Single-use Plastic Water Bottles

According to our checkbook, in FY2017-18 we spent $25,768.20 on bottled water. It's estimated that approximately 80% of recyclable plastic water bottles end up in landfills. 80% would be somewhere in the ball park of 15,736 bottles purchased by us that potentially contributed to landfills in just one year.

Since 2014, the city of San Francisco has banned the sale of plastic water bottles under 21 ounces. San Francisco was also the first city in the nation to adopt a ban on plastic shopping bags, and the state later followed suit. It's possible the same may happen with plastic water bottles and it would be impressive to have our organization taking steps in the right direction in advance.

By replacing our drinking fountains with combination water filling stations/water fountains (at $800+ each, that should total less than the cost of one year's worth of bottles), eliminating single-use plastic water bottles from our meetings in the Chambers and conference rooms (instead offering water pitchers with glasses for guests), providing Water Monster hydration stations at events, if necessary, (as we did at Amgen) in lieu of giving out bottled water, and encouraging staff to use reusable water bottles, we would save money, help the environment and send a message to our residents that we are environmentally conscious, fiscally responsible and a forward-thinking city. This change would also be in alignment with the council imperative to serve as wise and responsive stewards of fiscal, physical, and natural resources.​