In an effort promote sustainability and reduce litter, Grand Canyon National Park has eliminated the in-park sale of packaged water in disposable containers smaller than 1 gallon. Free water filling stations are located throughout the park to allow visitors to fill reusable bottles with Grand Canyon spring water. All but two of the stations, North Kaibab Trailhead and North Rim Visitor Center, are equipped with one frost-free valve to provide year-round access to water.
The waste associated with disposable bottles comprises an estimated 20 percent of the park’s overall waste stream and 30 percent of the park’s recyclables, according to a news release. Grand Canyon National Park has experienced increasing amounts of litter associated with disposable plastic bottles along trails both on the rim and within the inner canyon, marring canyon viewpoints and visitor experiences. As a Climate Friendly Park, Grand Canyon National Park has made a commitment to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by the year 2020.
By refilling a reusable water bottle, visitors can decrease the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, filling, packaging and transport of disposable water containers.
