9 Health Benefits That Will Convince You to Drink More Water

9 Health Benefits That Will Convince You to Drink More Water

Besides keeping us alive, drinking water contributes to a better you in a variety of ways. The body is constantly losing water through evaporation, sweat, and other normal bodily processes. As such, these fluids need to be replenished by both drinking water and eating water-rich foods. Making simple changes, like grabbing a glass of water instead of a soda or an orange over a cookie, can make a world of difference.

 

1. Brain Power – Not surprisingly, research shows that a hydrated mind is a productive mind. A study by Weill Cornell Medical College indicated that, “water loss of less than 5 percent of our body weight,” is able to limit blood flow to the brain and stunt areas responsible for, “short-term memory, attention, and reaction time”. So, next time you assume you need a cup of coffee or energy drink, try reaching for a glass of water instead.

2. Weight Control – Life is busy and we don’t all have time to be gym rats. Drinking water instead of soda or juice eliminates excess calories from your diet that your body doesn’t need. The sugar intake from one bottle of soda is the suggested amount you should consume for the whole day, and yes, that is scary.2 Many times, dehydration can also slow your metabolism, causing people to mistake thirst for hunger.3

3. Regulate your Body Temperature – It’s what everyone wants to do but what no one knows how. Drinking water helps the skin play its role in keeping your body temperature where it should be through sweating.

4. Beautiful Skin – Most important benefit on the list? Our skin is the largest organ of the body and one of the only ones we show to everyone on a regular basis.4 The spaces between the cells of our skin are filled with water. By staying hydrated, you’ll likely have fewer wrinkles and more glow! Good hydration also helps in the process of building new cells properly with a smaller chance of irritation or cracking.5,6 Translation: fewer red spots and less acne.

5. Muscle Efficiency – During any sort of exercise, dehydration contributes to muscle breakdown and reduces the growth of new muscle. What’s more, if there’s an inadequate supply of water in the body, protein will not be produced efficiently.7 Studies have shown that even small amounts of dehydration have a sizeable effect, so fill up your bottle before you leave your house and not when you get to the gym.

6. Reduced Muscle Pain – When they’re not working out, muscles still need water to stay healthy. If you’re not drinking the water you need, joints can ache, muscles can cramp, and strains can happen.

7. Flush Out Bodily Toxins – Evolution did not prepare human beings for McDonald’s. Our bodies are taking in toxins, now more than ever, from both processed foods and the chemicals sprayed on our non-processed foods. The body has its own natural detoxification system that uses water as its main ingredient. Dehydration inhibits the cleansing process and, overtime, can lead to the buildup of toxins in our system.8

8. Living Close to Water Linked with Good Health – It’s a rather wordy benefit but a fascinating one. Researchers in England have shown that close proximity to blue stuff, whether it be the oceans, lakes or rivers, has a positive impact on health. “Blue space”, as they call it, may make people healthier by lowering stress levels and lifting mood.9

9. Happiness – Take our word for it folks. Researchers at Tufts University studied just mild dehydration in college students and found that not drinking enough can affect your mood.10 Hydration is vital for balancing mood and emotions, and the symptoms of moderate dehydration include tiredness and headaches, both of which have never made anyone happy. Happiness is positively correlated with overall wellness, so yes, this is a health benefit, and, anyways, we all want to be happy, right?

 

To wrap up, drinking water and staying hydrated is good for your body in just about every way you can imagine. Grab a water bottle (reusable please) and get to guzzling; your body will thank you.  

 

7 Reasons Why Staying Hydrated Makes You Smarter

7 Reasons Why Staying Hydrated Makes You Smarter

The brain is a mysterious place. While there are a lot more questions than answers, there have been many studies examining the relationship between drinking water and brain functionality. While the research is young, the human brain is composed of over 70% water, making the potential benefits plentiful.

Think More Clearly – One of the symptoms of dehydration is a shrinkage in brain tissue, and any one of our human ancestors will tell you a smaller brain doesn’t mean a better one. When we haven’t been drinking water our brains need to do a lot more in order to function at normal levels, affecting cognitive performance and perceived mental effort.1 While the researchers say nothing is definitive, why take the risk?

