Recommendations

Overview

Based off of social science research, the University of Michigan should implement a sustainability week, increase locational awareness of refill stations on campus, create incentives for reusable bottles and levy a tax on plastic bottles, and modify the current Planet Blue water bottle.

 

Sustainability Week

The sustainability week would work to educate students and faculty on the merits of using a reusable water bottle. Two common misperceptions of tap water’s cleanliness and taste would be addressed during the sustainability week. A blind water taste test would address tap water taste concerns, and available information on Ann Arbor city water would address sanitary concerns. Additionally, students would receive stickers when they sign a written pledge at booths throughout campus to commit to drinking water sustainably.

 

 

Example Sustainability Banner. Source: Photoshop by Caitlin Walrath

 

Location Awareness

The University of Michigan should increase the location awareness of refill stations. In order to accomplish this, posters should be hung above each refill station and maps inside buildings should be updated to include the locations of these stations. The posters would include standardized logos, and images of nature (such as the local pond shown below), which should make people more cognizant of sustainable behavior. In addition, the integration of refill station locations into the “Michigan App” Map would offer another way to increase location awareness.

 

 

Image of Barton Pond, Ann Arbor, MI. Source: Farzin Photo
(http://farzinphoto.com/archives/barton-pond-panoramic/)

 

Planet Blue Water Bottle Modification

The University of Michigan should modify the reusable bottles given as part of the Planet Blue Water Bottle Initiative. In order to improve upon the current program, the water bottles should be reduced from 24 oz. to 20 oz., because a lack of portability discourages people from using refillable water bottles during the day. Lastly, the water bottles should be customized to each dorm to develop small communities that engage in sustainable practices.

 

 

Mock Customized Water Bottle. Source: Photoshop by Caitlin Walrath

 

 

Price Competitiveness

In tandem with the expansion of the Planet Blue program, the University should implement a tax on disposable water bottles that are sold in stores that are maintained by the University in order to decrease student demand. To address concerns regarding businesses selling plastic water bottles near campus (not controlled by the University), we also recommend that the University should attempt to create private-social partnerships with local businesses to create incentives for students to use their reusable water bottles.

 

 

Money Flowing into a Water Bottle. Source: iStock
(http://www.istockphoto.com/photo/water-bottle-and-money-6884376)

 

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The content on this page is developed by students enrolled in Environ 211 and does not represent the official position of the University of Michigan.