For some students at the University of Maryland, water bottles carry an identity.
Along with a phone, keys and wallet, water bottles have become a necessity that people take with them wherever they go.
Many people that are active or regularly go to the gym have a water bottle that they trust and handle’s everyday wear and tear. There are even people that are borderline emotionally attached to them, feeling lost without it in their possession.
This is the case for senior communications major Sean McGrady, who regularly attends the gym and tries to consume at least one gallon of water a day.
“I try to keep the same routine each day, so being hydrated and having it with me is actually very important to me,” he said. “If I leave it at home or in my car it throws me off my schedule.”
McGrady uses a HydroFlask that he just recently purchased and tries to keep it filled at all times.
Staying hydrated and refreshed is important to a student’s health and can keep them energized and focused throughout the day. This is true especially when being active and trying to push through a tough workout. The Eppley Recreation Center has multiple options for members to refill their water in a quick manner.
“I know that I’ll be able to fill it up in almost every building so that’s never a worry of mine,” McGrady added.
The recent use of reusable water bottles as opposed to plastic water bottles has increased as people attempt to use less plastic and be environmentally friendly.
Senior business major and avid gym-lover Guy Filomena says he has his water bottle with him almost all day long.
“It’s just so convenient,” he said. “I usually drink a lot of water throughout the day, so having it with me is crucial.”
Since he goes to the gym six times a week, Filomena uses a Blender Bottle, which can also be used to make protein shakes and other drinks.
The bottle serves multiple uses and is large enough to take longer to drink without having to constantly be filled up, which could be a problem with a bottle of a smaller size.
“One fill up of this bottle lasts me way longer than I thought it would, which saves me a lot of time,” he added.
Senior Maryland Athletics videographer and communications major Matt Hennelly says he has used the same water bottle since starting at Maryland.
“I’ve never really needed to change it,” he said. “It’s easy for me, especially when I’m working, to know I’ll always have something to drink.”
Hennelly uses the Gatorade-style bottle that a lot of athletes use.
He used to run through packs of plastic water bottles before realizing how much plastic he wasted. Since there are so many water fountains and places to fill up a bottle on campus and in buildings, it made sense to switch to one consistent bottle.
“It’s quick and easy and it’s lasted so long, why should I switch up now?” he said.