Bottle Filling Fixtures on Navy Vessels: A Business Case Analysis

Abstract

In this report, we investigate the feasibility, costs, and benefits of installing gooseneck fixtures on U.S. Navy ships to reduce plastic waste and improve Sailors’ quality of life. By equipping water coolers across 162 surface ships with these vertical filling fixtures at a relatively low cost, the Navy can achieve a 50% reduction in single-use plastic bottles, saving approximately $5.6 million in the first year alone. With an initial investment of $1.1 million and a break-even point of just two months, we propose this initiative as a cost-effective and proactive measure toward environmental sustainability. By installing fixtures at a ratio of 1 per 40 Sailors, we underscore the Navy’s commitment to environmental stewardship and highlight substantial cost savings and enhanced quality of life for its personnel.