Vineyard “Take Back the Tap” Initiative Seeks Help from Businesses

OAK BLUFFS – The Vineyard Conservation Society is launching the next leg of its “Take Back the Tap” initiative on the island.

The initiative is a series of projects and educational programs designed to reduce the waste associated with bottled water.

VCS is asking local businesses, stores and restaurants to make it easier for the public to fill up reusable bottles for free. Actions include keeping a pitcher of water on the counter to installing a water bottle refill station.

Businesses interested in participating but are unsure about what action would work best can contact VCS at 508-693-9588. Participants would also be added to the organization’s MV Tap Map.

VCS started the “Taking Back the Tap Initiative” after its campaign to ban single-use plastic bags.

The issue of disposable bottle waste presents a different challenge than disposable bags. The plastic bags could be easily replaced with alternatives that are better for the environment and more efficient at getting groceries and other items home.

“Take Back the Tap” aims to decrease the demand for bottled water. The organization says research shows that the biggest factors motivating people to purchase bottled water are quality and convenience.

VCS says the issue of convenience poses the greatest challenge to reducing the demand.