Stainless steel beats plastic bottles

The numbers surrounding the bottled water industry paint a bleak environmental picture. To wit:

• 17-million-plus barrels of oil equivalent are used to produce bottled water each year. (Pacific Institute)
• They are recycled only 25% of the time, and take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in a landfill. (National Association for PET Container Resources)
• More than 13,000 pieces of plastic litter are afloat in every square kilometer of ocean—and the majority of beach litter is plastic. (United Nations Environmental Programme)

Of course, there are times when it makes sense to grab a Dasani or Aquafina, and the industry has its merits. But for the most part, stocking up on the bottled product at a meeting is an environmental faux pas.

To avoid this misstep, check out Klean Kanteen, a company that makes stainless steel, BPA-free water containers that are perfect for groups on the go. Of course, there are several businesses that make alternates to plastic containers, but of the bunch, this Chico, Calif.-based enterprise has one of the best reputations in the biz—and for good reason. Since launching in 2004, the company has increasingly committed itself to sustainability at every level.

For example, every trace of packaging is either recycled from post-consumer waste or made from materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and renewable energy credits are purchased to offset electricity use. Even in-store displays use FSC-approved wood and are finished with nontoxic stains.

The organization has earned more kudos for going above and beyond its own business practices to reach out into the community. Efforts to reduce plastic pollution recently resulted in the company earning an Ocean Heroes Award from groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

It’s no surprise why, according to spokeswoman Sarah Hubbard, “the response has been incredible” to the eco-friendly containers. Not only is the product green, Hubbard notes, it is also “long lasting and durable.”

The shiny containers come in a variety of colors, sizes and styles, and can save money in the long run by ensuring planners don’t continuously have to purchase bottled water for their group. Plus, they can be co-branded with company logos and are practical giveaways for use during an event. And the stainless steel build makes them safe for other event beverages  such as iced tea or punch.

There’s not much you can do about the damage that’s already been done to the environment because of increased bottled beverage consumption. But by going green with your drinks on the go, you can help make sure the dire numbers start to improve. kleankanteen.com