Low water stream can be extreme frustrating in water fountains. In this article, we will address common issues that arise when the water stream is too low so you can restore your Elkay product to its optimal water flow and enjoy a satisfying experience.
]]>Low water stream can be extreme frustrating in water fountains. In this article, we will address common issues that arise when the water stream is too low so you can restore your Elkay product to its optimal water flow and enjoy a satisfying experience.
CAUSE | CORRECTIVE ACTION |
Water pressure is lower than factor test conditions | Remove sealant and use Teflan tape or compression fitting |
Press bar adjustment screw has not been adjusted for EHF, WC, HAC, or EMABF series water coolers | Refer to manual and adjust press bar adjustment screw |
Solenoid will not open up all of the way on EZ, HTV, or electronic eye models | Replace solenoid |
Strainer screen is plugged with debris | Clean or replace strainer screen |
Water cooler has an added filter that is restricted | Replace filter |
CAUSE | CORRECTIVE ACTION |
Water shut off valve is not open all the way | Open shut off valve all of the way |
Regulator valve is defective or restricted with debris | Replace regulator |
A flexible water line is kinked within the water cooler | Remove insulation from the line and remove the kink |
Strainer screen is plugged with debris | Clean or replace strainer screen |
Water cooler has an added filter that is restricted |
Remember to check for clogs, inspect the water supply, and consult the manufacturer's guidelines if needed. With a bit of patience and effort, you can resolve the low water stream issue and continue to enjoy the functionality and performance of your Elkay product.
]]>When searching for a new hand dryer that aligns with the latest health and safety standards, the Bobrick B-9100 PuriDri stands out. It's three main benefits: sanitization technology, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Let's talk through each benefit...
]]>When searching for a new hand dryer that aligns with the latest health and safety standards, the Bobrick B-9100 PureDri stands out. It's three main benefits: sanitization technology, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Let's break each down...
In the era of heightened sanitization awareness, the Bobrick B-9100 PureDri sets itself apart with its innovative technology and science-based research on UV sanitization against HEPA. Here are the key features and benefits of Bobrick's PureDri technology:
The Bobrick B-9100 PureDri not only prioritizes sanitization but also offers impressive energy efficiency features. This makes it an ideal choice for contractors, facilities professionals, and cost-conscious individuals:
The Bobrick B-9100 PureDri excels in its ease of installation and maintenance, offering a hassle-free experience for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals:
Key Specs:
Where to Buy: BottleFillingStation currently has the Bobrick B-9100 on SALE. Another great option, Plumber's Paradise, an Amazon Top Seller, now offers the Bobrick B-9100 PureDri in the Plumber's Paradise online store.
]]>Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and hygiene of bottle filling stations. This six-month maintenance checklist will guide you through the essential tasks to keep your unit clean, functional, and efficient.
]]>Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and hygiene of bottle filling stations. This six-month routine maintenance checklist will guide you through the essential tasks to keep your unit clean, functional, and efficient.
Cleaning the Entire Unit: Thoroughly clean the basin and bottle filler to remove any dirt, debris, or residue that may have accumulated. Use appropriate cleaning agents and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Refrigerated Units: Cleaning the Condenser and Louvers: For refrigerated units, clean the condenser and louvers to maintain proper airflow and prevent dust buildup. This helps ensure efficient cooling and prolongs the lifespan of the refrigeration system.
Filter Replacement (If Applicable): If your bottle filling station has a filtration system, replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures that the water dispensed is clean and free from impurities.
Leak Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the entire unit for any signs of leaks. Check connections, joints, and hoses to identify and address any potential issues promptly.
Cleaning the Bubbler Orifice: If the bubbler orifice appears scaly or clogged, clean it carefully to restore proper water flow.
Bubbler Stream Height Adjustment: Check the height of the bubbler stream and adjust it if necessary. This task is typically performed after filter replacement and orifice cleaning to ensure optimal water flow.
Testing the Refrigeration System: For refrigerated units, ensure that the refrigeration system cycles properly. Check that the compressor and fan turn on and shut down as expected to maintain consistent cooling performance.
Water Temperature Testing: Verify the water temperature from the bottle filler to ensure it falls within the desired range.
Fan Inspection (Refrigerated Units): Inspect the fan to ensure it spins freely and without obstructions. This ensures proper ventilation and cooling efficiency for refrigerated units.
