Some municipalities on P.E.I. stop using disposable plastic water bottles at meetings

Some municipalities on P.E.I. say they've already taken steps to eliminate water bottles from government meetings, which comes after a challenge byGreen Party Leader PeterBevan-Bakertodo the same for all provincial buildings.

Bevan-Bakerraised the issue at a CBC'sWaves of Change event earlierthisweek and since then, many municipalities have come forward to say they've already taken plastic water bottles out of meetings and to some extent facilities.

Terry MacLeod, chair of environment and sustainability with the city of Charlottetown, said last year it created a sustainability living guide that includes tips for single-use plastics.

MacLeod said council encouraged staff to bring their drinks in reusable mugs and cups and installed water-refill stations at city hall.

Council also helped put water-refill stations at the Bell Aliant Centre, Prince Street Elementary School and Colonel Gray High School.

He said the switch from plastic water bottles wasn't difficult.

"It was pretty easy really," he said.

MacLeod said he supports both Bevan-Baker and Environment Minister Richard Brown in any decision they make about banning single-use plastics, like plastic water bottles, at provincial meetings.

Charlottetown wasn't the only municipality to do this, though.

Stratford Coun. Darren MacDougall, who is also chair of the sustainability committee, said it provides water in coolers andcompostableplates and cups for meetings.

MacDougall said no formal policy isin place for outside groups using municipal facilities but they too areencouraged to avoid single-use plastics.

"I do see us at some point introducing a policy within the town of Stratford that outside groups ... also not use water bottles," he said.

At least two other municipalities have followed suit: the town of Cornwall and the city of Summerside.

Kevin Coady, chief administrative officer for the town of Cornwall, said as a general rule they don't provide bottled water at town functions.

Summerside's executive assistantLisa Langdalesaid they don't have plastic water bottles at their meetings.

She said they keep a pitcher of water in the fridge near the boardroom in city hall and glasses for people to use at town hall meetings and a sink where staff can get tap water.

Langdale said most people bring their own reusable water bottles to work throughout the day.

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