ASUNM hopes to wean students off the water bottle

Editor,

This year, ASUNM Student Senate is participating in the “Think Outside the Bottle” campaign to set an example about buying responsibly and acting sustainably.

We recognize the importance of raising awareness about the negative effects of bottled water. We pledge to refrain from the use of bottled water during our Full Senate or committee meetings. These are only the first steps. It is imperative that UNM leaders, faculty and departments step up the game and set an example for students and the community.

Over the next several months, ASUNM will encourage students to sign onto the pledge to opt for tap water over bottled water, especially student groups whose actions set a bright example for UNM students.

We will educate students, faculty and administrators about what the University can do to decrease bottled water usage and support public water. Not only does this promote environmental consciousness, but it demonstrates our appreciation for clean, highly regulated (and frequently tested) municipal tap water.

Plus, why would anyone want to buy drinking water for thousands more than the cost of tap? Environmentally and economically, it just makes sense to drink tap.

We are working on one of our generation’s most pressing human rights issues.
Today, more than 1 billion people around the world don’t have access to enough water. Water shortage and scarcity looms large as a profit-driven industry increasingly controls our water supply.

Daily Lobo, we invite you and every UNM community member to join us in these efforts.
Contact ASUNM Senators Katrina Edelmann or Kelly Williamson (office hours posted on the ASUNM website) or visit ThinkOutsideTheBottle.org for more information.

It’s time we think outside the bottle. Water is a fundamental human right, not a commodity to be bought and sold. If you are in denial, or just need more convincing, I suggest you look at the statistics — or just YouTube “The Story of Bottled Water.”
Plus, “Bro! Look at the reusable SIGG with tribal designs!”

Katrina Edelmann
ASUNM Senator