Bottle Filler Activation Testing: Test the activation mechanism of the bottle filler to ensure it responds promptly and accurately when a user places a bottle for filling.
Bottle Filler Time-Out Testing: Verify that the bottle filler has an appropriate time-out setting (usually around 20 seconds) to avoid water wastage and ensure efficient operation.
Nozzle Inspection and Maintenance: Inspect the bottle filler nozzle to ensure the water flow is laminar, clean, and without obstructions. If necessary, clean, repair, or replace the nozzle to maintain proper functionality.
Following this six-month routine maintenance checklist for your bottle filling station will help ensure its longevity, functionality, and hygiene. Regular maintenance not only keeps the unit in optimal condition but also provides a positive user experience by delivering clean and convenient access to drinking water.
The Elkay LZS8WSLP is a versatile and reliable model that offers a range of features for convenient and hygienic water dispensing. Let's delve into its key features:
This technology allows the LZS8WSLP to automatically recognize new filters and to update the LED light back to green upon replacement.
We carry the LZS8WSLP in granite gray and stainless steel.
The Elkay LZS8WSVRSK is another notable model within the Elkay EZH2O lineup. It offers a range of features designed to enhance the user experience and provide convenience.
The least expensive option on this list, the Elkay LZS8WSVRSK is a great bottle filling station model. It includes a 20-second auto-shut-off system and is vandal-resistant.
The Elkay LZSTL8WSLK is a robust and feature-rich Elkay EZH2O model suitable for high-traffic areas such as schools, gyms, or office buildings. Let's explore its key features:
The Elkay LZSTL8WSLK is designed with an extra-large dispensing area, accommodating various bottle and glass sizes. This feature provides convenience and allows for easy filling of larger containers.
This unit includes a bottle filler and two drinking fountains.On this model, you can choose which of the left or right fountains you want to be the higher, and which of the two will carry the bottle filler allowing greater installation flexibility.
The Elkay EZH2o LZSTL8WSSP is a similar bi-level model.
The built-in water filtration system ensures that the dispensed water is clean, fresh, and free from impurities. This feature enhances the taste and quality of the water, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize purified drinking water.
The WaterSentry filters, which effectively reduces contaminants and impurities in the water. This ensures the dispensed water is clean, safe, and of high quality, meeting the demands of users who prioritize purified water.
Learn how to replace the filter:
The Green Ticker™ display counts the number of plastic bottles saved by using the bottle filling station. This feature not only promotes environmental consciousness but also allows users to track their positive impact on reducing plastic waste.
The touchless sensor activation eliminates the need for physical contact, promoting hygiene and reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Users can simply place their hands under the sensor to start the water flow, providing a convenient and sanitary experience.
The Elkay LZS8WSVRSK features a user-friendly visual interface that provides clear instructions and indicators. The interface ensures easy operation and helps users navigate through various functions and settings effortlessly.
All are also ADA compliant.
]]>ERROR CODE | ERROR DESCRIPTION | CORRECTIVE ACTION |
---|---|---|
E001 | Evaporator Thermistor Open Circuit |
|
E002 | Evaporator Thermistor Short Circuit |
|
E003 | Evaporator Low Temperature |
|
E004 | Condenser Thermistor Open Circuit |
|
E005 | Condenser Thermistor Short Circuit |
|
E006 | Condenser Over Temperature |
|
E007 | Not Used | |
E008 | Not Used | |
E009 | Too Many Compressor Cycles |
|
E010 | Not Used | |
E011 | Evaporator not cooling/Thermistor not measuring |
|
E012 | Bottle filler area obstructed |
|
E013 | Missing or Incompatible Filter |
|
E014 | Missing NFC Board |
|
E015 | Missing LED Board |
|
For a freeze resistant model, the fountain or bottle filler is designed to have it's valve installed in the ground below the frost line. This is usually anywhere from 5" (127mm) to 72" (1829mm) below ground level. When the unit is activated, the vent line pushes into the valve which then opens and forces the water held below the frost up through the unit to be dispensed.
Sealed (or sanitary) freeze resistant models have all the same features of the freeze resistant model with the added benefit of the valve being inside of a sealed canister. This sealed canister minimizes ground water contamination and prevents drain water from mixing with fresh water when the model is being installed in areas where the water table can rise due to inadequate drainage or in areas where flooding can occur.
