A number of things changed on campus during the summer holidays but one thing seems to stand out more than others. Unfamiliar contraptions were built into the Taggart Student Center’s drinking fountains – a strange invention that had the puzzled when they first discovered it.
Looking more closely at it, the students noticed the outline of a water bottle and a small spout where they assumed water was dispensed. This meant students were able to bring their reusable water bottles to campus for the first time in months, simply to test the device. Though this water is the same water we once drank from the fountain, it tasted much sweeter. “Thank you, water gods. It is now possible to fill water bottles up twice as fast, and we are doing it in style.” one of the students exclaimed
Okay, so we know the real reason for these dispensers revolves around encouraging students to stop buying water bottles, which is a worthy cause. Of course, buying water can become expensive, and most don’t have that kind of cash lying around. It promotes eco-friendly behavior while keeping their wallets happy. The dispenser allows the entire water bottle to fill, while the water fountain only allows half the bottle to fill until the tilt of the bottle causes the water to flow back out of the top.
There has been talk of taking this water bottle movement even further, and it toes the line. We are all in favor of giving students the option to decide whether or not saving the environment is on their priority list. Give students the option, and we believe they will more often than not make good decisions. Banning the sale of water bottles on campus completely, simply, does not make sense. When options are whittled down to one option, people feel rather confined. What will happen to the students who care less about preservation? When someone passes out on the sidewalk, we will know why. Dehydration.
It comes down to this: don’t tell students what they can and cannot do. Prompt them to do the right thing. Make saving the earth convenient. This is why it was wise to install more efficient water dispensers that prompt students to carry water bottles. Let’s not take it to the extreme. Thank you for the go-green enthusiasm, but at the same time, no thank you.
