Tap Take Back: Awareness Surrounding Dalhousie University’s Drinking Water Pledge and Implications for the Dalhousie Community

Abstract

It has been postulated that as we attempt to move towards a collective sustainable future, universities can be seen as leaders in setting this example. Universities are often at the forefront of sustainability initiatives, however universities often at the same time have significant carbon footprints. In this sense, it is clear there is room for improvement. There is a significant body of research from a multitude of disciplines focused on the environmental impacts associated with producing and consuming single-­‐use plastic water bottles. As a result of increased information on the adverse impacts plastic has on the environment and the increasing rate at which human society has been producing and consuming plastic, some universities have imposed bans on the sale of plastic disposable water bottles in an attempt towards increasing campus sustainability. Though banning seems to be the most obvious means of reducing plastic waste this is not always seen as a viable option for universities, or is not immediately possible. The research team Go Green or Go Home originally sought to investigate what support existed in the Dalhousie community surrounding the potential implementation of a campus-­‐ wide ban on single-­‐use plastic water bottles. Once directed to concentrate our efforts on Dalhousie’s current initiative surrounding public water infrastructure and bottled water, the research team shifted focus to the Dalhousie University Drinking Water Pledge, a document signed in April 2013 that promises to promote and improve campus sustainability surrounding public and bottled water consumption. April 2018 marks 5 years since the Dalhousie Drinking Water Pledge was signed. Our research question seeks to explore what awareness of the Pledge exists in the Dalhousie community, and our goal is to infer from these findings if any significant impact insofar as reduced consumption and campus attitudes toward sustainability has been realized as a result of the Pledge. Using the research method of systemic sampling, we distributed a survey to students and staff at various locations on Dalhousie’s main campus – particularly in high-­‐traffic locations on campus where bottled water is sold, and where public water infrastructure exists. 118 random students and staff at the Student Union Building (SUB), Killam Library, Sexton Library, and Mona Campbell Building were canvassed. Out of all participants, only 8.5% were aware of the Pledge. Of the participants surveyed 86% support the Pledge. 32% of participants indicated that they believe the Pledge could be improved through increased education and awareness. The research team recommends