Walmart
Each Walmart associate represented one of eight water users – agriculture, energy, industry for example.  Using eight strings attached to a rubber band, associates first stretched the band around an aluminum can filled with water; then they lifted the can off the ground.  Before they had a chance to maneuver the obstacle course, the can of water crashed to the ground.

When discussing what they would do to keep the can of water from falling, comments were: “communicate more” and “devise a plan before beginning.” 

Perhaps the most important insight gained was an understanding that all water users must share the same water source and that cooperation and compromise were key ingredients to managing water for the good of all. 

The above excerpt was taken from a Walmart associate training held in November 2008, involving 20 associates from five Montana Walmart stores. After the training, Walmart associates led Project WET activities at store meetings and volunteered in local classrooms, teaching about the water cycle, watershed protection and water conservation.

Evaluating the workshop a month later, associates reported they were taking action at home; for example, they had shortened their showers and were watering lawns early in the morning rather than mid-day.

According to store management, the workshop increased associate participation on the store sustainability team, increased associate morale and engagement in store activities, got associates thinking more about environmental issues and strengthened relationships among store associates.

Nestlé Waters North America (NWNA)
Project WET also trained employees at five NWNA plants.  As part of the trainings, the plants’ natural resource managers and communication directors linked Project WET activities to the company’s operations and issues within local communities. 

Following the trainings, plant employees held Make a Splash with Project WET water festivals for students in the community. Project WET-trained plant employees led activities at several stations.
 
As a result of the Project WET trainings and related festivals, NWNA successfully activated water education in its plant communities, empowered employees, built stronger teams within each plant and engaged company and plant stakeholders.