At the start of this year, students may have been surprised by the absence of bottled water in the school cafeteria. Taking its place is the more eco-friendly Boxed Water, which brought with it a change in pricing; water now always costs an additional dollar, regardless of whether it is purchased with a meal.

While this change could potentially bear many environmental benefits, it may not be the most affordable option for students.

“I would say it’s unnecessary in a way because people aren’t willing to buy water for a dollar extra… Last year when water bottles came with the lunch, people were willing to get it because it didn’t cost extra,” junior Adena Aguilar said. 

As a result of this new condition, many students either do not purchase water with their lunch anymore or start buying drinks that do come free with their meals, such as juices. Since water is a daily human necessity, choosing to skip it at lunch may not be a healthy choice.

On the other hand, the school provides sufficient access to water across campus. 

“Water fountains are everywhere, and you can buy your own water bottles,” sophomore Yogi Patnaik said. “Buying a water bottle is way cheaper too because you own it and can keep reusing it, and our school added water dispensers that makes it easy to refill them.”

The new change encourages the use of refillable bottles, saving money for students while helping the environment, especially considering the physical footprint dispensable plastic bottles can leave.

“Not only was [bottled water] incredibly expensive for the district, but it was wasteful… This would be the best way to start implementing this new idea and would not only be cost productive but environmentally friendly,” food service supervisor Cynthia Prunty said.

While the new change is an inconvenience to many students, it is ultimately better for the environment and pushes students to be more eco-friendly and aware. With the resources available on campus, it should not be a problem to stay hydrated.

“It’s environmental and student-friendly all the way around… The district is focusing on going green, and what a great way to start,” said Prunty.

Would you still buy boxed water?

• Yes
• No

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