Rail stations tackle plastic bottle waste with water fountains

Following last week’s headlining news on plastic pollution, we were pleased to hear that Network Rail has announced that it now will go ahead and install drinking water fountains at its leading stations.  

As reported in the Times today, drinking fountains will be installed at stations to reduce plastic bottle waste after a change of heart by Network Rail. The company had previously resisted because of concern that it would lose rental income from shops that sell bottled water, claiming that such water fountains would take away the revenue that retailers receive from the sale of bottled water (and other drinks). But this comes at a price to the consumer and the environment.

Globally, 20,000 bottles are sold every second in our instant world and yet only 7% of this amount is recycled. The rest end up in the bin, in landfill and in the sea. A recent study by Plymouth University fund that a staggering third of all UK fish caught when examined contained plastic; causing long term harm to the species and to us humans! Who knows the affects downstream?

Campaigners have urged it for years to allow passengers to fill up their own drinking water bottles. Network Rail manages 18 of the busiest stations, including ten main terminuses in London, Reading, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, Manchester Piccadilly, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.  

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has commented that he has plans for up to 20 fountains and has allocated ￡750,000 in his draft budget to cut plastic waste over the next three years.  Elsewhere in the capital, other newcomers to water fountains in recent times include London Zoo and Selfridges. The Natural History Museum is also considering such a move in a bid to end single use bottle sales.

So all good news indeed and we are sure to see similar eco-friendly initiatives such as this ripple across retail and business in the months ahead.

How can we all start to fuel this fundamental change in our behaviour. Consumers have great persuasion powers on retailers. Plumbed in water coolers , desktop for the home or floor standing for the workplace, deliver chilled and filtered water on tap. Great tasting to quench thirst and stay hydrated and great for our ‘eco’ consciences.

These water dispensers allow you to self-fill with your own cup or bottle; something that has been happening quite prevalent in gyms and sports clubs up and down the UK and is set to grow into many, many other areas.  

Drinking water fountains, fed from the mains, as will be installed at the train stations will also allow this. We have some great offers to get you going in the campaign to reduce plastic and help build a better environment, while staying hydrated. Let’s all start to quell this monstrous rising tide of plastic.