Example of the Sealed Freeze Resistant installation.
Elkay retro-fit kits like the EZWSRK or LZWSRK pictured above, as well as Halsey Taylor retro-fit kits, are made to turn recently installed drinking fountains into combo units complete with hands-free water bottle filling stations.
These retro-fit water bottle fillers run off the existing water supply of the fountain, and also utilize the existing filtration and refrigeration if it's already on board. Each kit has been made to fit specific fountain models so it's imperative that you check compatibility of your existing fountain(s) before purchasing one.
To make the process easier, we've put together this handy guide...
The first thing you’ll need to do is locate your unit’s model number, which is usually available on a white/greyish tag on the bottom of the fountain. The tag should look like this (notice the location of the model number ):
To assess compatibility, you’ll need to pay attention to the first few letters of the model number, which essentially indicates the fountain's product line. The table below details which kit will be suited for each retrofittable model:
Mounting type |
Fountain model (first few letters) |
Filtered retrofit kit |
Filterless retrofit kit |
Wall-mount |
|||
Wall-mounted |
Filtration not needed* |
||
Wall-mounted |
|||
Wall-mounted |
Filtration not needed* |
||
Wall-mounted |
|||
Wall-mounted |
Filtration not needed* |
||
In-wall |
|||
In-wall |
Filtration not needed* |
||
In-wall |
|||
In-wall |
Filtration not needed* |
||
In-wall |
OVL-II (WF) (chilled and bi-level) |
Filtration not needed* |
|
In-wall |
HRF (NF) (chilled and bi-level) |
||
In-wall |
HRF (WF) (chilled and bi-level) |
Filtration not needed* |
All those retrofit kits are available both filtered and filterless. If the fountain you are looking to retrofit is already filtered, you do not need to pair it with a filtered retrofit kit. The existing filtration system will carry over to the newly added bottle filler. Please note, however, that the filterless kits don't have a filter status light. On the contrary, if your fountain is not filtered and you would like to turn it into a filtered bottle filling station, the filtered retrofit kit will do just that and once installed, both the bottle filler and the fountain will be dispensing filtered water.
You may have noticed that all of those retrofit kits are categorized as non-refrigerated. Very much like filtration, refrigeration will also be carried over to the bottle filler if you are retrofitting a chilled fountain. If the fountain isn’t chilled, it can always be paired with a remote chiller (again, this would make both the fountain and the bottle filler dispense chilled water). There are no existing retrofit-chiller bundles so the chiller would have to be purchased separately.
Because of their design, in-wall retrofit kits are currently limited to existing in-wall fountains that are bi-level, refrigerated and with the lower fountain on the right hand-side (no reverse configuration).
The second thing you’ll need to do before moving forward with your retrofit project is to double-check on the age of your to-be-retrofitted fountain(s). Even if a specific model is technically suited for retrofit (as per the table above), the manufacturer only recommends retrofitting chilled units installed within the last 5 years and non-chilled units installed within the last 10.
Important note regarding retrofitting older fountains:Retrofitting an older fountain, paired with the usual increase in usage that follows, can take a toll on some of its more fragile pieces and eventually lead to breakdowns. While these issues aren’t common and you could very well never experience them, they remain a possibility and can happen after just the first few days of use. If the fountain isn’t under warranty anymore, the replacement parts, especially in the case of chiller issues, would have to be purchased thus making the total cost of the project close to if not more important than what it would have been had the fountain been replaced with a new bottle filler and fountain combo to begin with.
All you’ll need to determine the age is to locate the unit’s serial number, which is located on the same tag as the model number, below the machine.
The first two digits of the serial number will indicate the year of manufacture (ie. serial #: 128990472049 = manufactured in 2012).
In the case that none of Elkay/Halsey Taylor retrofit kits are able to work with your existing fountains, here are a couple of possible alternatives to consider:
The benefits of hydration are widely known. Adequate hydration is vital to the high-functioning of so many of the body's systems. For many years, proper hydration has been becoming more and more of a focus for so many facilities, including schools, gyms, health care, municipalities, parks, etc.
Always in the past, we were reliant on old technology to meet our hydrating needs, like the standard drinking fountain. But those days are gone, thanks to the invention of Bottle Filling Stations by Elkay in 2010. Several years ago, we published the list of 5 Best Bottle Filling Stations for Schools, which has been used by thousands of people to help them find the right unit for their school.
