Our water is worth more than we think

From Lake Michigan to the Fox River, how we use our water resources—including what we conserve, how much we waste, and what we choose to invest in water quality—is up to all of us. What Our Water's Worth is an ongoing campaign led by the Metropolitan Planning Council and Openlands to raise awareness about the value of water in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana.

Water stories

Coca-Cola saving water, energy through corporate sustainability strategies

By José Ilarraza-Boyed For more than 125 years, Coca-Cola has been “refreshing the world” with its products, some 3,500 beverages, including its namesake soda as well as more unique offerings such as Andina Juice distributed in Chile and Burn energy drink in Africa. Because water is a major ingredient in nearly every one of the brand’s soft drinks, conserving this natural resource while maintaining exceptional product quality poses a serious challenge. By creating and tracking progress toward a comprehensive set of sustainability goals, which play a critical role in the company’s mission and day-to-day operations, Coca-Cola is rising to the challenge. Considering the scope of the brand and … Continue »

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The WOWW factor

3 billion gallons Amount of water Coca-Cola has saved in the U.S. since 2005 through water efficiency improvements at their facilities.

Conservation tip

Put your money where your heart is. Support businesses in our region taking steps to be good water stewards, including those What Our Water's Worth has profiled: King Car Wash, Goose Island Beer Company, Testa Produce, Inc., and Uncommon Ground.

Featured resource

Watch this video to learn how to install a rain garden on your own property, like the one Coca-Cola has supported in Niles.

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