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Stop Piling on: Assessing Efforts to Reduce Single-Use Water Bottles at Allegheny College

Author

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  • Matthew Bethurem

    (Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335, USA)

  • Beth Choate

    (Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335, USA)

  • Stephanie Bramwell

    (Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA 16335, USA)

Abstract

Plastic waste represents one of the largest environmental problems of the modern era and disposable water bottles comprise a substantial portion of that waste in the U.S. Colleges are in a unique position to create systems that foster sustainable behaviors among their constituents. Since 2015, Allegheny College has installed water refill stations, and initiated a free water bottle program and an awareness campaign to reduce single-use bottles on the college’s campus. Two surveys were distributed to the student body between 2018 and 2019 to assess the efficacy of those initiatives and learn about any barriers. Bottled water use has reduced significantly since 2014, with the majority of students stating that they most commonly drink water from refill stations while on campus. Demographic factors like income, sex, or place of origin were not related to the amount of bottled water consumption or type of water preference among students. The primary barrier to students eliminating disposable water bottle use was found to be a lack of water refill stations in dormitories. Research aimed at changing behaviors to benefit the environment should consider the barrier of convenience. This research provides a valuable lesson that can extend beyond college campuses and into public settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Bethurem & Beth Choate & Stephanie Bramwell, 2021. "Stop Piling on: Assessing Efforts to Reduce Single-Use Water Bottles at Allegheny College," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:16:p:8864-:d:610583
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kathryn Willis & Britta Denise Hardesty & Joanna Vince & Chris Wilcox, 2019. "The Success of Water Refill Stations Reducing Single-Use Plastic Bottle Litter," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-17, September.
    2. Jakus, Paul M. & Shaw, W. Douglass & Nguyen, To N. & Walker, Mark, 2009. "Risk Perceptions of Arsenic in Tap Water and Consumption of Bottled Water," 2009 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, 2009, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 49221, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
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