Univ. of Portland Eliminates Water Bottles

The University of Portland will no longer sell or use disposable plastic water bottles, effective February 1. The school joins some 20 other colleges and universities nationwide in implementing such a ban, and is the first on the West Coast to do so, it says. Instead of buying water bottles, students, staff and faculty will be encouraged to drink tap water and use reusable water containers.

“The University of Portland takes seriously its commitment to being a good steward of the planet,” says University President Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C. “This will not only reduce the amount of waste generated on our campus but will help focus attention on the critical issues of sustainability and water rights.”

Foodservice provider Bon Appétit will stop selling disposable plastic water bottles at all dining outlets, as well as in all campus vending machines and at concessions stands at athletic events, and to discontinue their use in catering services on campus.“It’s something we need to do,” says Bon Appétit General Manager Kirk Mustain. “It’s a goal that is attainable, and water is becoming a key issue worldwide. Sustainability is important on our campus and for Bon Appétit .”

In 2009, the school says it used 53,112 disposable plastic water bottles.