Reduced Anxiety – Staying calm enough to use all that brainpower is essential to acing an exam or making a deadline. The link between drinking water and reduced stress is well documented and been shown to reduce cortisone levels.2 Plus, in one study, researchers found that college students who brought a water bottle to their exam scored higher than their waterless peers. While this doesn’t prove anything definitively, the researchers hypothesized that the water either helps overall cognitive function or works to reduce anxiety and assist the body in staying calm.3

Concentration and Alertness – Studies in adults suggest that restricting fluids enough to lose just 1 percent of body weight can decrease concentration and alertness. Furthermore, increasing fluid intake has been proven to boost alertness regardless of initial thirst beforehand.

Eliminate headaches and migraines – Your brain won’t be solving any advanced physics problems if it’s yelling at you in pain. And even if your work is a tad less complicated, a headache will throw a monkey wrench into any amount of productivity. Studies have shown drinking water not only keeps the headaches at bay but also serves  as an effective cure. Headaches are one of the first symptoms of dehydration (as well as fatigue) and often just a little H2O will do the trick. Instead of taking your Tylenol with one glass of water, take it with two.

Attention and Memory – In studies of children 7 to 9 years old, researchers showed improvements in memory and attention between two groups where the variable element was just one drink of water.4 Because the majority of our brain, over 70 percent, is composed of water, hydration is critical to both body and mind.

Energy Level – Feeling tired is one of the first signs of dehydration and filling back up on H2O could zap the sleepiness.5 Measures of intelligence differ but everyone agrees motivation and drive are imperative to any successful  accomplishment, be it an A on that Biology exam or a game changing goal at the state championship.

Mood – Staying hydrated is a proven regulator of mood and studies have shown that even a little bit of dehydration can bring you down.6 Mood is linked with energy as well as motivation, two factors key in determining whether you just get that project done and whether you get it done and enjoy yourself throughout the process.

So drinking more water and staying hydrated can keep you smart and happy. What was that someone once said? Water is life? Sounds about right to me.

Fundraising for Water Bottle Filling Stations in Schools: The Ultimate Guide

Fundraising for Water Bottle Filling Stations in Schools: The Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Guide: Fundraising for Water Bottle Filling Stations in Schools

11

OCTOBER, 2016

Water Bottle Filling Stations for Schools Grants

Fundraising for Schools

Water Sustainability

If you’ve made it to this guide, you’re probably already aware that water bottle filling stations in schools are completely changing the way people consume and perceive water.

According to elkayezh2o.com, Elkay has saved 4,208,988,517 plastic bottles from waste with their bottle fillers.

While the impact of these products is undeniable, so is the hefty price tag.

Simply need a trusted store to shop for bottle filling stations? We recommend visiting BottleFillingStations.com

Luckily, due to their positive environmental, health, and economic impact, there are grants available for water bottle filling stations.

For that reason, we decided to publish a guide that covers the best practices in locating and accessing funds.  

Why are we doing this?

Our mission at BeCause Water is to reconnect your community to the value of water. We believe that greater access to clean, sustainable water is an instrumental part of achieving our mission, which is why we serve as a full-service resource for Bottle Filling Stations. 

How did we become the experts in fundraising for Water Bottle Filling Stations?  

At this point, we’ve worked with hundreds of schools and almost all of them have one thing in common – the need for funding. So we decided to offer fundraising assistance that would ultimately result in greater water sustainability impact.  

While every school’s campaign is different, we’ve deconstructed and organized the common elements of success. Whether you’re a student, administrator, or nonprofit leader, this guide will equip you with what you need to turn your idea into a reality.

Step #1: Define Your “Purpose Statement”

Why are you starting a campaign to install water bottle filling stations?

Is it because you’re fed up with people carrying around wasteful bottled water, or are you just a REALLY thirsty person? (no judgement..)

Give this some thought and WRITE IT DOWN. Use keywords that mean something to you (spoiler alert – that’s who this is for).  

For example, “I am campaigning to implement Bottle Filling Stations at Rogers High School because I know this will help our community rethink the importance of water, the most essential resource to mankind. I choose to be part of the solution — not the problem.”

