Re-filler up

You should be refilling your water bottle, not drinking from a one-time-use plastic bottle. If you don’t know this already, or want more information about it, as well as a kick in the pants to do it, Washoe County Health District has kicked off a new campaign and website called iRefill.org.

The site, noting that 60 million plastic bottles are used in the U.S. every day, encourages individuals, businesses and public agencies to rid plastic bottles from their offices, meetings, vending machines and homes. It invites them to make a pledge on the site to “curb purchasing beverages, especially water,” in single-use plastic bottles; to drink from refillable, BPA-free bottles; to drink tap water when possible; to always recycle any plastic bottles that are used; and to encourage family and friends to do the same. The names of those who take the pledge stay on the site for a little public recognition.

iRefill also urges consumers to pack their lunches with reusable containers, and offers tips on how to choose and clean a refillable bottle. For instance, don’t reuse plastic bottles because they’re not designed for that—chemical components in the plastic can break down and leach with overuse. “It’s best to just recycle them,” says the site.