2008 Woodie Awards
Letter to the Editor: Response: Water, water, everywhere
Issue date: 7/9/08 Section: Opinion
Usually whenever I read an article in the Alestle that I find somewhat thought provoking I quell the need to respond. I usually forget about the article or my argument against it within a couple hours of reading it. This is not the case, though. After reading the article you published, "A plea for free water once more" I feel compelled to respond since, not only do I work at the Starbucks that was referred to in the article, but also because the argument put forth was unreasonable. There are certain facts that were ignored in the argument that I feel need to be addressed.
First argument: restaurants give water for free. Restaurants also put their water into glasses, unlike Starbucks, which utilizes plastic cups. Unlike the Starbucks plastic cup, restaurant glasses can be washed and reused. What was the last restaurant you went to that used plastic cups? I cannot think of any.
Second argument: Starbucks charging for water is a catalyst for dehydration. This argument is also unreasonable. Now, I have only been going to school at SIUE for about a year and half now, but I feel safe in saying there are indeed water fountains on campus! I know I was as surprised, as I am sure you all were, to make this grand discovery! In fact, they are not only on campus but also in every building. Water fountains: where every press is free.
But wait! We cannot possibly drink from a water fountain all day or until our thirst is quenched! This is when another grand invention comes into play-a water bottle! Water can stay within a water bottle all day or until you drink it all. Crazy!
If you are not into the whole "water bottle" thing, you can bring a cup from home to put water in. The best thing about water bottles is they can be reused. I am not trying to drop a line or anything, but I saw that Starbucks sells water bottles. On top of that, I heard they would put free ice water into your water bottle even if the water bottle is not a Starbucks one. Think about it.
If all this sounds way too convoluted, I know of another place where water is free and uncomplicated. In the downstairs of the MUC, this place they call "Center Court", where they keep the condiments, over by the microwaves, there is free water. Oh yes, I have seen it and it is wonderful! Another free amenity they offer besides water is free cups.
Fear not potential dehydrate-ees, there is free water on campus, and I have found it in many forms. So the next time one of us Starbucks employees tries to charge you 30 cents for a plastic cup that we had to pay for and cannot be reused, simply say the following: "No thank you. I will go to a magical water fountain or the condiment bars by Center Court and get free water."
Bridgette Carter
Senior, Criminal Justice
First argument: restaurants give water for free. Restaurants also put their water into glasses, unlike Starbucks, which utilizes plastic cups. Unlike the Starbucks plastic cup, restaurant glasses can be washed and reused. What was the last restaurant you went to that used plastic cups? I cannot think of any.
Second argument: Starbucks charging for water is a catalyst for dehydration. This argument is also unreasonable. Now, I have only been going to school at SIUE for about a year and half now, but I feel safe in saying there are indeed water fountains on campus! I know I was as surprised, as I am sure you all were, to make this grand discovery! In fact, they are not only on campus but also in every building. Water fountains: where every press is free.
But wait! We cannot possibly drink from a water fountain all day or until our thirst is quenched! This is when another grand invention comes into play-a water bottle! Water can stay within a water bottle all day or until you drink it all. Crazy!
If you are not into the whole "water bottle" thing, you can bring a cup from home to put water in. The best thing about water bottles is they can be reused. I am not trying to drop a line or anything, but I saw that Starbucks sells water bottles. On top of that, I heard they would put free ice water into your water bottle even if the water bottle is not a Starbucks one. Think about it.
If all this sounds way too convoluted, I know of another place where water is free and uncomplicated. In the downstairs of the MUC, this place they call "Center Court", where they keep the condiments, over by the microwaves, there is free water. Oh yes, I have seen it and it is wonderful! Another free amenity they offer besides water is free cups.
Fear not potential dehydrate-ees, there is free water on campus, and I have found it in many forms. So the next time one of us Starbucks employees tries to charge you 30 cents for a plastic cup that we had to pay for and cannot be reused, simply say the following: "No thank you. I will go to a magical water fountain or the condiment bars by Center Court and get free water."
Bridgette Carter
Senior, Criminal Justice
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