Learn About The Impacts of Plastic Bottles
- Respect your community’s efforts to reduce disposable plastic water/ beverage containers. Yes, there are a few instances when such use is necessary, but most everyone now recognizes that it is merely a habit that we’ve gotten into—we do not need these types of bottles all the time, at all events.
- Advise adults or children who plan to come to visit, volunteer, or work at your facility, or your field, playground, school, church, party, office, game, meeting, or event that “Our facility is a ‘green’ one, so please brings your favorite mug or reusable beverage container, rather than a disposable plastic beverage container.”
- Bring your “reusable beverage containers” everywhere you go–sporting events, school events, meetings, parties, Scout and Club events & meetings, and at community events. Hot or cold, bring your reusable beverage container to where you work, play, worship, learn, visit, volunteer!
- Use beverage dispensers, cooler dispensers, jugs, pitchers, or coffee/tea urns at large gatherings, sports, or special events for refilling attendee’s reusable containers. Provide paper cups (not plastic please) for those few who may have forgotten to bring their own beverage container.
- For use of Loaner Dispensers for school or community events, or for information on purchasing dispensers, coolers, jugs, pitchers, etc., email . The School District of the Chathams may also be another source of dispensers (loan).
- Spread the word to your friends, families, schools, teammates…Join the efforts of your schools, sports teams, friends, recreation departments, places of worship, municipalities, businesses, clubs, etc.
When necessary to use disposable beverage containers, use ones that can be recycled by the recycling vendors in Chatham Township and Chatham Borough and by the recycling vendor used by your public or private schools.
Thank for your support and cooperation.
Why is this commitment important
- It will reduce the amount of waste generated and costs.
Nationwide, 77% of the disposable plastic bottles end up in the trash, not recycling. - It will preserve Earth’s limited resources.
Disposable plastic water bottles are made out of oil which is a finite resource. They require energy to make and transport. You will be helping the environment by reducing oil consumption and also air and water pollution created in this process. - Health benefits are likely: Some plastics leach harmful chemicals. Consider safer alternatives such as stainless steel “food grade” bottles which are non-reactive (no lining necessary), non-leaching, leak proof, lightweight, 100% recyclable, and keep drinks cool and fresh tasting.
Tap water is closely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act of 1977. Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not subject to all the same testing requirements.
Additional Resources:
