The water cooler was once the gathering spot in offices, but now all the cool offices are dumping the idea. Offices are recognizing that the practice is not environmentally sound and is adding unnecessary expenses at a time when most companies want to cut costs.

The large water bottles are petroleum based, and the practice of wasting energy and polluting our communities by trucking them to offices is so last decade.

Local water sources often abide by stricter health regulations than bottled water, so you can feel confident heading to the tap. A filtered pitcher in the break room refrigerator can help address any concerns about having cold water handy or the safety of water traveling through the pipes in older office buildings.