Client Success Story
Waterloo Engages Over 20,000 Students in Sustainability at Orientation
University of Waterloo—Building a Sustainable Future from Day One
Since 2019, Fill it Forward has partnered with the University of Waterloo, playing a key role in their long-standing commitment to sustainability. Starting with an initial order of 6,602 Cupanion bottles for incoming students, this collaboration has grown into one of Fill it Forwards most impactful and long-standing orientation programs, seamlessly aligning with Waterloo’s mission to embed sustainability into campus culture. Marking the start of a tradition that has made Waterloo’s orientation week a welcoming time and a demonstration of the university’s commitment to sustainability.
Every year, the Cupanion bottle giveaway during orientation week perfectly introduces Waterloo’s sustainability initiatives. By including the bottles in orientation kits, the university ensures every new student begins their journey with a practical tool to reduce single-use plastic, fostering sustainable habits from day one. This thoughtful swag helps unite the campus community and emphasizes the university’s dedication to creating a greener future.
“We love being able to provide our students with a thoughtful and eye catching item in their first few days on our campus! Our students love the unique blend of our campuses mascots and colours incorporated in our logo and bottle! Using Fill It Forward water bottles in our campus community, challenges us to keep doing better and to keep sustainability a priority in our Orientation programming and beyond!”
Leslie Harber
First Year Experience Coordinator
University of Waterloo
Waterloo’s sustainability efforts go far beyond orientation. By 2035, the university is committed to becoming a zero-waste campus, achieving a 90% waste diversion rate. Additional programming has been developed to educate students about sustainable living, ensuring these practices are ingrained in their daily lives. These initiatives support Waterloo’s goal of being a leader in sustainability education and research, and they serve as a model for campuses across the country.
The purchase of Cupanion bottles, managed in partnership with alumni affairs and student government, exemplifies how the university collaborates across departments to make sustainability a core value. Effective inventory management ensures the smooth distribution of bottles without excess waste, reinforcing Waterloo’s commitment to operating the campus sustainably.
Fill it Forward is proud to work with the University of Waterloo as they lead the way toward a zero-waste future, embedding sustainable practices into campus life and preparing the next generation to champion environmental stewardship.
In 2024, the University of Waterloo was honored with the Changemaker Award, recognizing them in Community Leadership. Recipients of this award showcase a genuine enthusiasm for engaging and uplifting their community. This award commends organizations that demonstrate leadership in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
