Say Goodbye to Bottled Coolers: Why a Plumbed-in Water Cooler is the Sustainable Choice

Water coolers have become a common fixture in schools, offices, and homes across the UK, providing convenient access to fresh, chilled water on demand. However, the traditional bottled cooler may not be the best option for those looking to make environmentally conscious choices. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why opting for a plumbed-in water cooler is a smarter and more sustainable choice.

Environmental Impact of Bottled Water

a) Plastic Bottle Waste: The global consumption of bottled water contributes significantly to plastic pollution. Shockingly, an alarmingly low percentage of plastic bottles are recycled each year. Many end up in landfills or, even worse, in our oceans, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems. Globally, it is estimated that around 91% of plastic waste is not recycled at all….

Manual Handling Risks and Storage Issues

a) Health and Safety: The physical handling of heavy water bottles poses a risk of injuries, especially when lifting and maneuvering them onto water coolers. These injuries can lead to strains, sprains, and musculoskeletal disorders, affecting employees, and as a consequence, businesses.
b) Storage Space: Empty water cooler bottles take up valuable storage space, particularly in office settings with limited square footage. Storing large quantities of empty bottles can be both inconvenient and unsightly to block corridors and fire exits. Most bottled water companies only deliver weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meaning businesses store empty bottles for weeks at a time.

CO2 Emissions Associated with Deliveries

a) Transportation Impact: The delivery of bottled water requires frequent deliveries via vans, to replenish stock, resulting in additional vehicle emissions on our roads and in towns and cities. This transportation process contributes to air pollution and congestion on the roads.
b) Fuel Consumption: Bottled water deliveries often involve long-distance transportation, consuming large amounts of fuel. The extraction, refining, and transportation of petroleum-based plastics used in bottle production also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, meaning ditching the bottle is a more sustainable choice.

Age of Water in Bottles

a) Freshness and Taste: Bottled water can sometimes sit on shelves for extended periods before consumption. Over time, the water’s quality and taste may deteriorate due to exposure to sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. In contrast, plumbed-in water coolers provide a constant supply of fresh, chilled water.

Conclusion

In light of the environmental impact of bottled water, the manual handling risks, storage issues, CO2 emissions associated with deliveries, and the age of water in bottles, a plumbed-in water cooler is the clear winner. By choosing a plumbed-in water cooler, you can significantly reduce plastic waste, minimise carbon emissions, and enjoy the convenience of fresh, chilled water without the hassle and environmental drawbacks of traditional bottled coolers. Let’s make sustainable choices and help protect our planet, one sip at a time.