Step #2: The Winning Team 

“If you want to go fast – go alone, if you want to go far – go together” – African Proverb

Bottle Filling Station campaigns are the ultimate team sport. They require contribution from various roles within your community.  

Campaign Champion

The champions are the catalysts behind the campaigns — the ones who are passionate about the issue and are committed to leading this project to its fruition. Campaigns can be comprised of one or multiple champions including students, faculty, administrators, or local nonprofits.

The Decision Maker

No matter how much money you raise, you’ll still need approval to install the bottle filling station from your Principal, Vice Principal, Director of Facilities, or someone else in administration that oversees these types of projects. TAKE NOTE – the decision maker almost always approves projects when there is a clear plan in place.

Faculty or Administrative Advisor

If you’re a student or nonprofit professional, you probably don’t have the same insight and capabilities as the faculty or admin members at your school. An advisor will advocate for you and help you navigate the waters throughout the process.

Unsure who to ask to be your advisor? Common advisors are any teachers or administrators who have some type of environmental or health interest. The value propositions formed in the next section will help you approach your potential advisor.

The Installer

Installing Bottle Filling Stations requires a licensed plumber. Due to the high cost of plumbing, we always recommend asking your facilities team to take on installation. If they are unwilling, contact our support team to be connected to a licensed installer in your area.

The Funder

The Funder is the person or group who is actually funding your campaign. We’ll cover where and how to attain funds in the sections ahead.  

The Resource

Eventually you’ll need to purchase the Bottle Filling Station. Make sure you buy from trustworthy distributors, who are selling new, not used, products.

Also note that Bottle Filling Stations are technical products so we advise to be weary of certain broad-focused megastores. While prices may be low, you won’t get the same customer support that you’ll find from companies who specialize in water sustainability.  

Incoming shameless plug…

BeCause Water is a full-service resource for Bottle Filling Stations. We specialize in fundraising consulting, product advisory, fulfillment, troubleshoot support, and provide free media coverage for your Bottle Filling Station project.

We’ve worked with hundreds of high schools and colleges across the Country including Boston Public Schools, Wellesley College, University of Northern Colorado, University of Texas, Tennessee Tech, and many more. 

If you don’t have any funding or promotion needs, check out BottleFillingStations.com – a Specialty Online Store for Bottle Filling Stations with very low prices.  

Other options include stores like Grainger and PlumbersStock.com.  

Step #3: Identify Funding Sources

Good news — there are TONS of sources for you to fund your Bottle Filling Station campaign.  These money pools won’t apply to everyone, but with a bit of detective work, you’ll be able to determine the ones that work best for you.   

UPDATE: Read our “List of Grants for Water Bottle Filling Stations” 

INTERNAL SOURCES

Internal sources are funding opportunities within your high school or college. The following sources are listed in descending order, weighted by highest amount and most common pools of funding.  

Existing budget

Are you currently part of a club that is taking on this initiative? If not, can you find an eco, civic, or health focused student group that might be willing to join forces? Organizations are often looking for worthy causes to allocate their funds. This may be the quickest and easiest way to secure initial funding.  

School Budget

While this may require a well-crafted proposal (which we’ll go over later), you may be surprised how open Principals, Vice Principals, School Boards, or Superintendents are to the idea of upgrading their means of accessing drinking water. Most schools have a “General Fund”, or something similar, which is used for discretionary spending. It’s also possible to garner funding through the following departments:

  • Facilities Department
  • Food/Nutrition Services
  • Athletic Department
  • School Nurse / Health Department

Student Government

Funding appropriations for projects that are beneficial to the school are rewarded regularly in both high schools and colleges. SG funding rewards in high schools can range between $200-$1,000 and in college about $1,000-$10,000.

Student-body

Yes, believe it or not – your student body can actually put a significant dent into the funding total. It’s common for high schools to hold cause-based fundraisers that collect 1 or 2 Dollars during homeroom. Add up those dollars and you could be looking at a hefty amount of funding to support your initiative.   

Unique School Grants

These are a bit more rare, but definitely worth exploring. Often times, there are grants available that fit certain health, environmental, or civic-focused criteria, and well whataya know… your initiative checks all three boxes. 

EXTERNAL SOURCES

External sources are funding opportunities outside of your high school or college. The following sources are listed in descending order, weighted by highest amount and most common pools of funding.