Since that time, Elkay has continued to innovate, and today we have the option of fully Hands-Free machines. With the dangers of virus transmission weighing so heavily on everyone's minds these days, the benefits of fully Hands-Free Drinking Fountains and Hands Free Bottle Filling Stations are more important than ever.
That's where we come in.
We’ve compiled a list of popular models best suited for schools and other facilities. These models are the most popular Hands-Free Bottle Filling Stations that are 100% Touchless. This list represents a good sampling of different features and solutions, but this list is definitely not exhaustive.
You can see the entire Hands-Free Collection here, however, these five are a great place to start:
Made evident through its name, this is a combo unit, meaning that it has both a bottle filling station and a drinking fountain. The best part...it is 100% automatic! This is Elkay's newest innovation, having just hit the market.
Primary Benefits
Standard Features
This one is a combo unit like the first one on our list, but it has an added fountain to allow for ADA compliance and additional capacity. This is a new innovation by Elkay, and is sure to be a big hit with schools all across the nation.
Primary Benefits
Standard Features
This is the newest innovation in Elkay's line of Hands-Free dispensers. These are designed for residential applications, hence the more stylish finish. However, there are variations of these, these Liv Pro units, that are meant for commercial applications. The Liv Pro units come with larger capacity filters.
Primary Benefits
Arguably the most aesthetically appealing bottle fillers, this model series is a great one to showcase in an area accessible to prospective student tours, or anywhere there is a need to conserve space for traffic.
Primary Benefits
Probably the most versatile of bottle filling stations, the surface mount series has models for almost any type of setup.
Primary Benefits
Considering water’s positive impacts on brain function and healthy nutrition, especially in children and adolescents, Elkay bottle filling stations have become very popular additions in schools and child-care facilities throughout North America.
In addition to their scientifically-proven health benefits, these devices also have very compelling environmental and economic benefits. You've no doubt seen stories on how damaging single-use plastics are to our environment, but the increasing pressure they are putting on our recycling industry is causing a lot of budget issues at the state and local level.
A brief look at the data will convince you that a water bottle filling machine is a great option for all of these reasons. However, there are hundreds of choices, and the process of finding the ideal model for your setup can be daunting.
That's where we come in.
We’ve compiled a list of popular models best suited for schools and other educational facilities. In addition to being the most popular models, the stations below are a good sampling of the spectrum of different features and benefits that Elkay offers with their machines.
The list below is definitely not exhaustive, though. You can also see our complete indoor bottle filling station catalog. But these five are a great place to start:
NOTE: The list below has some units that are partially Hands-Free, and a couple that are fully automatic. If fully Hands-Free is important to you, check out our list of the 5 Best Hands-Free Bottle Filling Stations.
Elkay’s newest model series, the Enhanced Bottle Filling Station includes new features that improve the experience for both the users and facilities teams.
Made evident through its name, the Green Bottle Filling Stations series is a favorite for sustainability departments and other eco-conscious groups.
Primary Benefits
Standard Features
Want to protect your bottle filling station's longevity? The Vandal-Resistant Bottle Filling Station series is a model built to resist damage and minimize repair cost. It is also ideal for some protected outdoor installations (contact us for details).
Primary Benefits
Arguably the most aesthetically appealing bottle fillers, this model is one of the most popular in the Hands-Free Collection.
Primary Benefits
Probably the most versatile of bottle filling stations, the surface mount series has models for almost any type of setup. It is also a very popular unit within the Hands-Free Collection.
Primary Benefits
When it comes to installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting an Elkay EZH20, it is critical to know the correct name for the parts in your water bottle filling station. The first time you encounter an Elkay EZH20 spec sheet, all the industry jargon can be extremely overwhelming. However, in this guide, we’ll help you break through the confusing terminology and translate your Elkay EZH20 spec sheet into easy to understand definitions.
Filter Indicator Light:
Bottle Filler:
Gasket:
Water Cooler:
Bottle Count Display:
Aerator:
Sensor Eye:
Bottle Mount:
Bubbler:
Sink Basin:
Push Bar:
Shroud:
Vent:
Accessory Parts
Filter:
Definition: Filters system’s water through removing contaminants prior to dispersion
See filter replacement options here.
