Houston Zoo Is the Latest Venue to Stop Bottled Water Sales

The Houston Zoo will no longer have single-use bottles available, opting instead for branded reusable bottles in its gift shops. | Credit: Houston Zoo

The sale and use of single-use plastic bottles has taken a big hit, as many cities and states have made moves to outlaw their sale. Some tourist destinations, like parks, have stopped selling bottled water in their gift shops. Now, the Houston Zoo is the latest to join the ranks of places that have stopped selling bottled water.

This is actually good news for the promotional products side of things, as the zoo is turning its focus away from single-use bottles in favor of branded reusable water bottles.

As is the trend these days, the zoo will sell aluminum reusable bottles and a paper-based bottle, and will have refilling stations around the grounds.

Aside from the recyclable nature of the paper water bottles, the zoo has cited a reason that relates closely to its mission—saving sea turtles. By not selling bottled water and plastic bags, there's less of a chance of waste making its way into Houston waterways and, eventually, the ocean.

"The zoo is committed to saving animals and their habitats in the wild, and this is just one more way we can inspire guests to take simple actions and join us in protecting wildlife," Peter Riger, vice president of conservation education at the Houston Zoo, told Click 2 Houston. "We are using this action specifically to highlight the need to protect marine animals from debris. It also allows our guests to play a direct part in making a difference on our planet."

In addition, the zoo no longer sells single-use plastic bags, opting instead for reusable tote bags with different designs on them.