So, when it’s time to choose a water cooler for your office, how much does sustainability enter your conversation? With more and more people actively trying to ‘do their bit’ for the good of the planet, sustainability is becoming an important consideration in many different areas, and water coolers are no different. So, are plumbed-in water coolers better for the environment? We’ll look into why plumbed-in (or mains-fed) water coolers can be a more eco-friendly choice and how they compare to their bottled water cooler alternatives.

Reduced plastic waste

We’re in an age where plastic pollution is at its highest globally. According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), “Over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced every year for use in a wide variety of applications, and an estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic litter end up in the environment every year.” (IUCN – Plastic Pollution).

One of the key environmental benefits of plumbed-in water coolers is they don’t need any single-use or large plastic water bottles. Even though the water bottles from Thirsty Work are sterilised, refilled, and reused before being chipped and recycled at the end of their lifecycle, some bottles may still find their way to landfill, adding to the growing plastic waste crisis.

Plumbed-in coolers connect directly to your mains water supply, giving you an ongoing source of fresh, filtered water without relying on plastic bottles. By removing the need for bottles, these coolers significantly reduce plastic use and waste, making for an even more eco-friendly office water cooler.

Reduced carbon footprint

When it comes to the delivery of bottled water for coolers, there’s also plenty to consider. Key factors include transporting and delivering heavy loads of full water bottles to customers needing to replenish their stock. This process brings carbon emissions throughout the year, with delivery vans using more fuel and adding to air pollution and more road congestion. 

In comparison, plumbed-in water coolers are better for the environment because, once installed, they only need minimal ongoing maintenance, cutting down on all transport-related emissions. Plus, water coolers that are plumbed directly into your mains water supply can often be more energy-efficient. For any business looking to create a sustainable, eco-friendly office water cooler setup, these coolers are a practical choice.

Resource savings

So, while plumbed-in water coolers are a more environmentally friendly choice, they can also be more cost-effective in the long term, saving your business added bottled water deliveries and saving money while supporting sustainable practices. A mains-fed, plumbed-in system can also help save natural resources by lessening the demand for bottled water production, which can use significant energy and natural resources.

Eco-friendly water coolers from Thirsty Work

So, are plumbed-in water coolers better for the environment? While Thirsty Work prioritises all areas of sustainability across our operations, the answer is yes. By choosing a mains-fed water cooler, you and your business can enjoy the convenience of a sustainable, eco-friendly office water cooler. 

To find out more about our range of plumbed-in water coolers and maintenance packages, call the team on 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com today. You can get your free quote and even start a 10-day free trial so your team can enjoy the environmentally friendly, refreshing taste of fully filtered water.