Microplastics in Plastic Bottles
Less than a month into the New Year, researchers at Columbia University and Rutgers University issued findings on the distressing micro and nano-plastics found in plastic water bottles. The study revealed a staggering average of 240,000 microplastics in everyday liters of water. Researchers took five separate samples looking at three popular bottled water brands. Although the sampled brands remain anonymous, the microplastic levels ran between 110,000 and 400,000 per liter.
What does this mean for human health? Currently, research on the effects of micro and nano-plastics on human health is minimal. However, researchers do know some things to be true. Once certain microplastics leak into an environment, they will likely stay forever. The human gut accumulates much of the micro and nano-plastics ingested. Researchers attribute this to the minuscule size of specific plastic particles. Some variations present in bottled water are less than a micrometer (a millionth of a meter).
Recent studies have proven that the time and intensity of microplastic exposure impact the effects. Many studies consider drinking water the most pervasive issue of long-term exposure to plastic particles. These analyses found adverse effects on mouse models, saying “long-term inflammation of particles in liver tissues and chronic inflammation could lead to liver disease and chronic pulmonary disorders” (Gambino et al.).
Despite minimal research on the human effects, Duke University professor of medicine and comparative oncology director Jason Somarelli found more than 100 known cancer-causing chemicals in bottled water plastics in work yet to be published.
Reusable Water Bottles Have Become the New Norm
Not only can reusable water bottles reduce the time and intensity of microplastic exposure, but they also improve the global carbon footprint. A study conducted by Oceana estimates that only a 10% increase in market share for soft drink beverages sold in refillable bottles could reduce marine plastic pollution by 22%. This reduction would help prevent tap water microplastic contamination, ultimately mitigating climate change.
Individuals can also make a tangible impact by substituting plastic water bottles with refillable ones. According to a report published by Plastic Oceans, plastic bottles make up 14% of littered waste. When one person switches to a reusable bottle, they would have prevented approximately 170 plastic bottles from being improperly discarded in just one year.
The cost effectiveness of reusable water bottles is often overlooked. A paper produced by The Earth Policy Institute explains that bottled water costs more than gasoline at $10 per gallon. Comparatively, the average cost of tap water is about $0.002 per gallon. For manufacturers, this means lower production costs.
Filtered Bottle Filling Stations Facilitate Good Environmental and Human Health
A popular alternative on the rise are filtered bottle-filling stations like the Hydration Station Bottle Filler and Drinking Fountain. These stations compliment reusable water bottle use by encouraging people to refill their water throughout the day.
While the initial installment of hydration stations may seem costly, they have a lifespan of up to 12 years, provided they are cost-efficient and eco-friendly. Research at the University of Chicago examined an average of 177,480 plastic water bottles saved across 102 bottle-filling stations over two weeks (Piccirillo-Stosser 25). Over a nine-month school year, this constitutes around 3,470,177 plastic water bottles.
Alongside cost efficiency and environmental mitigation, bottle fillers and drinking fountains improve general health. Unlike reusable bottles alone and plastic water bottles, filtered bottle filling stations guarantee fresh, filtered water. Some benefits of drinking filtered water include increased hydration, better taste and smell, decreased risk of certain cancers, and a strengthened immune system.
Seeking Sustainable Bottle Fillers
The findings of microplastics in plastic water bottles emphasize the importance of mindfulness when it comes to hydration. While transitioning to reusable water bottles protects individual and environmental health, the communal impact of bottle fillers and fountains amplifies the efficacy of health-driven initiatives.
Click here to learn more about the Hydration Station Bottle Filler and Drinking Fountain. Choose wisely for a healthier and greener tomorrow.
Original post: Host Hotels & Resorts
12/07/2016
The U.S. Green Building Council awarded The Axiom® Hotel LEED® Silver certification for its green initiatives. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program that recognizes performance in key areas of environmental and human health such as site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
The Axiom Hotel was designed by Host Hotels & Resorts® to achieve LEED certification. Guestrooms feature dual-flush toilets to reduce water usage and Smart TVs with information guides and dining menus to limit paper waste. The Axiom also participates with PressReader to provide paperless newspapers and magazines for guests. Filtered ice and water stations are located on every floor and recycling bins are available throughout the hotel. Other green initiatives include a high efficiency HVAC system with integrated energy management that monitors occupancy to control temperatures, power-saving fiber optic cabling, energy efficient LED lighting and instant hot water heaters.
