The Uncomfortable Poolside Conversations Series Part 1: Bottle It Up

Water Refill Station Image by Jo Ingham

The Uncomfortable Poolside Conversations Series

Welcome to your dose of fun, friendly holiday truth-telling. This three-part series is here to make you think a little deeper about what you're packing, sipping, and wearing while living your best resort life. Spoiler alert: it’s not about shaming. It’s about being just a bit more thoughtful—even with a cocktail in hand.

Part 1: Bottle It Up – Why Refillable Water Bottles Deserve a Spot in Your Beach Bag

You’ve just landed in sunny Spain. It’s hot. You’re thirsty. So you grab a bottle of water... then another... and another. Before you know it, you’ve gone through a dozen single-use plastic bottles in three days—and you’re just one person.

The Cold Hard (Plastic) Facts:

• Tourists use over 1.2 billion plastic bottles of water each year in Europe alone.

• That adds up to 19,724 tonnes of plastic waste annually.

• Equivalent CO2 emissions? Nearly 100,000 tonnes—or 29,000 round-trip flights from London to NYC.

And the kicker? In most European countries, tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

So Why Aren’t We Using Reusables?

Convenience, unfamiliarity, and old habits. Many people don’t realize how accessible refill stations are, especially in airports, hotels, and city centres.

The Good News: Airports Are Stepping Up

• Heathrow Airport saved over 100 tonnes of plastic in a year by encouraging refill bottle usage.

• Amsterdam Schiphol has water fountains throughout, and Barcelona, Rome, and Lisbon have public fountains too.

What You Can Do:

• Pack a refillable stainless steel bottle—they keep water cold and look great in selfies.

• Check for refill stations on arrival (many travel apps now list them!).

• Bonus points: skip plastic cups on the plane and refill your bottle after security.