Community Corner

Against "Electrolytenment": Enumclaw Teen Educates About Bottled Water

Austin Schruver presented his findings on bottled water to the community on Aug. 1. He is seeking support for his non-profit, Spring to the Tap.

Spring to the Tap began as Austin Schuver's eighth grade project brainchild two years ago. But he didn't let his passion die with the end of that school year.

Instead, he kept going and earned Washington state non-profit status this June. At the organization's first public meeting on Aug. 1, he turned to the community for support, not for regulations.

“We are opposed to bottled water, but we’re not trying to impose a ban on everybody," Schruver said. "We want this to start from the community, not to put something on everybody.”

Schruver listed in detail many statistics about the production of bottled water, while emphasizing the fact that the plastic bottles themselves are made from petroleum, the same substance that powers cars.

Despite the fact that the plastic has negative effects on human and animal health, Schruver said, the government does not have much regulatory power over the industry because it makes so much money. Purchases are on the increase since 2011.

"I used to use bottled water because it was so convenient," former librarian Judy Kent said.

Groups like the International Bottled Water Association tout the convenience and supposed health benefits of bottled water. But according to Schruver's research, the consequences far outweigh those benefits. He is leading the charge away from plastic, one community at a time.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of the organization or keeping up with the statistics may contact Schuver at bottlefreedevotee@gmail.com.

Do you drink bottled water? Why or why not?


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