Stop Piling on: Assessing Efforts to Reduce Single-Use Water Bottles at Allegheny College

Plastic waste represents one of the largest environmental problems modern era and disposable water bottles comprise a substantial portion that in U.S. Colleges are unique position to create systems foster sustainable behaviors among their constituents. Since 2015, Allegheny College has installed refill stations, initiated free bottle program an awareness campaign reduce single-use on college’s campus. Two surveys were distributed student body between 2018 2019 assess efficacy those initiatives learn about any barriers. Bottled use reduced significantly since 2014, with majority students stating they most commonly drink from stations while Demographic factors like income, sex, or place origin not related amount bottled consumption type preference students. The primary barrier eliminating was found be lack dormitories. Research aimed at changing benefit environment should consider convenience. This research provides valuable lesson can extend beyond college campuses into public settings.