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Sustainability Office
Kagin Commons
1600 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
651-696-8138
Comments & questions to:
sustainability@macalester.edu
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After much discussion among the student body, in the Sustainability Advisory Committee and Social Responsibility Committee, and a month of educational activities on the issue, President Rosenberg accepted the recommendation for a Bottled Water Free Campus.
Bottled Water Policy
Effective September 2011
When Macalester College adopted its Sustainability Plan in 2009, it made official its commitment to being a leader in the implementation of sustainable collegiate practices. By eliminating the sale and provision of bottled water on campus, Macalester is demonstrating its focus on sustainability by promoting a healthy environment, social justice and a strong economy.
The elimination of plain, individual container bottled water on campus includes:
- The sale of bottled water in the Highlander Store, Grille and Scotties;
- The sale of bottled water by Catering and at athletic concessions;
- The inclusion in meal pack-outs for groups or individuals;
- The sale of bottled water in all vending machines;
- The purchase of individual container bottled water with institutional funds.
Why did Macalester adopt this policy?
Economic Impacts of Bottled Water
- St Paul tap water is 4000 times cheaper than bottled water
Environmental Impacts of Bottled Water
- Energy used to both produce the plastic bottles and transport the bottled water
- The National Recycling Rate for plastic bottles is only 30%
Social Impacts of Bottled Water
- Bottled water becomes a corporate commodity rather than a public resource
- Tap water is also more highly regulated than bottled water
See more basic facts on bottled water.
How will this policy be implemented?
- Education
- Information in the Piper
- Flyers to be developed
- Department emailed in July, 2011
- Water event to be organized for October
- Logistics
- All new students and employees will receive water bottles
- Extra water bottles will be available at the water event for returning students and staff/faculty
- Facilities Services department is retrofitting water fountains and installing refilling stations and some dishwashers
- Water bottles in the lost and found will be washed by Bon Appetit and brought to the MacFreeSwap for reuse.
Potential Solutions to Issues Arising from a Bottled Water Free Campus
Issue |
Solution |
Admission Guests |
Provide jug water and imprinted plastic cups or reusable water bottles |
Athletics Concessions |
Sell plastic imprinted cups (for tap water) |
Jug Container Water (BPA) |
The College will contract with one vendor and the bottled H2o sub-committee determines placement of containers. College account pays contract and not individual departments. |
Education and Awareness |
The policy and rationale will be posted on the web site and in locations around campus, specifically where visitors might have access. The Sustainability Office and interested student organizations will continue education for (the revolving) campus community. |
Reusable Containers |
The Highlander will sell affordable reusable bottles and an effort will be made to routinely provide reusable bottles to the campus community. |
Facilities |
Provide a number of additions and renovations including refill stations, faucet filters, gooseneck, fountain retrofits, fountain replacements, dishwasher installations and kitchen.2009-10 – Several spigots were added in campus buildings.
- 2010-11 – Dishwasher added in Olin-Rice and library and research done on options for water fountains and refill stations.
- 2011-12 - Request - Replace 10 water fountains and several goosenecks
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(From the Bottled Water Free Task Force)
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