Whether you want to believe the world is getting warmer or colder, taking care of the environment and conserving natural resources should always be a top priority for Americans.

If nothing else, the recession should have taught us to be prudent. Don’t be wasteful and utilize both your financial and natural resources wisely.

That said, we give kudos to Oakland Community College and its sustainability committee for prompting the search of ecofriendly products to offer students. We’ve complimented OCC in the past on its academic prowess and contributions to the community. Now, we’re seeing the college make a difference in the area of environment.

By simply asking its food service vendor for more sustainable choices, the college will now become the first and only place in Michigan to offer a revolutionary new type of bottled water.

Instead of a plastic bottle containing petroleum and other chemicals, OCC is now offering Green Planet water in bottles that are made entirely from plant products and will compost within 80 days if they wind up in a landfill. At $1.50 per bottle, the eco-friendly option is only slightly more expensive than mainstream options. And, for you purists, it does appear to be quality water.

Municipal sources are used and then the water is steam cleaned until it’s completely pure. Healthy minerals are added back in and offer, as officials note, a product that is clean, pure and contaminant-free.

Unfortunately, Green Planet — a Chicago-based business formed and focused solely on the creation of a better water bottle — is finding it tough to compete against the large, multinational companies.

“It’s tough to break through. The gatekeepers are very strong,” said Bradford Schulman, CEO and founder of Green Planet. “Absent of a $10 million marketing campaign, how are we going to tell everyone?”

Schulman, who comes from the beverage industry, is asking people who want the option to buy Green Planet to find the company on Facebook and pressure local retailers to carry the product.

Meanwhile, Continental Services — the Sterling Heights-based food service vendor that discovered Green Planet for OCC — said the company will do its part by offering the product to the rest of its customers.

“Hopefully, by partnering with OCC and Green Planet, we can start a trend that will become contagious,” said Steve LaPorte, vice president of Continental Services.

We hope so too, and with most of Continental Services’ business being based locally in Southeast Michigan, it would be at least a nice alternative to the other bottled waters.

It’s a free country and the free market system still rules. So, obviously, there are many people who would prefer to buy a little cheaper product and let someone else worry about the disposal consequences. But if you’re concerned about the environment and future generations, then there are other options and products that will help you follow your conscience.

OCC is providing one of those alternatives to its students. If possible, other schools, governments and public institutions should follow the college’s lead. Helping make Oakland County a little bit greener doesn’t have to be a political statement.

SOURCE: theoaklandpress.com