Parent Teacher Associations (PTA)

Applicable to K-12 schools, PTAs are extremely effective at helping facilitate fundraising efforts. Look on your school’s website or simply ask a teacher to connect you to the appropriate contact for your initiative.

Nonprofit Grants

Local nonprofits are often tremendous supporters of Bottle Filling Station campaigns. These consist of grants or in-kind donations anywhere from $1,000 – $10,000.  Examples include environmental, health, faith-based, hospitals, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, and other local service groups. See if the organization has an existing grant that would fall in line with your initiative. If not, they may have a discretionary budget or know individual donors who may be interested.  

Examples of nonprofit grants are as follows. If you know of others, please leave them in the comment section. 

Corporate Grants

Corporations will also be interested in sponsoring your initiative. Track down local corporations in your town like banks, insurance, or other institutions who may have programs set up to give back to the community. Companies may have divisions such as Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, or Corporate Citizen Engagement.   

Best Practice: Visit your local library to access the “Foundation Directory Online” -a free database of local foundational and corporate funding sources. Also, feel free to contact us if you’d like us to explore funding opportunities in your community.

Governmental Grants

Local, State, and Federal agencies may have grants available for local initiatives.

You may even find a grant open specifically for Bottle Filling Stations. Here is one example of a Grant specifically for Bottle Filling Stations in Portland, ME.  

If you’re not one of the lucky ones to have a specific bottle filler grant available in your community, you may still be able to spark up funding support by talking to the following groups in your town. CAUTION: this method may yield the slowest results.

  • City Councilors, Town Selectman, Mayor, or Board of Supervisors.
  • Water Department
  • Public Health Department

Community

Receiving funds directly from constituents in your community is another source of viable funding. Door to door donation requests or car washes may sound like a lot of work, but they could be worth it in the end. We’ll dig deeper on this in the next section.

Alumni

Investigate which alumni have donated to your school. Perhaps you have a famous athlete, actor, or business person who attended your school? Not to mention this is a great excuse for a world-class networking opportunity!

Step #4: Consider the Funding Methods 

Now that you know where to access funds, we’ll go over the ways you can assure they end up in your hands. Note that the methods below are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Direct Proposals

Direct proposals are simply a formal way to make the case for why your project should receive funds.

In a perfect world, you could text message your Principal, “Plz send funds for these super cool new bottle fillers :)” But until we reach that utopia, you’ll likely have to write a formal email describing your request and its proposed impact on your school and community. We’ll cover “value propositions” with more detail in the next section.

Crowdfunding

One of the most popular ways to raise funds, crowdfunding is an online mechanism of fundraising that pools funds through your online network by way of social media and virality.

One of the major benefits of a crowdfunding campaign is the ability to incorporate media such as a short video that introduces the campaign leaders and your cause. Also, crowdfunding gives people the option to pay via Credit Card, which makes a big difference.

Some popular crowdfunding sites are Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and WorthWild.

Another emerging concept is “crowdgranting”, which intersects traditional crowdfunding with supplementary grants. PatronCity is one platform who is paving the way with this new type of funding.  

EXAMPLE:

BeCause Water ran a campaign for Boston Public Schools that utilized community crowdfunding in tandem with Corporate Sponsorship from Delta Dental MA. In exchange for the company’s donation, they received recognition through the crowdfunding page and other online channels.  

Events

Fundraising events like bake sales, raffles, galas, and benefit concerts are great ways to pull in quick money, while also using it to launch an additional funding campaign like crowdfunding. Below are some examples of events we’ve helped students organize:

  • Aquapella – Berklee College’s a cappella concert to raise money for bottle fillers. Funds were raised through the event fee as well as a mid-event raffle.
  • Clean Water 6K – Our partner student groups at Boston University, Hobart William & Smith, and University of Tampa all successfully raised money with this race event that brought awareness to the average 6 Kilometer distance that people in average countries walk each day to access clean water. Funds were raised through the event participation fee.
    clean water 6k
  • Water Mixer – Boston University organized a talent show with comedians and musicians and raised funds by selling reusable bottles, snacks, and candy.  