Hanger Bracket:
Definition: Brackets that attach the bottle filling station to the wall. They sit superficially on the finished wall and are mounted to a braced wall or studs within the wall.
Mounting Frame:
Definition: Attaches the backside of the filling station to the wall. This is commonly used for In-wall bottle filling stations or in any other installations where extra wall support is needed.
Alternative names: In-wall carrier
Examples:
With a more comprehensive understanding of the Elkay EZH20 specs and how each part of your water bottle filling station interacts with the others, basic maintenance should be a sinch. But if it's not or you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (855) 558-9600.
]]>Bottle filling stations are sweeping the nation’s schools, gyms, and public spaces as the cool (both literally and figuratively), sustainable way to hydrate. Beyond that, bottle filling stations, such as the Elkay models we’ll discuss in this article, actually improve water quality by removing lead and other contaminants, something standard water fountains can’t do. This is all thanks to the stations’ Elkay EZH20 filters.
But in order to maintain the effectiveness of these machines, the Elkay EZH20 filter must be changed regularly. This process might seem intimidating, especially if you don’t have an on-site facilities team. To ease your worries and show how these filling stations are really the Wall-Es of the water technology world, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to replacing your Elkay EZH20 filter and keep your bottle filler working at its best.
A common question that arises when it comes to filters is how often a replacement should be installed. Changing the filter is all part of basic Elkay EZH20 maintenance. Within the EZH2O family, each filling station has three colored lights that indicate each stage of the filter’s life cycle. Think of each of the indicator lights as your water filter’s traffic light; when the light is green, go right ahead and enjoy your purified water. When the light changes to yellow, the water will still be safe to drink but you should keep in mind that the filter has only 10% life left. Finally, at red, it's time to pump the brakes and replace the filter.
After you’ve determined a Elkay EZH20 filter replacement is necessary, begin by removing the panel at the base of the fountain, otherwise known as the shroud. This can be done with a manual screwdriver to remove the four flat head screws under the filler that secure the shroud to the base.
With the shroud removed, you should have full access to the inside of the cooler. The filler’s anatomy should include some type of piping or valve that connects to the wall behind the filler. This indicates the filler’s water source. In order to remove the filter, you’ll need to first shut this source off to prevent any messy slip-ups. This should only require a simple counter-clockwise turn but if it proves more difficult, you may need to contact whoever originally installed the filler.
After the water is shut off, you’ll be ready to remove the old filter. This filter can be found at the far left side of the filler and should look somewhat similar to a ¼ gallon milk container. The only exception to this can sometimes be found in the bi-level filters, as mentioned above.
In order to remove the original Elkay water fountain filter, grab the top of the filter, closest to the filler, and give it a firm twist counterclockwise. This should loosen the filter from the filler and allow you to fully remove it. Remove the filter carefully, as it will likely contain slimy residue. Dispose of the filter appropriately.
With the older filter removed, you’ll now be able to replace the filter with a new one. Nearly all EZH20 models use an Elkay 51300c replacement filter.The only exception to this is the LMASMB Elkay Battery which uses a 56192C filter. For your convenience, you can buy these filters in single or multipacks, such as those available through www.bottlefillingstations.com.
After unpacking the new Elkay 51300c Replacement Filter, remove the filter’s red top. Make sure to keep the now open portion facing up. Next, take the opened filter and push it up and into the filter housing space where you removed the old filter. Once inside, begin to move the filter into place by twisting it clockwise until the filter is securely fastened. You’ll know the filter is in place when the label is visible, meaning that it faces out as opposed to facing the wall. If this is not the case, turn the filter around 180° so that you are able to see the label.
When the filter is in place, turn the filler’s water source back on. Then, before re-affixing the shroud to the base, run about two gallons of water through the filler’s tap to activate the new filter. Sometimes, water pressure may cause an irregular flow. This is nothing to worry about and should normalize on its own.
After running enough water through the filler’s spout, re-attach the shroud to the base of the filler, screwing it back into place.
