Help the Environment & Support Education

A few years ago Placencia BTIA Board member David Vernon ran an idea by the staff of the Placencia
Tourism Center. In order to alleviate some of the plastic water bottles that were being used and then
being thrown away, local businesses could be encouraged to have “water refills” – water coolers with
purified water where visitors could actually refil their bottles.

To take it a step further the business could ask for a donation for the water that would then be given
to the school closest to their establishment. After al, the businesses were buying the purified water
anyway and just giving it away.

Not a bad idea really – support the environment and in doing so, support education.

Not long after the Placencia Tourism Center relocated in November 2007 a water cooler was installed
for the convenience of the guests who visited, as well as the staff. The PTC thought it would be a
great idea to test out the “water refill” idea so an empty coffee container was transformed into a
donation drop and a little sign was attached.

It took a while for the idea to catch on and, with no promotion other than word of mouth and the little sign,
the PTC was proud to hand over $62.00 to the St. John’s Memorial PTA at the end of January.
Doesn’t sound like much but as we all know in these very tough times every penny counts. Even better
is that Placencia Office Supply and Sunova Beach Gift Shop have also decided to adopt this program!!!!
So that’s two businesses in Placencia Village that are going to do a small part towards supporting
the environment while supporting education.

Taking part in this is easy. Many businesses have water coolers in their establishments and offer
water as a courtesy to their guests. That is great, but did you know many people would be happy to
give a small donation for that water if given the chance?! If you think you would like to be involved in this
really cool and easy program get in touch with the PTC – we will be happy to provide you with the sign
and an empty coffee can.

For more information contact the Placencia Tourism Center at 523-4045 or email placencia@btl.net.