Eco-Friendly Move: University Distributes 25,000 Reusable Bottles to Reduce Plastic Waste.

Sustainability in Action: Harren University Alumnus Designed Reusable Bottles Took Initiative to Save Environment

San Francisco State University has stepped into the new academic year and is continuing their mission to adopt sustainability which they have been doing from the last three years as well by providing reusable aluminum water bottles to the campus community. To stop students from using single-use plastic bottles on campus the attractive art worked bottles were created by Jordan Harren, an alumnus. Nicole Lange, Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations and University Engagement at San Francisco State, mentioned that the vivid designs should encourage consumers to hold onto the bottles. She added that it's an extra plus to have an alumnus behind the design who helped them to collaborate with PATH, the firm that makes personalized bottles.

Herren is a marketing professional who spends his free time painting and creating murals. His artwork is on show at the Ferry Building, the SF State campus, and his Daly City high school. The SF State skyline graphic on the water bottles reflects his upbeat and cheerful attitude which he painted for a staff appreciation ceremony in 2022. He had been making art since childhood but to give his career a new direction he studied marketing at SF State University. Despite not being a good student the motivation, love, and support by university made him succeed in his career in marketing at PG&E. Being proud Gator of University he was always excited to work on those initiatives involved with his alma mater, as he loved the open and honest culture of the university.

Director of Sustainability and Energy Caitlin Steele said that SF State was committed to a zero-waste target, which included the use of reusable water bottles. Although the process was lengthy these bottles can be used throughout the year, allows one to save more money, and reduce plastic waste. The University provided 25,000 SF State water bottles to aid with this transition, and it intends to provide another 25,000 throughout the following two years under its zero-waste mission.

In addition to discontinuing the sale of plastic bottles in 2019, the university has also decreased the sales of reusable bottles, it sold 4,205 plastic bottles in March 2019 and 755 aluminum bottles by March 2024, but no plastic bottles. This data indicates that aluminum water bottles are being effectively reused.

Editor’s Note:
 

San Francisco State University is excited to continue its sustainability efforts by distributing reusable aluminum water bottles this academic year. This initiative supports their zero-waste goal and reduces single-use plastic waste. Designed by alumnus Jordan Herren, these bottles feature vibrant artwork that encourages use and reflects a commitment to sustainability. With 25,000 bottles distributed and plans for more, this initiative aims to make a significant environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices on campus. 

Skoobuzz congratulates SF State University and Harren for his artwork and hopes that the remarkable work of the university will pave the way for others to take such environmentally friendly initiatives.