Note: If you have an older Elkay model, such as the Elkay LZS8WSLK, you will likely have to follow up the Elkay EZH20 filter replacement process by manually resetting both the bottle counter and filter indicator light. This requires that you remove the head panel of the bottle filler (this is the flat, plastic portion directly above the filling area that covers the inside of the filler’s upper portion). Using a manual screwdriver, remove the two screws located on either side of the head panel. Once unfastened, lift panel up to expose the inside of the fountain. There, you should be able to see a small grey box on the right hand side of the filler. On this box, there is a small button. This button is responsible for adjusting the the visual components of the filler such as the bottle counter and filter indicator lights. By pushing the button for two seconds, you’ll notice that the front display will change. When the display reaches “RST FLTR”, push the button again. When you see “FLTR =”, press the button one more time so the display reads “FLTR=0”. This should automatically change the filter indicator light from red to green. Assuming you would also like to reset the bottle counter, press the button down again until the display reads "RST BCNT". Push the button again to display the current bottle count number, for example “BC0007864”, and then depress the button once more to zero-out the bottle counter, resetting it. Your bottle filler is now reset! Just reattach the head panel and screw it back into place.
And that’s all there is to it! Your Elkay EZH20 filter replacement is complete. That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now that you’ve changed an Elkay filter once, you’ll complete all future Elkay EZH20 filter replacements with ease. But, if you do run into any issues with Elkay EZH20 maintenance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us for any clarification. Happy filtering!
]]>
There’s a trend sweeping over Melrose Middle School… and no, it’s not the likes of the latest Disney channel movie. These middle schoolers are super excited about their new bottle filling stations.
The Green Team, an after-school club at the school designed for those interested in environmental issues, has accomplished quite the feat. At the young age of twelve, this group of students installed a bottle filling station in their school, saving 10,659 plastic bottles this year alone.
We spoke with Jessie Schmitt, Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator for the City of Melrose and leader of the Green Team, about the group and their exciting accomplishment. “We gave them a lot of responsibility and let them decide what their project would be completely on their own,” Schmitt explained. “At the beginning of the year, we had a brainstorm session as a team. We asked them what they thought needed to be improved at their school, and what needed fixing.”
From there, an idea was born. ”After brainstorming ideas together of environmental problems in our school, we found that the usage of disposable plastic bottles was too large. They weren’t all getting recycled and we thought the filling station would increase students using reusable bottles in our school,” explained Sophia and Amelia, members of the Green Team.
Once the idea was decided upon, it was up to the students to execute the project. They gave eloquent presentations to potential sponsors and spent hours writing well-researched letters to local businesses like Whole Foods, urging all that could to support their noble cause.
From fundraising through hot chocolate sales on cold, blustery winter days to selling reusable water bottles at school events, the students raised all the money they needed for the installation within a year’s time.
“The community was super supportive,” Schmitt stated. “The Green Team received donations from Whole Foods, the PTO and the Rotary Club among many others.” However, the process wasn’t without its challenges. Being fully student-led, the process took quite a while as the team figured out the nuts and bolts of running a campaign like this one from start to finish. “It was a priority for us that the kids learn what it takes to implement and see a project like this one through to fruition,” Schmitt explained.
“Fundraising was a huge part of getting the station and it was really fun thinking of different ideas to get money,” stated Waleed, another member of the successful team. “We did a bake sale which allowed us to earn money in a fun and involved way. Everyone got to use their different skills in our fundraising events. It was a fun learning experience.”
Their year of hard work certainly paid off! Once the bottle filling stations were successfully installed, the students celebrated by inviting all of their sponsors to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and cupcake party. Above one bottle filling station sits a plaque thanking their donors and recognizing the Green Team for their hard work. Even when they graduate to the high school, the incredible mark these students made on their community will always remain a key part of Melrose Middle School.
After their success, the Green Team has become very popular this year. The students on the team feel a huge sense of pride, having made a difference in their community at the young age of twelve. More bottle filling stations are being installed throughout the city of Melrose, a ripple effect from the Green Team installation.
This year, the Green Team has split into two different projects. One team, said members Kathleen and Victor, is working on installing a community garden to bring cleaner air and fresh produce to the school. The other is looking to reduce waste in their cafeteria via composting, the benefits of which were touted enthusiastically by students Emily and Fia. One thing’s for sure… we guarantee you’ll be seeing big things come from this impressive group of middle schoolers.Last week we covered Melrose Middle School and the Green Team, a group of twelve sixth-graders who felt so passionate about saving plastic that they fought to install two bottle filling stations in their middle school, eliminating the need for single-use bottles.
