Gippsland Water supports Federation University’s commitment to go plastic bottle-free

Federation University students will have better access to free drinking water thanks to a donation of two drinking fountains from Gippsland Water.

Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the organisation’s donation was part of a broader effort to promote tap over bottled water in the community.

“We’re thrilled to support Federation University’s efforts to reduce its impact on the environment and its promotion of tap water as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to bottled water.”

“It’s the kind of attitude we’re hoping to foster in the broader community through our in-kind and community support programs, which have resulted in donations of drinking fountains, reusable water bottles and financial contributions to water-related projects across the region.”

The two permanent drinking fountains—which have recently been installed at Federation’s Gippsland campus—support the university’s wider efforts to cut back on single-use plastic.

Federation University’s head of Gippsland campus, Leigh Kennedy, said the university announced in February it was banning the sale of disposable plastic water bottles at all of its campuses by the end of 2019.

“Federation University is delighted to partner with Gippsland Water in phasing out single use water bottles at our Gippsland campus and introducing water fountains.

“Our campuses throughout Victoria will save 18,000 plastic bottles a year from landfill because of this university-wide initiative.

“Federation is committed to environmental sustainability and we look forward to working with Gippsland Water to promote the health and environmental benefits of tap water,” Ms Kennedy concluded.

You can find out more about Gippsland Water’s sponsorship programs at: www.gippswater.com.au/residential/our-community/sponsorship