NYC Water

Way back in April of 2009 I wrote on this here blog thingy a post called Plastic Haters Unite
which was about the problem of plastic water bottles and also a call to arms to write or call the City and tell them to install more water fountains so people wouldn't have to buy bottled water.

I actually did write the city, but was certain that it was a waste of time (I can be such a Debbie Downer sometimes). So it was with great curiosity and wonder that I noticed last week at the market this weird looked large sink that had several faucets and a couple of drinking fountains attached to it. Surrounding this oasis were many volunteers handing out water drop shaped stickers that say: NYC WATER Brought to you by NYC environmental protection. With a web site address nyctapwater.org

I can't really take any credit for this new campaign the city has undertaken to ween people off their plastic water bottle habit, but I sure was happy to see it happening! It's also important that people know how safe, tasty and good our tap water is. There is no need for plastic water bottles, except the need of large corporations like Coca Cola to make a profit off of something that up until 30 years ago most people drank for free from, yes you guessed right, water fountains.

Here's the video from the NYC Tap Water project people and below it just for fun I'm re-posting The Story of Bottled Water video.

Plastic Haters Unite!

Over at Huffington Post I came across this article called "Mothers Against Plastic" by Kimberly Brooks and I nearly shouted out loud when I read it "Finally!" Not only are we talking about it, but the grassroots movement to actually do something about it is finally gaining traction, so do yourself and the planet a favorite and bookmark ithinkihateplastic.com. I've just looked at it briefly and can already tell you it is going to be a great resource.

The first article is about stainless steel water bottles (which was also discussed in last week's NYT). I have one and have been trying to get Neil one, but as it turns out maybe it's not such a good idea. Just another ploy to get you to buy something else.

What we need to be doing is sending letters to Mayor Bloomberg asking for more public drinking fountains, remember like in the old days (or maybe you don't and I'm just aging myself)? Once upon a time we had a city government that made sure water fountains were conveniently located all over, but why provide something for free, like water, when you can sell it for 2 bucks in a plastic container with your advertising on it? I say let's put bottled water companies out of business. In NYC south of 14th street the only water fountains I can think of are in Tompkins Square Park and they are seasonal so you can only have water in the Summer. You'd think that in this day and age we could figure out how to provide water in pipes that don't freeze mid winter. Sure it may cost more and even use energy to make work, but it has to be far less then the energy and resources used in making the uncountable numbers of plastic or stainless disposable bottles.

Go ahead be an activist I dare you! ;-)