Sparkling water without plastic bottles is not only good for your health (plastic bottles can cause health problems).

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin interviews Marcus O'Donovan, the founder of CO2U, a company that provides carbon dioxide cylinders for home sparkling water machines. The discussion centers around the intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainability, highlighting how CO2U addresses environmental concerns while offering a convenient product.

Key Points on Sustainability:

Convenience Over Single-Use Plastics: CO2U allows consumers to create sparkling water at home using tap water, significantly reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bottles. This shift not only minimizes plastic waste but also eliminates the carbon footprint associated with transporting bottled water.

Sustainable Business Model: The business model focuses on delivering CO2 cylinders directly to customers' homes and collecting empty ones, promoting a circular economy. This approach contrasts with traditional methods where consumers must return cylinders to collection points, making it more user-friendly and sustainable.

Innovative Solutions: Marcus discusses the introduction of a new aluminum refillable cylinder to replace disposable steel cylinders used in many sparkling water taps. This innovation aims to further reduce waste and enhance sustainability in the industry.

Authenticity in Sustainability: The episode emphasizes the importance of genuine sustainability efforts over greenwashing. Marcus expresses a desire to focus on authentic practices that truly benefit the environment, rather than just marketing claims.

Growth and Impact: Since its inception, CO2U has experienced significant growth, with a 500% increase in the second year. The company is expanding its reach across Europe, demonstrating that sustainable business practices can also be profitable.

Overall, the episode illustrates how CO2U not only meets consumer demand for sparkling water but also contributes positively to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste and promoting the use of tap water.

CO2YOU website: https://co2you.com/

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