REFILL YOUR WATER BOTTLES

One single type of item makes up 20 percent of the trash that accumulates in U.S. National Parks: plastic water bottles, which also comprise 30 percent of the recyclables gathered in the parks. It's a source of trash that's easily eliminated by taking a simple step: replace your disposable water bottles with reusable ones, and refill them while you're at the park. The National Park Service is supported reductions in this type of waste in several ways, including a halt to sales of water packaged in individual disposable containers and installation of designated water-bottle refilling stations in many parks, including such popular destinations as Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and Zion National Park. So next time you're heading for the park, bring along your reusable bottles and fill them with free, fresh water! If you forget to pack a bottle, you can purchase one at a park gift shop for as little as $2.50 -- the perfect souvenir for the eco-friendly traveler.