A Glass of Environmental Refreshment

Since Washington, and other states as well, have faced water shortages in the past as well as growing environmental concerns, many colleges have adapted more environmentally friendly solutions to everyday use of resources on campus.

One of the somewhat recently adapted solutions at Pierce is the implementation of the Hydration Stations – drinking water dispensing machines placed next to water fountains with the intent to encourage students to bring their own bottles and refill them, rather than throwing them away.  The Hydration Stations are also meant to save more water than their nearby counterparts, and even have a display that counts the number of gallons of water saved by the machines.

Students gave mixed reviews on the effectiveness of the Hydration Stations.  Two reacted positively, mentioning how they could “see how much water you save.”  Another remarked that the Hydration Stations help save money due to not having to buy more bottles.  Hydration Stations could even be more healthy, due to mouths not being close to the faucet.

Also noted was the positive effect the stations have on the environment, saving plastic and keeping bottles from simply being tossed away rather than recycled.

However, other students said that they had never bothered to use the Hydration Stations or even own own water bottles.  Some believed that Pierce could be doing more to be environmentally friendly, suggesting more recycle bins on campus and bringing back the cafeteria’s recyclable utensils.  

Custodian Willis Duckworth noted that he sees students make use of Hydration Stations on a regular basis, and sees individual students refill their bottles up to three or four times a day.

Could Pierce be doing more to save water and recycle plastic?  Send a letter to the editor at [email protected], and it may be featured on the Pioneer’s website or next print issue.