There is a quiet irony in the way we’ve been taught to live. Water is the very essence of our existence, yet we have been convinced that for it to be "safe" or "premium," it must be wrapped in a brittle plastic shell—a shell that will likely exist on this planet for 450 years longer than we will.
When I walk through a city and see a discarded plastic bottle on the sidewalk, I don’t just see litter. I see a failure of our community. It’s a sign that we’ve forgotten how to share the most basic necessity of life. But there is a movement trying to fix this, and it starts with a map.
The Return of the Commons
I’ve been spending time using the Closca app lately, and it’s changed how I see the streets. Closca isn't just about selling sleek bottles; they have mapped the world’s water fountains.
A public water fountain is a beautiful thing. It is a monument to the "commons"—the idea that some things are so fundamental that they should be free and accessible to everyone. In a world that tries to privatize everything, a fountain is a radical statement of hospitality. It says: "You belong here. You are thirsty, and we have provided for you."
Becoming a Cartographer
Every time you use a fountain instead of buying a bottle, you aren't just saving money. You are refusing to participate in the extraction of the oil used to make that plastic. You are saving the liters of water it took just to manufacture the bottle itself.
But the most humane part? You are joining a community of "Cartographers of Kindness." By using these apps, you can mark new fountains and verify existing ones. You are leaving a breadcrumb for the next thirsty traveler.
Your Action Today
Download a refill app today (Closca or Tap). As you go about your day, look for a fountain. If you find one that isn't on the map, add it. Think of it as a gift to a stranger. We often think that saving the world requires massive gestures, but sometimes, it’s as simple as making sure the person walking behind you can find a drink of water.