Grant writing

The previously covered nonprofit, government, and corporate grants will probably require you to fill out a grant application. Ultimately, you’ll want to illustrate why your initiative deserves funds. We like this guide that covers best practices for grant writing.

Step #5: Developing the Value Proposition 

While you see the value of installing bottle filling stations, this may not be the case for everyone.

It is vital that you can articulate the benefits of your campaign to the various stakeholders. Once you understand this, you will have a much easier time with your fundraising asks. A good value proposition has three main characteristics:

  1. How your solution solves problems / improves the situation.
  2. The specific benefits to whomever you’re presenting.
  3. Why this is special or unique.

Below is a breakdown of the value props in respect to the following stakeholders. Every community is different so these will likely vary.

Stakeholder group Value Proposition
Entire school
Students
  • Quick and easy way to fill up reusable bottles – no more awkward bottle fills.
  • Less money spent on bottled water means extra cash.
  • Filtered water (if applicable) assures water is clean and healthy to drink.
  • Easier way to be eco-friendly
  • Water is a precious resource. The student body can be part of solution as opposed to problem.
Faculty
  • More hydration = better mental performance. See study.
Facilities
  • Bottled water and sugary beverages both happen to be some of the top contributors to waste. Both items are commonly deposited with remaining liquid, resulting in more weight and spillage. Bottle Filling Stations can indirectly decrease the purchase of both of these items, reducing overall waste.
Administration
  • The students, faculty, and other administrators want the bottle filling stations (be sure to confirm this first).
  • Installing Bottle Filling Stations promotes Health & Sustainability.
  • We can set an example for the rest of the community.
  • Bottle Filling Stations can result in net cost savings (if your school currently pays for bottled water and phases out).
Nonprofit or Gov
  • Describe impact as it most aligns with the organization or grant. Ex: if health org., focus mainly on benefits of increased hydration for performance.
Corporation
  • Describe benefits as it most aligns with the corporation.
  • Offer logo to be placed on campaign promotional material (your admin will need to approve)
  • Donor recognition plaque (your admin will need to approve)

Step #6: Cost Assessment

Determining the total cost of this project is essential in forming a proper fundraising goal.

You will need to assess the following costs for you project:

Product cost

Depending on features, the most popular Bottle Filling Stations run anywhere from ~ $900-$1,500 / unit.

If you are installing a filtered Bottle Filling Station (almost always recommended), one filter will usually come included per bottle filler. On average the filter will last about six months. If you want to order replacement packs they come in 1, 3, 12, and 48 Packs. The Elkay Filter Replacement 3 Pack usually goes for about $230-250.

Installation

The challenge in determining installation cost is that plumbing rates vary quite a bit across the country. Also, depending on your existing setup, it could take anywhere from 1-5 hours to install a bottle filler. A very rough ballpark estimate for an installation is anywhere between $500-1,500 per unit.

To keep costs down, you’ll want to target your installation somewhere where there is already easy access to electricity.

Pro tip: Have security funds in place in case the installation cost exceeds the initial estimate.  

This is why if at all possible you should do anything in your power to convince your school’s facilities team to handle installation, in effect wiping out this expense for fundraising efforts.

Unable to convince your facilities team to take on installation and need to find a licensed installer? Email us at info@becausewater.com and we’ll connect you to a licensed installer in your area.

Step #7: Choosing the Right Product

Choosing the right product for your project is vital. DO NOT make the mistake of ordering the cheapest model from Amazon and calling it a day — this can cost you in the end. There are hundreds of Bottle Filling Station models all with different features designed for your setup and needs.  

Ultimately, we always recommend working with an experienced professional. BeCause Water offers free product advisory for Bottle Filling Stations in schools.

Contact us and tell us more about your project and one of our advisors will respond shortly.  

If you’re eager to get the ball rolling, here are some initial variables to consider:

Brand

Elkay and Halsey Taylor are the manufacturers of the most popular Bottle Filling Station on the market that you’ve probably seen at the airport, gym, or park. These are usually preferred by facilities and procurement teams due their design, durability, competitive prices, and brand reputation. Additionally, they promote Sustainability by with a “Green Ticker” that counts each plastic bottles saved from waste.

