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Reusable water bottles are the perfect embodiment of how people can ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ in their lives. Luckily, colorful accessories and seemingly forever cold water make it even more appealing to make this sustainable switch.
The global reusable water bottle industry is worth $9 billion and is doing an amazing job of reinventing the water bottle all the time. Whether it’s due to new designs, new features, or just new trends, marketers always have a reason to sell new and improved water containers.
We’ve seen trends change from Nalgene, Camelbak, S’well, Hydro Flask, Yeti, current star Stanley, and the soon to be noticed Owala.
Stanley has grown significantly over the past few years due to influence from social media platforms, especially TikTok. The brand first became popular on the platform in his 2022, and the company’s revenue was just under $200 million. In 2023, the company’s total revenue increased to approximately $750 million.
When Stanley launched two new colors in early 2024 as part of its limited edition collection, customers went wild to get their hands on this rare bottle. Lines formed hours before store opening at Target stores across the country. In Roseville, California, a 23-year-old woman was charged with stealing $2,500 worth of Stanley products.
The desire for this particular water bottle may be rooted in the notion that this style is a “limited edition,” suggesting there is a collectible element to the marketing intent. Psychologist Josh Clarkson says, “When companies label something as “limited edition” or “exclusive,” or when they control the number of products that can be purchased, they have a direct effect on consumer psychology. “I’ll give you that,” he told USA Today.
This labeling strategy is used to market many products in our daily life, increasing the prevalence of consumer culture in our society. The water bottle trend isn’t the only cause of excessive consumerism. These social norms have long-term effects on the environment, and their effects tend to grow as trends spread. This is the case when kitchen appliances, beauty products, winter outerwear, and other inherently functional items are sold in excess.
But the product name itself is ironic, especially as it pertains to the water bottle industry. While it is widely understood that the purpose of reusable water bottles is to limit the need to buy another water bottle again, there is a need to keep up with the latest trends every year, and even every month. there is.
Some argue that just buying one is enough, given that Stanley’s Cup is “made for a lifetime,” but the brand’s marketing and social media influence suggests otherwise. . The company uses marketing strategies that go against its mission to be sustainable.
The concept of reinventing the water bottle can equally be applied to other products that we are constantly told we “need” in our lives. Instead of buying blindly, take the time to evaluate your motivations for the purchase. The following questions will help you assess these motives.
1. Is this necessary or necessary?
2. Can I achieve the functionality I’m looking for with what I already have?
3. What do I get when I buy this?
Cindy Chan | Digital Design Director
When the Stanley Cup goes away and the Owara bottle takes its place, know that they both accomplish the same task and serve as the same tool. Water is a necessity, not a container!
After 20 uses, a reusable water bottle produces less emissions than a disposable plastic bottle. That being said, when purchasing a new water bottle, consider the longevity of your purchase. The longer the bottle is used, the lower the emissions from the product. To further reduce emissions, new research also proves the impact of specific materials in water bottles.
Reusable plastic water bottles produce the least amount of heat and therefore reduce emissions compared to aluminum and steel reusable water bottles, which produce approximately 1.5 kg of CO2 equivalent per use. It has the lowest amount (1.3 kg CO2 equivalent per use). Bottle.
Overall, the most sustainable option is to love your water bottle and use it to the fullest. Please wash regularly. Cover with stickers. Don’t worry if you see dents or scratches. Most importantly, stay hydrated, SU!
Izzy Kaufmann is a second-year student majoring in International Relations and Environment, Sustainability, and Policy, and co-director of the Student Association Sustainability Forum. Her column appears every other week. You can contact her at: [email protected].
Published January 30, 2024 at 12:26 AM