Month: June 2022

Posted on

FIND A WATER TAP ON GOOGLE MAPS

Good news for refill lovers in the Netherlands: you can now use Google Maps to find the nearest public water tap! For example at train stations, squares or in a national park. Just search for ‘water tap’ on Google Maps. Almost 2.000 water taps are already in the system, thanks to Dopper.

These water fountains pop up when you search for ‘water tap’ in Utrecht

GOOGLE MAPS VS. SPECIALIZED WATER REFILL APPS

Even though we are not the biggest fan of Google, we are happy with this new development. Fact is that Google Maps is the most used navigation platform in the Netherlands. So we hope more people will find their way to a water tap.

In 2018 we wrote a blog about different refill apps, and the need for a global system. For example The Netherlands may be a small country, but there are different refill apps/platforms (Drinkwaterkaart, Publiek Water, etc.). Some apps like Refill and mymizu cover multiple countries and also include refill stations in private places, such as bars and restaurants. We support the organisations behind these refill apps to continue their hard work. Because they raise awareness and save single-use bottles!

refill apps
Several refill apps, used to find refill stations

However, the problem is that these apps are less well-known. Plus people are used to one navigation app (Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc). This is the main reason that we as Refill Ambassadors did not create our own app.

NEXT STEP: EUROPE

Back to our main topic: using Google Maps to find public water taps. The refill points are currently only mapped for the Netherlands. Dopper wants to roll it out across the whole of Europe. And hopefully it will become available worldwide soon. But for now: check the overview of other refill platforms to find refill stations in other countries.

Happy refilling!

Awareness campaign by Dopper
Posted on

MICROPLASTIC-FREE COSMETICS

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, that are less than five millimeters in diameter. Unfortunately, many personal care products and clothes contain minuscule pieces of plastic. In this blog we share some basic knowledge and useful tips.

WHERE DO MICROPLASTICS COME FROM?

Microplastics are added in various products , such as cosmetics. But also as microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets. Furthermore, secondary microplastics result from the decomposition of larger plastic products—which can take hundreds or thousands of years. For example, they are visible as miniature multicoloured plastic pieces on the beach.

Picture by David Liitschwager (Source: National Georaphic)

WHY ARE MICROPLASTICS A PROBLEM?

In the oceans, microplastic pollution is often consumed by marine animals. In March 2022, researchers also found tiny plastic particles in human blood (Source: ZonMW; National Geographic). Today it is still unclear what dangers these plastic bits pose to animals or humans. Even so, many countries are taking action to reduce microplastics in the environment. Since many personal care products contain plastic, you as a consumer can play a role too.

FREE GUIDE TO MICROPLASTIC-FREE COSMETICS

We already wrote a blog post on “plastic free-guides“. But we recently discovered a new guide focused on micro-plastics. Plastic Soup Foundation, which organises campaigns in microplastics and plastic pollution, has selected over 150 microplastic-free brands. Products are divided into six categories:

We already wrote a blog post on “plastic free-guides“. But we recently discovered a new guide focused on micro-plastics. Plastic Soup Foundation, which organises campaigns in microplastics and plastic pollution, has selected over 150 microplastic-free brands. Products are divided into six categories:

  1. Hair care products
  2. Body- and suncare
  3. Facial Care Products
  4. Dental Care Products
  5. Deodorants
  6. Make-up

Download the free guide for microplastic-free products here (PDF).

Cover image Guide for microplastic-free products (Pastic Soup Foundation)

MORE MICROPLASTICS TIPS

Have you already tried to use a shampoo bar? Or tablets that replace toothpaste?

Please share you microplastic-free tips with our community in the comment below. P.S. We are looking for personal stories, not for companies with commercial interests.

Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram