By Alana Mauger

Earth Day is a powerful reminder that protecting our planet is inseparable from protecting people. As the climate crisis accelerates, the American Red Cross is taking urgent action in response to a changing world where extreme weather is disrupting lives and entire communities at an unprecedented pace. From intensifying storms and extreme heat to record floods and widespread wildfires, there is no time to lose.

While much of this work happens on the frontlines of disaster response, sustainability also starts with everyday actions like reducing our reliance on single‑use plastic water bottles.

The Hidden Cost of Single‑Use Plastic Bottles

Single‑use plastic water bottles contribute significantly to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and long‑term environmental damage. Plastic production and disposal consume fossil fuels, generate emissions and threaten water systems—all resources that are already under strain from climate‑driven disasters.

Reducing plastic waste helps protect clean water, lowers emissions and supports healthier ecosystems, all of which are essential to community resiliency and health. When scaled across a large organization like the Red Cross, small operational changes can have a meaningful impact, especially in large facilities like our Spring Garden Campus.

Expanding Access to Water Refill Stations

Water refill stations are available in every Red Cross facility across Southeastern Pennsylvania; this includes our Spring Garden Campus, West Chester office, Red Cross House and six Blood Donation Centers in our footprint. SEPA’s refill stations are part of a national effort that has seen more than 280 stations installed in Red Cross facilities around the country. Investments like these reduce our reliance on disposable plastic bottles and help build a culture where reuse is the norm, not the exception.

We can look to the Blood Donor Services team in Missouri for inspiration. At a recent University of Missouri blood drive, water coolers were used for donor hydration instead of single-use plastic water bottles. As a result, the Red Cross collected over 2,700 units of blood without using a single bottle. Their success demonstrates how thoughtful planning can significantly reduce waste while supporting Red Cross mission delivery and the safety of our blood donors.

This April, Red Cross employees and volunteers are being encouraged to take a water bottle reduction pledge in honor of Earth Month. By taking the pledge, they’re committing to bringing reusable water bottles to their work or service locations.

Why This Work Matters

With deep roots in local communities, unparalleled global partnerships, and a legacy of responding to evolving challenges, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to make a lasting impact amid the largest humanitarian crisis of our time. No single organization can solve the climate crisis alone. Transformational change will take time, collaboration and continuous learning. But by acting now—both on the frontlines and in our own workplaces—we can reduce harm, strengthen resilience and better support the people and communities who depend on us.

This Earth Day, let’s remember that small actions matter. By eliminating single-use water bottles from our households, we can help protect our planet and the millions of lives we serve.