An Upstream Mission

“Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” Coleridge may have been referring to his beleaguered sailors aboard the Mariner’s ship when he penned those words in the late 18th-century, but they continue to have an urgent ring in today’s times. With fresh, clean water in the world facing a limited — and dwindling — supply, the need to protect our oceans has never been more evident.

KOR Water, the California-based company known for its stylish reusable water bottles and mission of “sustainable hydration,” is continuing to spread the word with the release of the KOR ONE Black. Only 50 units of this $99 Hydration Vessel have, and ever will be, produced. The idea is to highlight the fact that, like the KOR ONE Black, the world’s supply of clean and safe water is very limited.

KOR is putting the money where the message is, with 100 per cent of sales from the KOR ONE Black benefitting efforts by Summit Series and The Nature Conservancy to transform 70 square miles of ocean around the South Berry Islands — one of the most biologically diverse areas in the Bahamas — into a marine protected area.

“Water is the life force that connects us all. Our ultimate goal with the $99 Hydration Vessel campaign is to inspire action and awareness of the sanctity of water,” said Eric Barnes, CEO and co-founder of KOR Water, in a statement. “I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Bahamas last year and go ‘shark-tagging’ with Summit Series and witness the incredible water habitat this region provides for ocean life.”

If you’re unable to get your hands on the KOR ONE Black, you can still contribute to the company’s social responsibility mission through its Thirst for Giving program. One per cent of all sales of KOR bottles is donated to a select group of non-profits focused on water-related issues, with each of four colours linked to a different cause.

For more information on how to purchase the KOR ONE Black and on KOR’s water advocacy work, visit korwater.com

— Eva Lam


Photos Courtesy: KOR Water