Paris offers sparkling water to the public to decrease the need for plastic bottles

At CPS, we're all about being green. We reuse boxes, carry PCR (post-consumer resin) products and even revitalize our skin with green mint julep masks on the weekends (not to mention the occasional afternoon at work). But our efforts seem like child's play when compared to the sustainability tactics demonstrated by some European nations.

Europe leads a plastic bottle revolution
I came across an article, “Paris Offers Water With Bubbles, but No Bottles,” about a public water fountain in Paris. A water fountain, big whoop, we've had those in the U.S. forever! But wait, there's more. You see, while Americans are accustomed to flat water, some Europeans prefer their refreshments sparkling (carbonated), and this Parisian fountain (dispensed in a downward stream; like a fountain drink) offers just that. Did green-minded Parisians assume that by offering bubbly and still water at the public's fingertips they would eliminate the need for plastic bottles? If so, I think their plan may be a few bottles shy of a case of sparkling water.

Let's break this down. Instead of plastic bottles, plastic cups are provided to catch the fountain stream. These cups (in the photo accompanying the article) look as if they are single-use containers, I'm guessing made of polystyrene (PS), but that trusty number six isn't visible, so I can't be sure. Regardless of what type of plastic they're made from, the cups will most likely end up in the same place several of those supposedly evil plastic bottles (thanks to the hydration habits of non-fountain-drinking- people) will end up: the trash.

Maybe I don't know the whole story. Maybe this fountain really is saving 2,300 plastic bottles each day¦ and maybe pigs really can fly. But, before the rest of us begin campaigning for similar fountains in our areas, here are three ways we can limit overconsumption of plastic bottles and other plastic materials, minus the pretentiousness.

Find a recycling center
If recycling isn't included in your community waste plan, find a local facility to drop off your plastic bottles. Visit recyclingcenters.org for locations near you. But don't stop at plastic bottles, expand your recycling reach by checking out plasticbagrecycling.org and unload all the plastic grocery bags you've accumulated since moving out of your mom's house.

Invest in reusable plastic bottles
Not all plastic bottles are built to be single use containers. In fact, we don't even sell the flimsy plastic bottles you're accustomed to seeing in grocery stores. Think about it, having sturdy and dependable plastic bottles on hand is not only convenient but it's an eco-friendly practice. Save a bottle each time you fill old reliable up.

Green up your product line
Post-consumer resin (PCR) is the physical embodiment of plastic bottle recycling. Which means, if you package your product in one of these plastic bottles, it couldn't get more eco-friendly if it wanted to. Take a look through our colorful collection of PCR plastic bottles and see for yourself.

Do Mother Earth a favor and make a commitment to recycle however you can. Paris installed a fancy water fountain; you can drop plastic bottles off at a recycling center. Whatever you do, just make sure it's practical. You never know what you might garner in return; nothing beats Mother Nature's adoration.

Tell us how you recycle. Post a comment.