Some years ago, Parker recognized an opportunity to save the planet (and some money) by creating his own recycling program.
The practicality of it was so obvious, I’m surprised nobody thought of the idea before. But, Parker was the first guy to refill 
a disposable water bottle, and drink a different brand of water from the bottle he already had.
His method spread like wildfire around the office. Within weeks, everyone was keeping their empty water bottles, and trotting over to the water cooler to refill. Hell, people even started looking forward to “starting a new bottle.” The guy next to me actually put a label on his bottle, in both Spanish and English, instructing janitorial employees not to throw it away. It was a good Dasani bottle…I didn’t blame him.
Well, I’ve given Parker credit for this for an awful long time – especially since I’m one of the biggest independent bottle recyclers that I know – but I’ve invented an entirely new method, and it’s time I get some credit.
A few weeks back, I was sick. And in an effort to kickstart my body, I set down my trusty Arrowhead water bottle (who was in his third week of loyal service), and reached for a cold Gatorade Frost. The Gatorade was fantastic, and I could literally feel the electrolytes in my finger tips; it’s just like in the commercials.
I enjoyed the Gatorade so much that as I walked to the recycling bin, prepared to send this Gatorade container off to reincarnation, I felt a twinge of guilt. This bottle had done well for me…what if..?
With a quick glance at my Arrowhead bottle – which was sitting, half-full, on the couch – I dashed to the cooler and began generously filling the Gatorade bottle with water.
The water was fantastic. In fact, it was even better than the Arrowhead bottle, because it retained a slight taste of Gatorade Frost. The bottle was also substantially larger. More, better tasting refills…it was almost a dream.
I’ve never looked back, and despite being the first Gatorade bottle independent recycler (at least, on this side of the Mason-Dixon Line), I’m still as passionate about it today as I was a few weeks ago. It’ll be a cold day in Bermuda before I willingly refill a water bottle again.
Brett, it’s time old buddy. 
