Galways westend launches own plant based reusable bottle!
Back in the west, they have launched a corn starch plant based reusable water bottle in order to try to combat people buying bottled water. An estimated 183 million litres of water were bought in the Republic of Ireland in 2017 according to Drinks Industry Ireland. (Bottled water requires up to 2,000 times the energy used to produce tap water )
The reusable plant-based water bottle initiative which is a directive from the Westend Traders Association aims to encourage all traders and people who eat, drink or just socialise in the area to curb their single plastic usage.
The association has been campaigning for a public water refill station to be installed since early 2019, however have taken action themselves working directly with the Train Station Gym and have now installed a filtered water refill station at the Gyms reception on Munster Avenue.
“After speaking with Lisa about the water filter initiative I was delighted to have our gym involved. We are determined to have single use water bottles banned entirely from the gym by the end of January, and with the New Year and all the resolutions that come with it, what better time than now?" said Ronan Kennedy of The Train Station.
“As we are still awaiting local government to make a public water refill station a reality, we needed to find a home for a refill water station on private property, the gym was the perfect location as we thought we can literally do two things at once. Give a place where people can refill from early in the morning until late evening and also the very busy gym sees a lot of water drank and a lot of single use water bottles. This new refill station will give no excuses for anyone not having a refill bottle and using the filtered water refill station there to hydrate themselves,” explained Lisa Regan.
The Galways Westend plant-based water reusable bottles are available at locations throughout the neighbourhood and are priced at €10. “Sourcing and designing the right bottle were key and we have been working on this since September 2019. David Fitzpatrick of Botown on Dominick Street along with Lisa Regan were the key drivers on this and after a conversation with Ronan Kennedy in the Train Station Gym it was decided this partnership was the perfect. Working together in this area is the reason why we can get things done and across the line. It is really for the greater good of our area and the environment,” said Simon Heaslip Chairman of Westend Traders Association.
The area is also part of the national Refill.ie campaign and businesses within the area with a Refill.ie Sticker allow you to refill your bottle at their location. This can be viewed on the Tap Map on www.refill.ie
To buy your Galways Westend reusable bottle pop into The Train Station Gym, Massimo Galway, Botown or Greens and Co. Tag #GalwaysWestend on social to join the Green Conversation or check out www.galwayswestend.com
