Retrofitted water fountains reduce ecological footprint
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/WaterFountain09.jpg” caption=”McMaster University is retrofitting water fountains with new gooseneck spouts. Photo by Matt Terry. “]Did you know that a disposable water bottle will remain in a landfill for 1,000 years or that purchasing a water bottle is 3,000 times more expensive than an equal amount of municipal tap water? These are just some of the reasons why new water fountains have been popping up around campus.
McMaster University has begun retrofitting a number of water fountains with new gooseneck spouts, recognizing that many individuals prefer to carry their own reusable water containers over using disposable water bottles.
The initiative was developed by the Office of the Vice-President (Administration), and Facility Services was responsible for the design and installation of the new fountains.
“More than a dozen gooseneck refill stations have been installed on campus as a trial,” said Craig MacDonald, director of maintenance services, Facility Services. “If the trial is successful, then more fountains will be installed on campus to meet demand.”
McMaster's commitment to the environment and sustainability was the driving force behind the initiative, as well as making it easier for students to choose the option of reusable containers over disposable bottles.
“The goal is to reduce the number of bottles making their way into the landfill through the University waste stream,” said Karen Belaire, vice-president, Administration. “Part of the problem is the disposable bottles on campus are not always placed in the correct blue bin for recycling.”
The cost of waste removal was another reason behind the project. Even though plastic bottles are recycled the University must cover the cost of having waste removed from campus and the market for recycled materials does not generate any revenue for the University.
Although the implementation of the new drinking fountains is in its initial stages, once the trial is complete all fountains located in heavily traveled areas will be retrofitted with the new spouts.
