Box

September 16, 2023

As I boarded the Alaska Air flight to Seattle I was asked if I would like “a water”.  It was a 4-hour flight, and I knew I would be thirsty at some point (even though not at the time), so I said yes and I was handed a small white box.  I was surprised as water is usually dispersed in single serving plastic bottles.  I was intrigued and began to read the information about the water on the box.  The box contained the usual info required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the warning labels that are also required.  I have always thought the user should be aware that if you swallow the box top it could cause choking, but I realize if you do not put this on the box someone will say their own ineptitude (or lack of attention to their child) was the fault of the manufacturer.  The packaging went on to explain why this water was different than other containers of water.  The box contained renewable material (even the cap) and the water was purified.  The other difference was if you posted an image of the carton with #betterplanet the company would plant two trees in a national forest.  

When I looked online, I found the idea for boxed water began in 2009, when the company was the first manufacturer to offer a sustainable alternative to plastic water bottles, creating a new category of packaging and changing the way water is shipped, sold, and enjoyed.  The website suggests consumers use tap water whenever possible (preferably filtered), but if you cannot do so you should reach for their 92% plant-based box.  This percentage makes their product the most renewable package in the water aisle.  The water is also sourced close to where it is distributed to reduce the carbon footprint (instead of exotic and distant locations for water).  All the cartons are 100% recyclable, refillable, and BPA free.  The carton can be refilled and reused but the website stressed “standard warnings” apply.  Only refill the box with clean drinking water.  Be sure to thoroughly clean the box before each reuse to avoid accumulation of germs and bacteria over time.  Finally, watch for wear and tear on the packaging as it will deteriorate and break down over time (good for the environment but not your water).

Alaska Airlines became the first national airline to give up plastic water bottles in 2018 when they announced they were switching to Boxed Water™ cartons for their inflight service.  Alaska has since been flooded with social media posts from passengers who are delighted by the idea of a cleaner, less polluted planet.  The partnership has a three-fold focus.  First, they are removing 1.8 million pounds of single-use plastics from the waste stream.  Second, since the box is reusable, it can be refilled for later use.  Third, when you post a photo with a Boxed Water carton and #BetterPlanet two trees are planted in your honor.  That has already accounted for over 1.2 million trees with the NFF.  The belief is that small changes can make a lasting impact on our planet.  That same year Alaska became the first US airline to eliminate plastic straws and stir sticks from flights and lounges.  Alaska’s “Green Team” is dedicated to improving the environment through in-flight recycling and trash sorting programs that help reduce the amount of waste per guest that ends up in landfills.  Alaska is also strategically updating their fleet in hopes of achieving a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.  Replacing plastic bottles in their in-flight water service will effectively remove 22 million plastic cups and 32 million plastic bottles per year from Alaska flights, or the equivalent of eighteen 737 Boeing aircrafts.

Thoughts:  I am constantly amazed by the innovative ways being devised to address a reduced carbon footprint.  While governments bicker over issues of responsibility and payment, corporations (and some cities/states) are moving ahead on their own.  While this may be good for public relations, it is even better for the planet.  Reducing our carbon footprint is not waiting for governments to take the lead, but each person or entity taking small individual steps.  Act for all.  Change is coming and it starts with you.