Creating Sustainable Events: Single-Use vs. Reusable Bottles
Sustainability is no longer just a consideration in event planning—it’s a priority. Organizers are reimagining how they approach hydration, moving away from single-use plastics and embracing solutions that make a real impact. One of the biggest choices? Deciding between pre-filled single-use bottles and durable reusable bottles. When it comes to long-term environmental impact and attendee engagement, reusable bottles often come out on top.
The Convenience of Pre-Filled Bottles—Their Hidden Cost
Pre-filled bottles—whether plastic or aluminum—offer immediate convenience. They arrive sealed, hygienic, and ready to drink, which is appealing for high-traffic events where ease and efficiency matter. However, there’s a hidden environmental cost. While some pre-filled bottles are marketed as refillable, they are typically designed for single use. This means they are often discarded after one use, contributing to the growing problem of plastic and aluminum waste. On average, an attendee generates 4.5 lbs of waste per day (Conference Source, 2023), meaning a one-day conference with 500 guests could produce over 2,200 lbs of waste.
The Power of Reusable Bottles
At Fill it Forward, we believe every event is an opportunity to inspire reuse. By choosing durable, high-quality bottles like the Cupanion Bottle, you’re not only reducing waste but also fostering a culture of sustainability.
Here’s why we believe reusable bottles are a better choice for events:
1) Less Waste, More Impact
- A reusable bottle only needs to be used twice to offset the carbon emissions from its production.
- Events that provide reusable bottles eliminate the need for thousands of single-use bottles, supporting a circular economy.
2) Designed for Trust & Transparency
- The Cupanion bottle’s translucent design allows attendees to see that it’s clean, making them more likely to refill and reuse.
- Made in the USA, Cupanion bottles meet high production standards and reduce transportation-related emissions.
3) Driving Engagement Through Sustainability
- Pairing reusable bottles with water refill stations encourages attendees to stay hydrated while reducing their environmental impact.
- Events become a platform for education, helping attendees see how small choices—like reusing a bottle—can lead to meaningful change.
Shifting Mindsets: Making Reusable the Norm
One of the biggest challenges is overcoming the expectation of pre-filled bottles. But with the right approach, you can make reusables the preferred choice. Here’s how:
- Clearly communicate the intention behind reusable bottles—through signage, announcements, or printed materials.
- Incorporate fun elements, like hydration challenges or incentives for refilling, to encourage engagement.
- Ensure easy access to water stations so attendees can conveniently fill their bottles throughout the event.
Events have the power to create lasting change—for both people and the planet. While pre-filled bottles offer short-term convenience, choosing durable, thoughtfully designed bottles like the Cupanion helps reduce waste, promote sustainability, and elevate the attendee experience. Together, our community has diverted 8+ million single-use products from our oceans and landfills.
So, the next time you plan an event, think beyond convenience and consider the bigger picture. Together, we can make sustainability an integral part of every event experience.
