Nestlé goes on the road to promote water conservation in the US

Students and teachers are learning about responsible water conservation with help from Nestlé Waters in the United States.

The ‘WaterVentures Learning Lab’ is an interactive touring exhibition that aims to raise awareness about sustainable water usage and recycling among more than 100,000 people in the American state of Florida.

Nestlé Waters North America and its brand Zephyrhills, in partnership with the non-profit organisation Crystal Springs Foundation, will tour elementary schools in the region over the next 12 months.

‘Empowering students’

“We’re thrilled to be working with Zephyrhills to inspire critical thinking and empower students to make a difference in the world around them,” said Karen Pate, Vice President for Crystal Springs Foundation.

“We aim to educate people about Florida’s wetland habitats and creatures, and this mobile learning lab will serve as a tool to engage more young people in an entertaining and dynamic way.”

Interactive exhibits

The new tour truck, staffed by trained teachers, will visit schools, communities and events in northern and southern Florida.

It aims to educate school children, parents and teachers on how to save water and on the importance of recycling through interactive exhibits and presentations.

A teaching team from Crystal Springs Foundation helped to create the innovative exhibits using wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and energy saving lighting.

Water education

The tour truck is Nestlé Waters’ latest example of its commitment to sustainable water use and water stewardship.

Since 1992, the company has worked with international non-governmental organisation Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) across the globe to help educate more than 38 million students and 200,000 teachers on hydration and health, water use and environmental stewardship.

Nestlé Waters has established programmes with Project WET in Vietnam, China, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Egypt.

Creating Shared Value

Water is one of the areas Nestlé is focusing its Creating Shared Value (CSV) efforts and investments on.

Along with nutrition and rural development, all three areas are core to the company’s business activities.

CSV requires Nestlé to look for ways to create value for shareholders, while also ensuring it creates value for the communities in which it operates.

Environmental education

The ‘WaterVentures Learning Lab’ highlights Florida’s hydrogeology and biodiversity and how to protect natural habitats through the learning tools and activities.

“Zephyrhills is committed to preserving the local area,” said Greg Berumen, Senior Marketing Manager for Zephyrhills brand in the United States.

“This dynamic learning tool approaches environmental education in a creative and engaging way.”

The tour truck builds on an annual water education event in Florida that is attended by more than 50,000 people each year.

It is held at Crystal Springs Preserve, one of the spring sources for Zephyrhills natural water.