Learn more about Axiom Hotel’s sustainability efforts and LEED Silver certification and Host’s Corporate Responsibility program.
Four donated Brita® Hydration Stations® were recently installed at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, CA with the support of Mission: Readiness – Military Leaders For Kids and Regional Access Project Foundation. College of the Desert serves over 10,000 students and, as one of 112 community colleges in California, represents a vital part of the world’s largest system of higher education.
Increasing access and consumption of safe drinking water where youth live, learn and play is an important initiative taking hold in California and across the nation. Studies link rising obesity rates to the consumption of sugary beverages, among other factors. These are beverages with added sugar and include sodas, sports drinks, and fruit-flavored drinks. Water is an essential, calorie-free alternative that can be used to help combat childhood obesity and improve students’ readiness to learn by maintaining proper hydration.
Since 1964, Pathfinder Ranch has been committed to providing youth from diverse backgrounds with affordable outdoor education and summer learning programs. Research shows that during summer, children (on average) fall one month behind where they left off academically at the end of the school year. Programs like the ones offered at Pathfinder Ranch can help mitigate this learning loss.
During a picnic to recognize supporters of the Ranch, Mission: Readiness – Military Leaders For Kids members, Major General (Ret.) John Bianchi, U.S. Army and Brigadier General (Ret.) Guido Portante, U.S. Army helped unveil a new Hydration Station donated by Brita in partnership with Mission: Readiness that will serve 9,000 youth from across the region who participate in quality programming at Pathfinder Ranch on an annual basis.
Behold! Hydration Station Discoveries!
Brita Hydration Station at the AC Hotel Fitness Center in Washington DC
Brita Hydration Station installed at the Global Impact STEM Academy. “Fillin up these official GISA @nalgeneusa bottles with some tasty #Brita filtered water. #cleanwater #goinggreen #fillerup — way to create and lead this project! #stem #studentleadlearning”
Brita Hydration Station comes to the Seay building thanks to Centenary College Enactus. Making a sustainable change to our college community #centgoesgreen ! Purchase a reusable water bottle today to bring more stations to new locations on campus!
@jackieganz “Oh let me just stop at the hydration station to fill up. I need one of these! 
@joicafe #brita #hydrationstation”
Look what we added to our fitness center today! #carringtonhills #fitness #hydrationstation #brita #healthyliving #franklintn #workout
Need a refill of H2O during your workout? Fill up at the #hydrationstation #fitnesscenter #workout #brita #Modera44 #MillCreekRes
REPOST from Creativity.
Brita is eager to find out whether an NBA star’s endorsement can do for water filters what it has done over the years for everything from soft drinks and sports drinks to apparel and restaurants.
The brand has debuted a new 30-second spot featuring the athlete. In it, Mr. Curry is surrounded by water as he takes shots on a CGI-infused basketball court and talks about water. Another one of his endorsements can be spotted in the Brita commercial, as he dribbles an Under Armour basketball, and wears that brand’s clothing. “You are what you drink,” he says near the end of the commercial, after taking a sip of water from a glass with the Brita logo on it.
The Clorox brand surprised some basketball fans when it announced that Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry would promote its water filters, and the idea of drinking more water in general, rather than teaming up with a larger beverage brand.
“He’s really a great role model for that millennial consumer, and that’s a direction that we want to make sure Brita is moving against effectively,” said Jon Schlesinger, Brita’s VP-marketing.
This week, Mr. Curry appeared at an Oakland, Calif., school to speak with students about the benefits of drinking water. Brita also announced a contest for people to come up with ideas for commercials about water, with the winning spot, set to air later this year, featuring Mr. Curry.
The moves come as Brita tries to grow usage of its filters, especially among the younger crowd that Mr. Curry appeals to.
Learn more about the Brita Hydration Station.
Facts & Solutions: Lead in Drinking WaterAs recently reported in multiple media outlets, high levels of lead are tainting water systems across our country. Here are some data points and facts we have collected to help summarize the issues and challenges facilities and homes are facing:
- The EPA’s national testing “action level” for lead in water is 15 parts per billion.
