Here's Why Humboldt State Should Ban Bottled Soda
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Here's Why Humboldt State Should Ban Bottled Soda

Every bottle counts.

33
Here's Why Humboldt State Should Ban Bottled Soda
Jessica Larson

Humboldt State University's next step as a sustainable school should be to ban plastic bottled soda. In 2009, the student organization Take Back the Tap brought two hydration stations to campus to encourage students to stop being dependent on bottled water. Then, in 2011, Humboldt State became the first CSU to ban plastic water bottles. During 2015, HSU and the student organization Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP) participated in Kill the Cup, a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting reusable drinking containers. Then in 2016, Humboldt State dining began to sell mason jars on campus for a cheaper price than single disposable cups in an effort to move us closer to sustainability.

However, it's not just water bottles. According to the Recycling Coalition of Utah, Americans throw away 35 billion plastic bottles each year. These plastic bottles can take up to a thousand years to degrade in landfills and contribute to the fact enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the Earth four times.

While most of the pressure to ban plastic bottles focuses on water bottles, soda bottles are unfortunately a large part of the plastic problem and are still as damaging for our environment.

And that is why it is our duty as a green campus to ban plastic soda bottles.

Now, before you fret about losing access to your sugary treat - hear me out.

The transition can be as painless as possible. With soda fountains available on campus, banning certain soda brands doesn't mean taking away students' options. Currently the Depot's soda fountain sells Pepsi, diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Brisk, Mug Root Beer, and Dr. Pepper. With these options in place, why does the Depot also need to these same kinds of soda in a plastic bottle container? Let's start by banning bottled soda available to students through soda machines and encouraging students get their fix from a reusable bottle.

From there, we can call for more soda options to become available through soda foundations and continue the movement. Humboldt State students - this is our chance to continue the efforts of the student lead organization Take Back the Tap who fought for the bottled water ban.

Let's be the generation to continue Humboldt State's progressive approach to sustainability and call for a end of the plastic soda bottle.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51472
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33039
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956033
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180982
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments