Overflowing recycling bins, how ironic. As contradictory as this phenomenon may be, it is a commonplace occurrence on the University of Colorado at Boulder's campus, which is a school that feigns to be the home of an environmentally conscious student body.
The average consumer does not see a problem with voraciously devouring one plastic water bottle after the next. However, the conscious consumer is aware of the tremendous negative ecological impact that non-renewable, plastic water bottles have. How could a school that has such a professed central focus on sustainability be so mindless about something as simple as water consumption. Ever heard of a reusable water bottle? (Nalgene has a large selection of versatile reusable water bottles...for now.)
Here are a few quick facts about water bottle use in the US:
- "Americans used about 50 billion plastic water bottles last year. However, the U.S.’s recycling rate for plastic is only 23 percent, which means 38 billion water bottles – more than $1 billion worth of plastic – are wasted each year."
- "Last year, the average American used 167 disposable water bottles, but only recycled 38."
- "Antimony, which is found in PET plastic bottles, in small doses can cause dizziness and depression; in larger doses it can cause nausea, vomiting and death."
If the problem lies in the carelessness of the consumer, as it seems is increasingly the case given the lack of use of reusable water bottles despite the large amount of social education on the issue, we may have a solution that would decrease environmental impact as well as increase awareness of sustainability. Meet Ooho!, the edible water pod that has the potential to make the plastic water bottle an antiquated entity. Designed by Skipping Rocks Lab out of London, the Ooho! is a sustainable water pod with a seaweed and calcium-chloride membrane that is safe for human consumption. Simply break the membrane with your teeth, drink the water, and then eat the membrane!
Each orb cost only 2 cents to produce - an almost 50% decrease from the plastic water bottle. The Ooho! is cheaper, safer, more hygienic, and far more sustainable than its plastic competitor. Please offer a reason as to why this product should not replace the plastic water bottle.
