At our Headquarters at the moment, no one drinks water from the potable water tap mains. Reasons for this are several, mainly due to old pipework at our Headquarters (partly made of metal piping) and rusty brown water comes out, bad taste, no outlet for drinking water at ground floor and due to upbringing.

So everyone buys water bottles, soft drinks in plastic bottles and even going to the nearest fast food restaurant and buy a drink in a disposable cup with plastic lid and straw.

In EWWR 2018, we calculated that 50% of our waste generated in Headquarters is recyclable waste made up mainly of plastic.

We were deciding if best buying a reverse osmosis or a water column dispenser. Since we have no adequate water system in place, we did a plan in detail with the Venture Section on 21-Dec-2018 and an exercise on the positive and negative impacts by the use of a water column dispenser which were discussed on 15-Feb-2019.

The Positive:

– Less water bottles
– Less water wasted
– Less plastic bottles wasted
– 19L bottles are re-used and given back to supplier
– CHEAPER OR NOT? 4 people think that it is cheaper
– Portable – hot and cold water provided
– Water column bottle is expensive.

The Negative:

– Big and heavy (19Kg per bottle)
– You need a reusable bottle/cup
– 2 people think that is expensive
– Need to stock water bottles when empty

And we decided to give it a try….Beginning of Feb 2019 we brought it and started using it.

The Results (in practice):

– Water Column Dispenser provided for free by the water supplier and can be kept as long as you need it.
– Every 19L bottle costs 4.50 euros.
– It was shown how it is used and especially to pay attention to the hot water.
– Big bottle is returned back to supplier.
– Drinking water is given for free to all our members.
– Availability to drink water is now higher than before.
– Healthier than soft drinks and juices.
– Members were encouraged to bring their re-usable bottles.
– Water Dispenser can be taken to the campsite or other activities where there is electrical supply. Cold water used in Summer activities therefore no need to fill in a whole fridge with cold drinks for all members.
– The Water dispenser fits in easily in a passenger vehicle on the back seat. (Needs to be emptied from water before transportation).
– 19L water bottle can be used in other campings eg. we took one for the Comino Camp to boil the pasta.
– A kettle was being used for hot water, and the remaining water left in the kettle used to be wasted. Now anyone can go and fill in the mug with hot water.
– The amount of plastic bottles generated from campings and in our Headquarters was reduced drastically.
– Good as well when you have sub-contractors on the premises.
– Used by all ages during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Headquarters.

Statistics….

Headquarters

Half of 19L water bottle was used up = 9.5L in 2 weeks, therefore assuming that 4.5L per week.

This would mean that an equivalent of 9 bottles (softdrinks/water) of 500 mL or 2 plastic water bottles of 2.5L were avoided weekly.

500mL and 2.5L plastic water bottles were phased out from the headquarters.

Summer Camp at Campsite

In 3 days – 19 bottles of 19L were all used up = 361L for 70 members

This would mean that an equivalent of 722 bottles (softdrinks/water) of 500 mL or 144 plastic water bottles of 2.5L were avoided.

Water is always a healthier option than all other options.

Overall

Prices (as on 15-Sep-2019)

19L = 4.50 euros

Table water 2.5L x 6 bottles = 15 L = 2.99 euros = – 0.56 euros cheaper
Table water 2L x 6 bottles = 12 L = 2.35 euros = – 0.49 euros cheaper
Table water 500mL x 1 bottle = 0.5L = 0.28 euros = + 0.16 euros expensive

Since we use more frequently the 500mL bottles, we are saving money to our members and reducing single use plastic (bottles and the plastic wrap)

Other improvements in the future…

A manual pump will be taken into consideration and could be used during Winter activities such as cleanups, annual parade etc to reduce the generation of plastic bottles during these events.

During EWWR, photos of this action will be shared within our facebook page (for all parents and our members) and with all 8000 scout members through Scoutkeeper to create further awareness and the importance of not littering outside.