For a lot of travellers, grabbing a bottle of water at the airport in a plastic bottle is a done thing normally – after all – even with modern aircraft, it’s best to be hydrated when in the air.
That’s going to be a little different at San Francisco International Airport with a ban on sales of water bottles made of plastic is going into effect.
Inside SFO T2… and there won’t be a plastic water bottle to be found on sale – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
This ban applies to all airport retailers, restaurants, airline lounges, and vending machines to sell or provide water in recyclable aluminium, glass or BPI-certified compostable bottles.
The policy applies to purified water, mineral water, carbonated or sparkling water, and electrolyte-enhanced water, but does not include flavoured beverages such as sodas, teas, or juices.
So why now?
It seems that enough alternatives have turned up on sale now that can take the place of plastic bottles. And yes – there is even an “approved water bottle list” by the airport at https://www.flysfo.com/approved-bottled-water-list.
In quotes
Airport Director Ivar C. Satero states
“With this move, we take a giant step towards our goal to achieve zero waste going into landfill. I appreciate the support of our SFO business community in making this bold move for our environment.”
Use the Hydration stations
For those who need water still, there are thankfully over 100 refill stations (Hydration stations) and drinking fountains – both land-side and air-side. If you’ve got a canister, remember to fill it up after clearing security.
Although, SFO could follow Dublin Airport’s lead – and sell rather nice reusable water bottles at low-cost.
How Dublin Airport does it.
With the airport trying to reduce waste (with the airport saying passengers generated over 28 million pounds of waste), with over a 10,000 bottles of water sold a day – it’s a solid way to attempt to cut down the waste.
For passengers, you’ll have to get used to not seeing lightweight plastic containers containing water in them – and choose other alternatives.
Or just refill your water bottle up, be it a properly designed on… or one you picked up on your travels
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