Grand Canyon on track for plastic bottle ban
20th December 2011
A ban on the sale of plastic bottles within Grand Canyon National Park is in the works, and could be introduced from early next year
The Grand Canyon National Park service has announced that a ban on the sale of plastic bottles, in vending machines, shops and hotels within the park could be introduced from early next year. The ban would be aimed at reducing waste and protecting the park's natural environment.
The ban would encourage visitors to ditch disposable plastic bottles, and to instead bring their own reusable bottles to the park. Strategically placed water-refill stations will make sure visitors can easily quench their thirst.
Before the ban can go into effect, the park must carry out a comprehensive survey into the availability of alternative water sources, existing contracts with on-site water bottle vendors, and the possible impact of the ban on public health and safety.
Should the Grand Canyon National Park introduce the ban, it would be following in the footsteps of Zion National Park in Utah, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which already have water-bottle bans, with water stations around the park.
A ban on plastic bottles was set to be implemented in the Grand Canyon National Park last year, but was put to a sudden halt, raising speculation that Coca Cola – a major financial contributor and vendor within the park – had been involved in the decision.
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