Ovation: Water Bottles Banned At Grand Canyon.
I used to go to a lot of hockey games. Hockey fans are a wild bunch, rowdy and fun and loud … and thirsty! They’d spend outrageous amounts of money on huge cans of draft beer, “souvenir cups” of soda and the occasional bottle of water. As time went on and bottled water became more and more popular I would exceed my hockey fun budget to buy an occasional bottle of water. They were ice cold as the vendor pulled each from a cooler and removed the bottle top. I thought this was not only strange and somehow unsanitary but it annoyed me quite a bit because it was my intention to make that expensive bottle of water last as long as I could. So I wanted a lid! Why did they take the lid off of my expensive bottle of water?
I learned that bottle caps were not allowed in the arena because fans too often threw them onto the ice where players couldn’t see them and would trip over them and fall. This caused delays in the game and the possibility that players could be injured so bottle caps, not bottled water, were banned. Once it was explained to me, I was completely in agreement with the policy.
Similarly, officials at the Grand Canyon National Park have announced that they will soon ban the sale of bottled water in response to concerns that empty plastic bottles scattered around the park are spoiling views of the natural landscape.
Approximately $290,000 has been spent to install ten water stations inside the park. Visitors will be invited to use the new water stations to refill their own water bottles that they bring with them from elsewhere. Concession stands within the park, who can still sell other bottled beverages, have also donated funds to the project.
As many as 4.5 million tourists visit the Grand Canyon each year and officials worry that litter found on the rim and inner canyon is quickly spoiling the park and its natural beauty. I think the new rule in the park is a good rule … and I understand it better because I used to go to hockey games.
Go figure.
Yes, yes, yes!
As an outdoorsman I am often appalled by litter. I don’t get it…you can carry it in full, but you can’t carry it out empty?? And how does it ever cross one’s mind initially to just drop something on the ground? Upbringing perhaps.
I feel strongly that plastic bottles, plastic shopping bags and styrofoam containers should all be restricted or banned. They can be replaced by paper based products.
These items do not biodegrade. Where is the “green” movement on this issue?
I’m with you. This is the ugly time of year where you can see all the trash along the sides of the roads because there are no leaves on the trees and bushes. It’s really saddening that people are so rude and careless. What REALLY gets me riled up is cigarette butts! http://wp.me/p1se8R-k I followed a “flicker” on my way to the office this morning … makes me SO angry.
How ’bout when they crack the window just enough to slip the butt out…it’s so icky even they don’t want any part of it.
Exactly!
Wow! What a great victory for the environment. This reminds me of the movie (which I have yet to see but really want to see) Tapped. Have you heard of it?
No, I haven’t. But, apparently, we can watch it for free on Hulu! http://www.hulu.com/watch/192680/tapped
Holy cow! I just watched it. NO MORE BOTTLED WATER FOR ME! EVER!!
What the hell is wrong with ppl to litter something so beautiful. UGH
Well, I’m glad they got that situation fixed before the entire Grand Canyon was filled with empty water bottles!