How Water Coolers Help Reduce Plastic Waste in the Workplace

Plastics have been a really hot topic over the last decade or two, and quite rightly, as plastic waste is one of the most visible environmental challenges across the globe. From disposable cups to single use water and drinks bottles, offices can generate a huge amount of plastic every year, and they probably don’t realise it. As many companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, there is a simple change that can make a big difference – installing a water cooler.

Plastic problems at work

Many workplaces still rely on bottled water in meeting rooms, for visitors, or just day to day hydration. This may seem convenient, but it comes with a heavy environmental cost. Single use plastics are frequently used for just a few minutes, yet they can take hundreds of years to break down. And even if you’re good with recycling, not all plastic makes it through the process.

In the UK, millions of plastic bottles are discarded every day, and offices add to that number. Reducing waste needn’t be drastic – it just needs to start with rethinking how we provide drinking water.

Fewer bottles means less waste

Water coolers seriously reduce the need for single use plastic bottles. By offering chilled, ambient, or hot water, employees are encouraged to refill reusable bottles or use reusable cups instead of disposable ones.

For companies that have regular meetings and visitors, water coolers eliminate the need to stock bottled water entirely. This could save the use of hundreds, if not thousands, of plastic bottles every year, making a measurable (and immediate) impact on the reduction of waste.

Supporting sustainability

By installing a water cooler, you’ll do more than reduce plastic waste. It helps reinforce the idea and practice of sustainability at work. When employees see the practical steps being taken to reduce waste, they’ll be more encouraged to follow, both at work and at home.

Simple habits can be easy to form; bring a reusable bottle to work instead of using disposable cups, and it will soon become part of the daily routine. If every one of your employees makes a small change, think about the big difference it will make.

Banish those single use cups

Plastic waste, and in particular single use plastics are not limited to bottles. Disposable cups, stirrers, and lids are also part of the problem.

If you want to invest in sustainability, then providing branded reusable bottles or drinkware is an excellent way to reinforce environmental goals whist boosting brand awareness.

Modern water coolers and their efficiency

Water coolers today have to factor in hygiene with efficiency. Mains fed coolers in particular connect directly to the water supply, removing the need for large plastic bottles entirely. This combats 2 problems; it reduces plastic waste and also cuts down on transport emissions that would normally be associated with bottle delivery and storage.

But bottled coolers can also help reduce waste; the bottles are reused multiple times and professionally recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Meeting your environmental goals

When companies have to be more sustainable, those targets become increasingly important. Whether it’s all driven by internal values, customer expectations, or regulatory standards, water coolers are a low effort way to show progress without disrupting your company’s operations.

Water coolers are easy to maintain and adaptable to all kinds of business. From small offices to large organisation, they are a visible commitment to reducing plastic waste – everybody wins!

Small changes that make big impacts

Reducing plastic waste doesn’t have to mean major investments, as sometimes it’s just about making simple and smart choices. By installing a water cooler in your workplace and replacing single use plastic bottles and cups, you’ll be doing your bit for a greener footprint, plus you’ll hydrate your employees and promote healthier habits at the same time.

At Cooleraid, our high quality water coolers are the perfect solution for keeping your office healthy and hydrated! There are no hidden costs, and we take care of the installation and all ongoing maintenance, including changing your filters on a six monthly basis. Get in touch with us here to find out more.