Gleaning Meaning/Ecotrendland: Hydration Station

The collective will to cut down on bottled water gains momentum: A recent article in USA Today profiles the rise of hydration stations, water fountains designed for refilling reusable bottles. Eco-minded college campuses are among the earliest adopters. According to the article, airports, parks, offices and other types of venue are also coming onboard. Restaurants, too, are designing incentive programs around the concept: Patrons who refill their own bottles receive a discount. Single-use water bottles aren’t going away any time soon, however: Last year, usage actually increased slightly. But now, at least, a more mindful solution presents itself.

I see that Brita, the water filter company, has trademarked the term in conjunction with its own, wall-mounted product. Seems to me like they’re going to have enforcement issues around this: from the public’s standpoint, the term has already gone generic.