There are also other Bottle Filling Station brands other the market, which include Oasis, Britta, and Acorn.

Filtration

One of the most common concerns about drinking from a public fountain is the water quality. This concern has only grown as of late with Flint, MI and other schools across the country uncovering lead issues in their drinking water.

While generally speaking, unfiltered tap water in the U.S. should be safe to drink, we always recommend taking additional assurance with a filter.

Make sure the filter you choose is NSF 42 and NSF 53 certified to reduce Chlorine, Taste and Odor, Particulate Class I, and Lead.

If installing filters does not work for your facilities team, be sure to test your water at a certified laboratory or agency.

Refrigeration

Most existing drinking fountains have an existing chiller in order to disperse cold water. You can check this by asking your facilities team or sending the serial ID# to our support team. Given that you want people to use and enjoy your bottle filler, we always recommend chilled water; however, depending on your climate, water source, and distribution system, you may find that the temperature is already adequately cold, in which case you will not need chilled water.

Retrofit vs. Swapout

Generally speaking, we always recommend swapping out your existing fountain with a new bottle filling station. While the low prices of retrofits may be appealing, they end up speeding up the lifespan of your existing chiller, which won’t be covered under warranty if it breaks unless it is 5 years or younger. So actually, the net cost can end up higher than if you swapped with a new station, as you’ll have to buy and replace the broken chiller

However, retrofits definitely serve a purpose. If your budget is limited and you want to prove the concept to your school, retrofits are a sensible option.

Vandal Resistance

Does vandalism ever happen in your school? If so, Elkay and Halsey Taylor have vandal resistant options for the bubbler piece (spout), push-button, or entire station (including bottle filler).

Step #8: Form S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to form goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Overarching Goal

First, refer to your original “Purpose” that you wrote down earlier. This should fuel your overarching goal. Here’s an example:

Original Purpose

“I am leading this campaign to implement Bottle Filling Stations at Rogers High because I know this will help our community rethink the importance of water, the most essential resource to mankind. I choose to be part of the solution and leave a meaningful legacy.”

Example of Overarching Goal

“Increase clean, sustainable drinking water access at Roger High by implementing 3 Bottle Filling Stations by May 15th and promoting their benefits with an open to the public ribbon-cutting ceremony.”

Supporting Goals

Supporting goals are the building blocks for your overarching goal.

Examples of supporting goals are:

  • Get approval from administration by March 1st.
  • Raise $3,000 by April 1st.
  • Assure Bottle Filling Stations are installed by May 1st.
  • Secure at least 5 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony RSVPs from local community leaders by May 10th.

Step #9: Develop Execution Plan

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” – Antoine DeSaint-Exupery

80/20 Selection

There are many different ways you can choose to raise funds, but what will be the most effective and efficient strategy for you? This is where the 80/20 process comes into play.

The 80/20 law states that 80% of results come from 20% of inputs. So rather than spreading yourself thin and trying to raise funds from every source, select 1-3 sources that you think will give you the highest return on investment. The idea is to work not just hard, but also smart.

Define, Schedule, & Delegate Key Action Steps

What are your key action steps to achieve your goals? Do you have anyone else on your team who could help?

Examples could include:

  • Write up proposals by March 2nd (Max)
  • Make Flyers by March 10th (Suzy)
  • Set up Social Media Pages by March 11th (Suzy and Max)
  • Contact facilities team by March 14th. (Max)
  • Get quotes for products by March 18th.  (Caroline)

Communication & Accountability 

Again, fundraising for Bottle Filling Stations is a team sport. Whomever you are working with, set up a consistent time to meet in person or touch base over the phone / skype. Setting this structure from the beginning will be key.

As a final step, share your goals and execution plan with a faculty advisor or BeCause Water. While this may seem insignificant, this will keep you accountable and assure your success.

Step #10: Start!

Okay, you officially have everything you need to start this campaign. The only thing left is to begin!

So what will it be? Will you send that first email to administration? Contact a friend? Contact BeCause Water?

We hope you have benefited from this guide and look forward to hearing your story.

Below are some case studies and tools that may help you through your journey.

