University Bottle Policy Makes a Splash Return

Beginning on April 1, 2024, university funds would no longer be utilized to purchase single-serve water. Previously, the policy had been installed into place in 2012 and continued until the COVID pandemic. As a result of guidelines introduced during the pandemic, the need for single-use plastic bottles instead of hydration stations or fountains halted the previous policies. Now that the pandemic guidelines were lifted and the university has returned to normal operations, the reimplementation of the standards seemed to be a natural step. Since the pandemic, plastic use on campus rose, but there is reason to believe that the reinstatement of the previous policy that limits disposable water bottles will further promote sustainability. 

“Packaging and distribution of water can disincentivize investment in public infrastructure, endangering public health and worsening the water crisis around the world."

Rather than plastic bottles, campus community members are encouraged by RIT Sustainability to utilize reusable water resources, primarily water bottle filling stations located around campus. Students will still have the ability to purchase water bottles individually from vending machines and off campus locations. The change mainly applies to departments and campus groups, who will no longer be able to use university funds for the purchase of single-use water. According to the university, the rationale behind the modification is that reducing packaged water will also reduce waste and microplastic pollutants, ultimately promoting RIT’s sustainability. 

“Access to clean, healthy, and safe drinking water also is a basic human right,” said Neha Sood, the director of RIT Sustainability. “Packaging and distribution of water can disincentivize investment in public infrastructure, endangering public health and worsening the water crisis around the world." 

When RIT first introduced the new bottle policy in 2012, new students, faculty and staff received reusable water bottles as part of the campus Resource Fair. Although it is unknown if bottles will be provided to students for this year, students will be able to find reusable bottles at RIT's annual Goodbye, Goodbuy! sale during orientation week. According to the university, the changes to the system provided noticeable results. It is estimated that consumption has decreased over the last 10 years by nearly 50 million gallons annually despite growth in the campus size and population. Another reason for the reintroduction for these standards revolves around the uncertainty around the packaging of these beverages.

“Beverage companies sometimes package water from drought-ridden places,” said Sood, “and may not be as strictly regulated as tap water.” 

RIT insists that there has been work done to "make it easier for people to fill reusable bottles," and provided a hydration station map available online. Still, it remains unclear just how accessible the water stations are until the school year continues. In implementing the policy, there are also some exceptions, including for individuals traveling on behalf of RIT without readily accessible drinking water.

RIT Sustainability is hopeful that the reintroduction of these guidelines will provide a positive impact towards the viability of the entire university.