Now we’re on to a slightly older yet just as impassioned group of interns at Westford Academy. With the help of Sustainable Westford, the Westford Academy Student Council and a couple of eager seniors, over 20,000 plastic bottles have been saved with the installation of two bottle filling stations in the tight-knit community.
Led by Director Gloria Gilbert, Sustainable Westford is the pinnacle of environmental change in the town of Westford. Through a variety of workshops, movie screenings and speakers, the organization brings together the community through sustainable change and green ideas. Leading the busy group through grant-writing, fundraising, and running the town farmers’ market, Gilbert also takes on a couple interns each quarter and encourages them to follow their environmental passions via a unique project during their time there.
One intern, Emily Wood, came into her internship at Sustainable Westford with a great passion for water and a feeling of disgust towards the negative effects single-use bottles have on human and environmental health. Brainstorming with Gloria, she came up with a solution: installing bottle filling stations on their school campus.
With Gloria’s help, Emily spearheaded the campaign, speaking in front of Student Council and convincing them of the positive effects a bottle filling station would have on the community. After six months of connecting with student council members, talking to teachers and organizing her peers, Emily and Sustainable Westford were able to receive enough funding to install two bottle filling stations in the local school.
“I wanted to make sure people knew why this was so important and what a positive impact they were having,” she explained. To do so, Emily prioritized not only raising the money for installing the station, but the important educational piece that came with it. She created videos for the school announcements, touting the benefits of having such plastic-saving stations in the school. Once the bottle filling stations were installed, she was sure to organize a large ribbon cutting ceremony to remind her peers of the monumental part they were playing in reducing plastic and valuing their water supply.
Not only do the current Westford Academy students enjoy the high-tech gadget, they truly understand the positive implications of utilizing the bottle filling station. “I get reports from my sister, who’s still in the high school, saying that everyone is still loving the stations,” Emily mentioned. Now, with tens of thousands of bottles saved, students are consistently reminded of the part they play in positive environmental change each and every day.
As Sustainable Westford has proven, a little initiative and passion goes a long way in making change when it comes to saving plastic. Emily has since graduated, and a new group of interns, Nancy and David, have stepped in her place. While Nancy is passionately involved with the organization’s upcycling initiative, “which turns items such as whiteboard markers and granola bars into reusable accessories like backpacks or pencil cases”, David has been an effective part of planning and executing their winter film series. Talking to them via email, it was wonderful to see their passion for sustainability and the big things they’re working on at Sustainable Westford.
CrossFit Southie, one of Boston's largest CrossFit centers, recently made an impressive commitment to water sustainability and member health by installing a brand new bottle filling station in their already-notable facility.
As a small yet rapidly growing business, CrossFit Southie is constantly trying to find new ways to make the gym run more productively while working towards their ultimate goal: to help people become their best, healthiest selves. Having a bottle filling station installed was a logical step towards reducing waste, improving gym efficiency, and making it even easier for members to hydrate during workouts.
Water plays a huge part in keeping the body’s processes functioning effectively. Staying hydrated helps maintain body temperature, plays a huge role in removing waste from the body and regulates metabolism. And with the water lost during the intense, effective workouts that take place at Crossfit Southie, members need to be cognizant of replenishing their fluids.
Gosler was also thrilled by the money and waste saved by installing the bottle filling station. “We save on costs and wastes by not having to provide paper cups,” he explained. With this added option for water at the gym, members also save by not having to buy bottled water to rehydrate while at the center. A reusable bottle is all one needs to reduce their costs and waste. As one of the first gyms in the area to make such strides in sustainability and hydration, CrossFit Southie continues to prove their status as one of the leading gyms in the state. Interested in learning more about bottle filling stations? Visit bottlefillingstations.com for more information.
To learn more about CrossFit Southie, visit their website or their Facebook page.“The bottle filling station is more convenient for our members as it fills at quite a rapid rate,” owner and founder Chris Gosler explained in an interview. With multiple large classes happening each day and a member base with very busy lives, efficiency is a huge priority at CrossFit Southie. The bottle filling station does just that, allowing members to fill up quickly and get in and out of their classes with ease. “We still have a fountain attached to the bottle filler so the station is the best of both worlds. Members can take a quick sip or fill their bottles and be on their way.”