Message in the Bottle

Fostering a new generation of water stewards.

Message in the bottle

trina koster photography

Our Message in the Bottle Project (MITB) is designed to place over 50,000 stainless steel water bottles in the hands of students in Guelph and Wellington County.  This will empower children and youth to take back the tap, dramatically lower their carbon footprint and solid waste while saving parents and schools money.   For only 1 cent their bottle can be filled over 60 times with municipal tap water, water that is among the safest and most regulated in the world. Up to 100 tonnes of carbon emissions will be eliminated per year with this program including large volumes of solid waste as onetime use disposable drink containers will no longer enter the waste stream.

For just $5 each student will receive:

-       a stainless steel water bottle of the highest quality
-       a “message in the bottle” in the form of a bookmark insert promoting water conservation
-       a presentation by our School Coordinator outlining water conservation and protection to match grade appropriate curriculum.

Five dollars. Five reasons:

1. It’s healthier.

Our kids will drink more water. Hydration is healthy. (Most of us don’t drink enough water.) And tap water is far better for health than sugary drinks.

2. It’s smarter.

Our kids will be water-aware. Tap water is good for us all — and more quality controlled than bottled water. Have your kid “take back the tap.

3. It’s greener.

Our kids will be helping the environment. Single use beverage containers/bottles require energy to make and transport. Disposal is a public expense. Why should we pay those costs?

4. It’s cheaper.

You’ll save money. Tap water is almost free (1¢ for 60 refills). Commercial drinks are expensive. Add up your annual bill then think of other ways to use that money.

5. It’s safer.

Our kids will have a safe water container for years. Plastics are simply not healthy. Food-grade stainless steel is safe, durable, and cool.

To book your class now, please contact our School Coordinator, Beth Anne Fischer bethanne.fischer@gmail.com.

FAQs

  • What is the main purpose of the Message In The Bottle program?  To empower children and youth to take back the tap, to dramatically lowering their carbon footprint (eliminate 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year), to dramatically reduce solid waste at schools from packaging, to conserve water (1 500ml plastic water bottle takes 1500ml of water to make) and to save families money by promoting reuse.
  • Who are the Wellington Water Watchers?  We are a group of concerned citizens in the area that are dedicated to preserving and enhancing drinking water in Guelph and Wellington County.  We are a not for profit organisation with over 900 members.
  • How much does it cost to sponsor one classroom? With an average of 25 kids per class, $125 will enable every child in a class to receive a bottle.
  • Is the bottle dishwasher safe?  The bottle supplier advises not to wash bottles in the dishwasher but this is mostly because of some super hot settings on machines.  It can be safely washed in a dishwasher if you put the cap on the top shelf and avoid ‘heat dry’ settings.
  • Is the plastic lid safe? Yes, it is virgin polypropylene – recycle #5, totally non-leaching and safe.
  • Can juice and milk be put in the bottle?  Yes to juice but milk can go stinky so it is best to avoid as more washing would be required.
  • How long will the bottle last?  Years and years if it is taken care of. It is very durable but is not indestructible.
  • Is the water in schools safe?  Yes, each school performs pipe flushing programs, lead testing, and water quality tests.  In Ontario tap water is the some of most tested and regulated in world and meets very high standards.  Much of the bottled water on the market comes from the same source as tap water but is self-regulated.  Our local water bottling company, Nestle, draws its water from the same source as the City of Guelph.

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