Comments on Janet B.'s review of Bottles
Changing my mind
Wow. I intended to write a positive review of the nalgene bottle I got at a Green business luncheon of 1500 people - thought it was positive they gave these instead of bottled water. Then I read several of the other reviews about corporate ownership and practices beyond the bottle business line. As we are working toward truly sustainable practices in Kansas City and working to integrate green solutions into the city's $3.1 billion stormwater management plan, I have to pause when I hear this news. I realize how difficult it is as a consumer to do the right thing. You think you're doing the right thing by converting from bottled water to tap water using your own reusable bottle, only to learn the company producing the bottle uses animal experimentation and questionable sustainable practices. How do we engage citizens in sustainability when so many options come with unintended consequences?
Janet B.'s keywords: bottled water, tap water, sustainable practices
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Adam W. says:
What a great question! I think the easiest answer is that if there was an easy answer, we would have done it already :). I think there are several things we can all do to help make the world a more sustainable place:
1. I do think that the green business luncheon was doing a good thing by handing out Nalgenes instead of bottled water - regardless of what else you have to say about Nalgene, it is DEFINITELY better than bottled water.
2. Do your research - by coming to this one website, you already learned so much about the plastic bottle debate - you now know all the downsides of the plastics in Nalgene and their corporate practices. You also now know alternatives.
3. Share what you learn - I am sure the people at the green business luncheon would be just as surprised as you to find out that there are in fact downsides to Nalgene. Plus, I am sure there are other practices/products out there you know more about than anyone at SustainLane - share your wisdom!
Janet B. says:
Adam W - thank you for your thoughtful response. I agree on all counts. I'm involved full time in greening up Kansas City - right now planning our first Green Summit for April 25 for about 500 business, govt and community leaders. I need exhibitors - and this question has me second guessing who to approach! Any thoughts? I only want authentic partners.
I'm looking for corporate sponsors for the breakfast and $1000 exhibitors who want to come to KC at the beginning of our green movement. It's a huge marketing opportunity - I'd sure appreciate any thoughts. Our Chamber has 139 CEOs who've signed on as Climate Partner, 20 mayors have signed a climate agreement. It's time for a green spring in KC -
Adam W. says:
Choosing the right companies to attend/sponsor your event is a complicated task indeed. In terms of water bottles, I would recommend Klean Kanteen, but there are certainly other bottle companies who are also doing their part to help the planet.
Rather than suggest any other companies, I would simply advise you to do your research. SustainLane is a great website for seeing what is both good and bad about a company, but there are plenty of others out there as well. Just remember, nobody is perfect, every company has a skeleton or two in their closet, but through careful research you can find the best ones and promote them and sustainability in general.
I hope that helps,
Adam