- A national EPA analysis conducted between 2012 and 2015 showed 350 schools and day-care centers failed lead tests a total of 470 times. [1]
- Flint Water Study sampled 252 homes in Flint, Michigan and results showed that 40% of samples were over 5 parts per billion (ppb). Flint’s 90th’ile lead value is 25 ppb in that survey. [2]
- Newark, NJ collected 2,067 samples from school buildings between 2012 and 2015 with 12% above the EPA “action level.” With results ranging from 16 to 558 ppb.[3]
- The EPA estimates that about 90,000 public schools and half a million child-care facilities are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act because they depend on water sources such as municipal utilities who are expected to test their own water.[4]
- EPA recommends anyone concerned with lead should only consume filtered or bottled water (washing hands and bathing with unfiltered water is ok). Filtered water is a safe option only if the filter is certified to remove lead and it is replaced regularly. [5]
- EPA recommends using an NSF-certified water filter to remove lead. [6]
With many factors influencing water safety levels, we wanted to highlight some of the safety features of our bottle fillers and their certifications for those looking for solutions.
- Brita® Hydration Stations® are certified to NSF International 53 to remove 99% percent of lead and 99.9% of cysts from tap water that has a lead concentration of 150 parts per billion. [7]
- Point-of-Use bottleless units are designed for smaller amounts of drinking water and offer a 1,500-gallon capacity certified Brita® professional filter.
- Wall unit bottle fillers are designed for larger consumption rates and offer a 2,500 gallon capacity certified Brita® professional filter.
[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/03/17/drinking-water-lead-schools-day-cares/81220916/
[2] http://flintwaterstudy.org/2015/09/our-sampling-of-252-homes-demonstrates-a-high-lead-in-water-risk-flint-should-be-failing-to-meet-the-epa-lead-and-copper-rule/
[3] http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2016/03/lead_in_newark_schools_water_dates_back_to_at_leas.html
[4] http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/03/17/drinking-water-lead-schools-day-cares/81220916/
[5] https://www.epa.gov/flint
[6] https://www.epa.gov/flint
[7] http://www.abc12.com/home/headlines/People-voice-their-concerns-about-Brita-filters–330995452.html?device=phone&c=y
Brita Hydration Station Recognized at NAMA One Show The Brita® Hydration Station® booth at the NAMA One Show in November received some recognition in the February issue of Vending Times Magazine.
“Brita Professional’s Matt DeShon showcases Brita Hydration Station, offered in several floor-standing and countertop configurations. The model 2520 (pictured here) boasts a clean and professional design that provides a dependable, low-maintenance hot and cold option for basic filtration needs. Visit britahydrationstation.com.”
Visit BritaHydrationStation.com to learn more about the Brita® product family and how you can provide Brita® filtered water to your office, school, or facility.
For a limited time, use code “TOUCH-FREE” for $150 off wall mount bottle fillers.
Stop by at the Coffee, Water & Tea Expo
Stop by our booth #230 at the NAMA Coffee, Tea & Water Expo!
This expo is an interactive learning and networking event for professionals to explore the latest innovations in coffee, tea and water products and services.
Stop by booth #230 to learn more about the Brita® Professional line from the latest bottle fillers to the newest efficient water coolers. Present a copy of this blog post at the booth, and you will receive a free water bottle while supplies last.
Visit our website to learn more about the Brita® Hydration Station® today.
We look forward to seeing you there!
South Los Angeles Youth Debut School Hydration Station to Make Water the Healthy and Easy Choice
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — National Health Foundation’s Health Academy youth and community partners celebrated the youths’ effort to bring the first hydration station to a high school in South Los Angeles with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Health Academy youth were prompted into action after alarming results from their campus-wide survey showed that two-thirds of water fountains on campus were rated poor and/or inoperable by their peers. In addition, 60% of peers stated that therefore they did not drink water on campus and opted for sugary drinks instead. Youth worked closely with school administration to address this issue.
Students led an initiative to increase the number of students consuming water on campus by educating their peers and making changes to the school’s built environment with the goal of making water the healthy and easy choice. Health Academy students worked tirelessly to secure donations for the installation of a “hydration station” on-campus. Brita generously donated a hydration station unit and the students secured funding from Central Alameda and South Central Neighborhood Councils for the installation of the unit.
The new hydration station is a Brita touch-free surface mounted hygienic cooling water unit that will help keep students and the school community healthy and hydrated. By providing easy access to clean, safe water, the youth hope to improve water consumption for their peers and bring a healthy alternative to high-sugar beverage options.