Stay fluid,

-Senor Agua

Connect with our Advisors

Learn more

Tool Kit 

 

Flyer Design

Writing

Club Pilates Bozeman Commits to Water Sustainability

Club Pilates Bozeman Commits to Water Sustainability

To Club Pilates Franchise Owner – Ashlie Thomison, setting a positive precedent is more important than making a quick profit.

Fitness centers breed thirsty customers, so it’s clear why most gyms capitalize by selling bottled water.

However, Ashlie Thomison of Club Pilates Bozeman decided that selling bottled water wasn’t worth the cost of harming our planet. For that reason, she choose to install a “water bottle filling station”, making water both free and accessible to her members.

Bozeman, Montana is “one of the fastest growing micropolitan cities in the US.” It is an exciting time to be a part of this forward-looking community – during which time small actions can make a long-lasting impact.

We spoke with Club Pilates’ Ashlie Thomison about the importance of water and sustainability at her new club, which will open on October 7th, 2016.

 

Why did you decide against selling bottled water?

“While looking at the options of types for water bottles I’m thinking to myself ‘people in Bozeman are not going to go for plastic.’ Also, I have no intention of selling bottled water. I want to encourage the use of refillable bottles versus disposable. There is a precedent set that impacts the decisions we make in this community.”

Did you know? According to Food and Water Watch, the manufacturing, production and transportation of bottled water takes roughly 2000 times more energy as the treatment and distribution of tap water. Bottled water also takes about three times as much water to produce than is in the bottle.

 

How has the environmental responsibility of Bozeman impacted your decision to install a bottle filling station?

“We are all looking around at the gorgeous mountains and we know that nationally we are losing the beautiful things we appreciate about nature. By feeling such a connection to the earth, environmental awareness is ingrained in the culture. I decided to install the bottle filling station I want to be a responsible business and community member. I hope that this installation helps our community by further perpetuating the culture of environmental sustainability.

Making water available in a sustainable way is crucial because I always stress the importance of hydration and taking care of your body. Hopefully people are chugging when they are at the studio!”

Did you know? Bottle filling stations are taking the country by storm, appearing in many airports, gyms, and schools. Here are 9 Reasons Bottle Filling Stations Should Replace Every Drinking Fountain.

 

What aspects of the Bozeman community make it a great place to live and own a business?

“Opening a business in a very fast growing, affluent area comes with its challenges, but we are committed to bringing this practice to Bozeman. We have a lot of patience and know that what we are doing is important to further develop the community.

The community is truly passionate about health and outdoors. We are really mindful about what we put in our bodies….eating organic, sourcing locally, and how we are impacting our environment.”

Did you know? Compost collections, monthly water supply reports, sustainability workshops, and a water conservancy events calendar are some of the initiatives that the Bozeman community has facilitated. Montana State University, Bozeman Climate Partners, and the City of Bozeman Department of Public Works, as well as several reporters in Bozeman, are truly passionate about the environment and what they can do to help preserve it. Eric Dietrich is one example of someone helping to educate the community about the importance of sustainability.

 

How do you hope Club Pilates will impact the community?

“I am excited to see how Club Pilates, a practice for everybody, will positively impact this community. For an active place like Bozeman, I know that in doing Pilates together we are going to enjoy our lives more and we are going to have the ability to do the things we love for life. The Club Pilates mission is “Do pilates. Do life.” and we really believe that everybody deserves to have access to this practice. It will make all of our lives better. “

Did you know? According to BeCause Water’s estimates, the bottle filling station in Club Pilates Bozeman is estimated to indirectly save approximately 25,500 plastic bottles from waste, resulting in a net impact of 4,951 Gallons of Water and 2,179,613 grams of CO2 saved. If every fitness center in the U.S. (there are 36,000) installed a bottle filler, 178,240,053 Gallons of water and 78,466,068,000 grams of CO would be indirectly saved . That’s enough water fill up 3,168,712 swimming pools.

 

**https://www.statista.com/statistics/244922/us-fitness-centers-und-health-clubs/

If you are a business owner looking to improve your environmental efforts, or a citizen interested in water sustainability, water quality, or bottle filling stations, visit BeCauseWater.com.

Club Pilates and Ashlie Thomison warmly invite you to Club Pilates Bozeman, which opened on October 7th, 2016. Learn more here.