle takes 700 years to biodegrade and fossil fuels are used to create the plastic in the first place. We, in the events industry can help reduce these numbers by finding creative solutions to the plastic waste problem. With a little innovation, we can swap water bottles on break tables, in volunteer tents and on the speaker podium for more eco-friendly H2O options. Here are our top 5 ways to replace bottle water:

1. On-site water fountains and reusable bottles.

Offering one or both of these options is a great way to keep guests hydrated while providing fun branding opportunities for your event sponsors.

2. H2O trucks.

Water trucks are great!  They come on-site, can be used with reusable water bottles or cups and can be branded.  Most large cities have Government run water trucks that can be made available for large events. AND, in some cases, the City will even provide them free of charge.

3. Water Infusion Bars.

Make your water station fun, healthy and gorgeous by offering fresh fruit and herbs. This upscale take on your standard water station has serious visual appeal and tons of health benefits too! By adding a little lemon, cucumber and mint to your water, you can improve digestion, clear up your skin, and increase your antioxidant intake.

4. Amp up your, errrrr … jugs.

Pretty water dispensers & glasses on tables and food stations not only look great, they have zero impact on plastic bottle stuffed landfills.

5. Boxed water.

Yup, you heard that right! Boxed water is an emerging trend, and we’re thrilled. Beyond the obvious cool factor, water boxes are super eco-friendly as 76% of the box is made from a renewable resource; trees, grown in FSC approved forests. If that’s not enough to sway you, premier boxed water companies have also partnered with 1% For The Planet to take on world water relief, reforestation, and environmental protection projects. We’re 100% on board.

There you have it, our top 5 ways to lessen your carbon footprint while keeping your events fun and forward-thinking. Have you seen a cool alternative to plastic bottles recently? Leave us a note on Facebook, we’d love to hear all about it.