“Our goal was to encourage students, faculty and the school community to drink more water. The hydration station is necessary for students because it provides both easy access to a cool drink of water as well as the ability to fill their reusable water containers. The idea here is for Jefferson students to make drinking water a habit that will lead to a healthier lifestyle overall,” said Health Academy student, Joshua Guzman.
National Health Foundation’s (NHF’s) Health Academy is an after school program at Thomas Jefferson High School that engages youth ages 14-18. The program empowers dedicated youth to lead initiatives that build community and stakeholder support for policy, system, and environmental changes that work to improve the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and opportunities for physical activity in the community. Funding for the program is provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health through a Nutrition Education Obesity Prevention grant, also known as Champions for Change.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/south-los-angeles-youth-debut-school-hydration-station-to-make-water-the-healthy-and-easy-choice-300143416.html
SOURCE National Health Foundation
Join us at IFMA 2015 – Booth #339
Join us at the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) World Workplace Conference and Expo, October 7-8, 2015 in Denver, CO.
IFMA’s World Workplace is a hands-on, interactive learning and networking event for professionals who support all aspects of the work environment.
Stop by booth #339 to learn more about the Brita® Professional line from the latest bottle fillers to the newest efficient water coolers. Present a copy of this blog post at the booth, and you will receive a free water bottle while supplies last.
Visit our website to learn more about the Brita® Hydration Station® today.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Download the Brita® Hydration Station® brochure now.
View the Brita® Hydration Station® overview video.
It all comes back to that time of year again, school. A fun part about going back-to-school is back-to-school shopping! Don’t forget to get your back to school essentials from pencils, backpacks, paper, notebooks, binders, and your Brita®Hydration Station® of course!
Brita®Hydration Station’s® practical, low-maintenance water bottle fillers are unobtrusive and can be placed in residence halls, athletic facilities, student unions, and other high-traffic areas. The refill stations encourage students to use more environmentally friendly containers instead of disposable plastic bottles, helping schools walk the walk when it comes to sustainability issues.
Ok, maybe they aren’t available at your local school supply store but we do have multiple purchasing options on how to get one for your school including our Fundraising Program.
Your school or University may qualify for additional savings by applying to the Brita®Hydration Station® fundraising program!
All you have to do is click here and you will be taken to the contact form. Once the form is filled out, the road your Brita®Hydration Station® begins! Check out the Brita®Hydration Station® fundraising program overview video below for more details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=58&v=ojbFMeViglQ
More about Hydration and Brita® Hydration Station® with GM, Ted Hertz
Recently, we took some time to interview General Manager of Hydration, Ted Hertz! Ted Hertz gives us an insight on how the Hydration business is going, and where he see’s the Hydration business heading.
How is the hydration business currently?
The Hydration market is growing and shifting rapidly. It seems every day there are new innovations with ordinary water distribution. Advances include more access to quality filtered water via vending machines which fill re-useable bottles in public venues, and then for office and homes, water dispensers offering sparkling and flavored options. User demand is changing too. People want variety and options. And younger generations want products that support environmentally friendly efforts.
Why did Haws decide to get into the POU (point-of-use) sector?
The past 15 years of my career has been in water, starting with bottled water. I love the benefits of water and it always amazed me how much people cherished their bottled water – but I hated the waste of bottles. POUs are a natural evolution as we adjust to user demands and expectations. People associate the Haws name with quality drinking water and we have a responsibility to the our customers to evolve as they do.
What other markets do we see ourselves getting into in the next 1-3 years?
Expect to see more Brita® branded products added to our portfolio and more levels of filtration options in our products. We are seeing a lot of traction in different industries including medical and industrial. Our products are suited for their needs because of their durability in high-use and harsh environments.
Should we expect any changes in the drinking fountain business in the near future?
We will certainly see changes in how water is dispensed, both in form and function. Haws is looking hard at how to continue to lead the pack and differentiate our offering based on customer feedback.
What do you like most about your job?
The challenge of taking a 100 year old product line in drinking fountains and combining that with options like filtration, bottle-less coolers and the Brita® brand to create a successful portfolio for long into the future.
What’s your favorite beverage of choice?
Water, of course. But a nice bottle of wine is a close second!
