Through the bustling hallways and the crowded cafeteria, students hold on tight to their belongings. They grasp onto the straps of their backpacks and hold their school IDs firmly in one hand.
In the other they hold their everyday essential and accessory, a stainless steel reusable water bottle.
Social media trends have persuaded teenagers to buy water bottles as cute accessories rather than environmentally conscious alternatives. The latest popular water bottle, the Owala, has transformed this narrative by establishing itself as both functional and aesthetic.
Junior Camila Bravo has participated in the water bottle trends long before the rise of the Owala. She currently has a Hydro Flask, Stanley and two Owalas: the essential “clean girl” water bottles. However, after her friend recommended the Owala to her and she purchased one, Camila has never looked back.
“I love the Owala because it has a built-in straw, but you can also chug it and have those bits of ice,” Camila said. “I also like that you can carry it, you also can lock it, it fits my backpack and it’s pretty resistant against falling.”
Camila’s satisfaction with her Owala water bottle has reduced the pressure she feels to buy the next popular water bottle.
“I don’t feel the need to buy the next hot water bottle because I’m just really happy with the one I have.”
Junior Maya Livini said she was also satisfied with her purchase of the Owala. Maya said she enjoys the water bottle’s versatility: the perfect intersection between functionality and aesthetic.
The Owala water bottle differs from its predecessors because of its attention to detail. The company has made efforts to build a water bottle that is both sustainable and attractive to consumers. With creative colorways and a variety of different styles, the Owala is “designed to help you do more of what you love,” according to their website.
Camila said that the wide range of colors and mix and match design options for Owalas contribute to their popularity among teenagers.
Maya stated that the Owala’s multiple drinking options allow her to chug her water during workouts and sip it while in class.
In a school full of students rushing to their next classes and tiredly climbing up the stairs, water bottles are crucial to staying hydrated and focused during class. While the Owala was initially pushed by social media for teens to buy to match the latest trend, it has become a fan favorite because of its features that help people appreciate both the functionality and aesthetic of having a reusable water bottle.
