Every year, more than 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Single-use plastic bottles contribute to this crisis, with an estimated 1 million plastic bottles bought every minute globally, and a portion of those bottles end up in our oceans, natural spaces, and landfills.
World Refill Day is celebrated every year on June 16th. It’s a global movement dedicated to reducing plastic pollution by encouraging people to choose reuse over single-use plastic. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of cleaning up our planet with collective efforts that can truly make an impact. World Refill Day inspires individuals and organizations to make refilling a daily habit.
In celebration of World Refill Day, PATH and Sphere in Las Vegas have joined forces to promote reuse. PATH is the exclusive still water partner at the Sphere, where refilling at one of the installed refill stations in the facilities is encouraged.Â
What is World Refill Day?
World Refill Day is a global initiative dedicated to advocating for refill and reuse solutions; the initiative seeks to shift societal norms and create a more sustainable future. Around the world, people are coming together to raise awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and to promote practical solutions.
One of the primary goals of the Refill Movement is to make 30% of packaging reusable by 2030. This target is driven by the urgent need to address the growing plastic crisis. By focusing on developing and implementing refillable packaging solutions, the movement aims to significantly reduce the volume of single-use plastics in circulation.
The push for more refill and reuse options has strong public backing. A recent survey revealed that 93% of people want more access to reuse and refill options, indicating widespread support for initiatives like World Refill Day. This public sentiment underscores the demand for sustainable alternatives and highlights the potential for significant change if these options become more readily available.
The PATH x Sphere Partnership
From June 10-16, leading up to World Refill Day, the Exosphere of the Sphere in Las Vegas will feature a refill-inspiring video. The Exosphere, with its state-of-the-art LED display, will captivate audiences and spread the message of sustainability to thousands of visitors.
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5 reasons to Refill on World Refill Day and Beyond
#1 Refilling reduces plastic waste
Refilling your water bottle is a simple yet effective way to combat plastic pollution. Every year, about 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide, yet only 23% are recycled in the U.S.Â
#2 Refilling saves money
One of the great perks of refilling your water bottle is the financial savings. Americans spend a whopping $16 billion a year on bottled water. By switching to a refillable water bottle, you can drastically cut this cost.Â
#3 Refilling decreases your carbon footprint
Refilling your water bottle also helps reduce your carbon footprint. The production and transportation of single-use bottled water are carbon-intensive processes, generating around 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. By opting to refill, you reduce the demand for new bottles, thereby cutting down on these emissions.Â
#4 Refilling improves water quality awareness
Refilling your water bottle with local resources naturally brings awareness to water quality, according to the Centers for Disease Control. When you refill your bottle, you become more mindful of the source and quality of the water you consume. This awareness can lead to greater advocacy for maintaining high standards of municipal water safety and quality, benefiting entire communities.Â
#5 Refilling promotes healthier lifestyle choices
Refilling your water bottle promotes healthier lifestyle choices. People who carry and refill their water bottles often drink more water throughout the day, staying hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy body functions, regulating temperature, and delivering nutrients to cells. Refilling encourages a habit of drinking clean, safe water, contributing to overall well-being.Â
How to participate and celebrate World Refill Day
Participating in World Refill Day is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment. By using refillable bottles, you can contribute to reducing plastic waste, saving money, and decreasing your carbon footprint. The more people who join the movement, the greater the collective impact. Here are some ways you can participate:
- Use Refillable Bottles - Make a commitment to use refillable water bottles instead of single-use plastic ones. Every refill counts towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.
- Visit the Sphere - If you're attending an event at the Sphere in Las Vegas, be sure to grab a PATH bottle and refill it at the numerous refill stations available. Your actions will support the initiative and also set an example for others.
- Encourage Others - Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the benefits of refilling. Encourage them to join the movement and make refilling a daily habit.
- Host Refill Stations - If you're a business owner or part of an organization, consider setting up refill stations at your premises to make it easier for everyone to refill their bottles.
Refill on social media
Promote your commitment to refilling by sharing photos or videos on Instagram and TikTok. Show your bottle being refilled and highlight the positive impact of your actions. Here are some ideas for sharing.
- Share your refill moments - Capture moments of you refilling your bottle and post them on social media.
- Tag PATH - When you share your photos or videos, be sure to tag PATH. This helps amplify the message and shows your support for their partnership with the Sphere.
- Challenge friends - Create fun challenges or tag friends to join you in refilling their bottles. This raises awareness and builds a pro-refilling community of like-minded individuals dedicated to reducing plastic waste.
- Highlight benefits - Use your posts to educate others about the benefits of refilling, such as reducing plastic waste, saving money, and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Include facts and statistics to make your message more compelling.
By participating in World Refill Day, we can all make a positive impact on the planet.