What is the One Water Project?
Every time a bottle of One Water is purchased, a step is taken toward providing clean water and sanitation to communities around the world. Born in 2005 from a vision to change one life, one day at a time, the project embodies a simple yet powerful idea – that everyone deserves safe, clean water. It all began with a striking photo of a young girl sitting next to a padlocked tap in Nairobi, Kenya. Duncan had just returned from 2 years motorbiking around the world and experienced firsthand the hardships of life without safe water. That moment sparked inspiration, setting the stage for One Water and its compelling mission… a mission that continues to resonate globally.
Main Benefit of the Initiative
• Over 5 million lives have been changed in partnership with The One Foundation
• Launched in 2005 with a focus on transforming life one day at a time
• Maximises the use of recycled materials (100% recycled where possible)
• Ensures that all products are 100% recyclable
• Recognised as a founding UK B Corporation, one of the first companies to register in the UK over 10 years ago
The Journey and the Mission
The story behind One Water is one of determination, empathy, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. Starting back in 2005, the idea was as straightforward as it was revolutionary – sell bottled water and use the proceeds to fund clean water projects for communities living in extreme poverty. With each bottle sold, the project reinforces its vision: a world where safe, clean water is a reality for every person. The journey is filled with moments that remind onlookers that even the smallest contribution can grow into something monumental… a constant reminder that every drop, every effort, counts towards building a healthier world.
The Environmental Commitment
This initiative isn’t solely about providing water—it is also deeply committed to sustainability. One Water maximises its use of recycled materials, ensuring that whenever possible, resources are 100% recycled. In addition, every product is fully recyclable, showcasing a firm commitment to environmental responsibility. The approach is clear: environmental care and humanitarian efforts can go hand in hand. The project’s attitude is refreshingly direct, embracing innovations that reduce waste and promote sustainable practices. It is a vivid example of how everyday actions can contribute to a greener planet, all while tackling significant social challenges and safeguarding precious natural resources.
The Vision Behind the Project
The project’s vision is as bold as it is beautiful: a world in which every person has access to safe, clean water. It took root when Duncan, moved by his own experiences and a poignant photograph from Nairobi, decided that change was necessary. The inspiration came at a time when life without clean water was not just a distant concept but an everyday struggle for many communities. It started with a simple goal: to help communities living in extreme poverty by funding clean water projects through the sale of bottled water. Over the past 20 years, this idea has grown into a global movement, reflecting the unwavering belief that every community deserves a chance to thrive.
The Transformative Impact
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring universal access to safe water
- SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing – Improving health through better water and sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting recycling and sustainable materials
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Alleviating extreme poverty by transforming communities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Empowering local areas through sustainable solutions
Future Aspirations and Continuing Legacy
The legacy of One Water continues to grow as the initiative looks forward with fresh energy and determination. Every bottle sold is not just a means of quenching thirst—it is a promise of change, a commitment to ensuring that communities lacking basic amenities can dream of a better future. Over time, the project has harnessed both innovative environmental practices and deep-rooted humanitarian goals to become a beacon of hope. The use of recycled materials, the 100% recyclable nature of its products, and its longstanding commitment as a founding UK B Corporation underscore that quality and morality can coexist in business. One Water’s journey is a celebration of how simple, purposeful actions—like buying a bottle—can ripple across the world, changing lives in ways that go far beyond what words can describe… a true testimony to the power of collective care.
