(BPT) - More and more people are changing their everyday habits to be more mindful of the environment and take care of the planet. One major concern that's top of mind for consumers and businesses alike is plastic waste.
A major culprit of plastic waste is one that you likely see every day: Disposable plastic water bottles. According to the Container Recycling Institute, 86% of disposable water bottles used in the U.S. become litter or garbage, adding 38 billion disposable water bottles to landfills.
Consumers concerned with their plastic consumption are changing their behaviors and making more eco­ conscious choices in their day-to-day lives, including purchasing reusable water bottles. CivicScience, a consumer analytic platform, found that 60% of U.S. adults own a reusable water bottle.
Of course, having a water bottle is only useful if people have a place to fill them. You can fill your stainless steel, glass or aluminum water bottle at home, but it likely won't last you all day. There might be times when you have to buy a plastic water bottle because there's no other option for drinkable water. Consumers can only make more conscious, sustainable decisions if clean water infrastructure is available to support these lifestyle changes - and that's where Hispanic- and Latino-owned company HOPE Hydration is stepping up.
A smart way to hydrate
HOPE Hydration aims to increase sustainable, quality water access by giving people more opportunities to refill their reusable water bottles via HOPE's ad-powered, smart-city water refill station - the HydroStation. Brought together by a desire for a more sustainable future, HOPE's team of co­founders - Dave Tigue, Cristina Gnecco and Ryan Barretta - have used their expertise to create a technology solution to motivate new behaviors around water consumption, conservation and reducing the environmental impact of plastics pollution.
The HydroStation, connected to T-Mobile's powerful 5G network, has the potential to divert single­-use plastic bottles from landfills and oceans while increasing sustainability and access to quality, free, clean and filtered water. 'We're all about leveraging our network, scale and resources to be a force for good in the world we live in,' said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group. 'And it's clear that HOPE shares that passion.'
Just this summer, the Times Square Alliance partnered with HOPE to introduce a HydroStation to the heart of New York City, providing filtered water to over 300,000 visitors per day. Sustainably accessing clean water is incredibly important for any place, but it's of special concern for folks living in or visiting urban areas like Times Square.
HOPE's partnership with the Times Square Alliance isn't the only partnership the startup has forged. This year, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity collaborated with HOPE to install HydroStations throughout the festival. HOPE also partnered with Wellington International's Winter Equestrian Festival, marking the startup's first installation at a worldwide equestrian venue and Ultra Music Festival, refilling 40,000 bottles in just three days.
Powering sustainability
The smart HydroStations wouldn't be possible without internet connectivity and IoT solutions. The IoT technology, in particular, allows the company to keep near real­-time tabs on their filling stations. Thanks to T-Mobile's partnership, the startup can ensure proper water temperature and filter quality, monitor usage, calculate the amount of plastic diverted and much more.
"HOPE Hydration is thrilled to work with T-Mobile as our connectivity and IoT provider," said Jorge Richardson, Founder and CEO of HOPE Hydration. "We believe access to free, clean water is a human right. This collaboration allows us to bring HOPE, and our stations to the next level while building smart-­city solutions for a more sustainable future."
'We're incredibly proud to work with Hispanic and Latino business owners,' said Field. 'By equipping them with cutting-edge technology solutions, we hope to see them succeed, grow and change the world for the better.'
To learn more about HOPE Hydration, visit hopehydration.com.