Ban the Bottle, a non-profit organization aimed at eliminating one-time-use plastic water bottles, has made its mark at more than 20 universities across the nation. The latest college to join the campaign is the University of Vermont, banning the sale of water bottles effective Jan. 1, 2013.
LSU Recycling Manager Andres Harris said he does not see the University banning water bottles in the immediate future. He said in order to completely ban water bottles on campus, the University must go to extreme measures by ending its contract with Coca-Cola.
In addition, he said the University would have to replace water fountains with water-bottle filling stations. This process could cost the University time and money, he said.
Harris said he does not have issues with water bottles remaining on campus as long as there are recycling bins available. Instead, he is focusing on other projects to make the University more eco-friendly.
Harris is working to create a recycling station at the LSU Student Union, designated for cell phones, ink cartridges, alkaline/ rechargeable batteries and compact fluorescent light bulbs. He said the station would be cost-efficient because it will be made out of containers from the old Tiger Lair. Harris said he plans to install the station within the next few weeks.
Eliminating bottled water would not only be economically friendly, but could also save money. According to Ban the Bottle’s website, the recommended eight glasses of water a day costs individuals 49 cents a year. If that amount came from bottled water, it would cost individuals around $1,400.
 
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Contact Madison Guerriero at [email protected]