Mayor Winthrop and The Greenlove Foundation unveil water bottle filling station at Perotti Park.

On May 24, 2017, the Greenlove Foundation unveiled a water bottle filling station at Perotti Park just in time for the busy Memorial Day weekend. The park is in the heart of downtown Newport that is visited by Rhode Island residents and thousands of tourists from around the world throughout the year. It is the second outdoor water bottle filling station dedicated by Greenlove in Newport. The first one was installed at Ft. Adams State Park

Ferries that carry passengers to and from Block Island and Providence run from the ferry terminal located at Perotti Park. The park is one of the busiest areas with tourists embarking and disembarking from the ferries as well as from the tenders of major cruise lines that come into Newport each year. The site is an ideal location for runners, bikers, cruise passengers and locals who can benefit from the water bottle filling station/drinking fountain.

Mayor Winthrop cut the ribbon with the Greenlove Foundation founders, Katherine and Michael Bowers. Mayor Winthrop said, “I have learned over the years, that the city can not do everything on its own for the great city of Newport and it is a joint effort between the city and organizations like the Greenlove Foundation to get things done.” Dave McLaughlin of Clean Ocean Access, Susan Taylor, the first ward representative and Kristie Gardiner from Newport Energy & Environmental Commission were part of the group attending the dedication. Dave McLaughlin, Rep. Susan Taylor and Kristie Gardiner along with the Greenlove Foundation have the same goal to reduce plastic litter that is destroying so many ecosystems. During the fall of 2016, Clean Ocean Access initiated the ”Newport Harbor Trash Skimmer Project” at Perotti Park. The skimmers are a highly effective method of removing debris and improving the quality of Newport’s harbor. The skimmers removed 1338 pieces of floating debris, toxins and oil to improve Newport Harbor’s water quality. During their inaugural season, over 6,000 pounds of debris was collected. By using a reusable bottle at the water bottle filling station, less plastic will end up in our waters and in our landfills.

The water bottle filling stations offers a cleaner, healthier water that keeps drinking water safe by using filters that meet federal and state low-lead requirements. The stations save money and energy spent on disposable plastic bottles.

The Greenlove Foundation was founded in loving memory of Kendra L. Bowers.

For more information please visit:

https://www.greenlovefoundation.org/

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