This school year, reusable water bottles continue to be a staple in the hallways of New Hyde Park Memorial High School, with Owala bottles emerging as a noticeable favorite among students. From classrooms to in backpacks moving between periods, the brightly colored bottles have become a daily presence across the school.
A survey of 80 NHP students conducted in October found that 73% reported bringing a reusable water bottle to school regularly. Of those students, 62% said they owned an Owala bottle. When asked why they chose Owala, students most frequently cited the bottle’s durability and its distinctive color combinations, as well as the dual sip lid that allows users to drink through a straw or pour directly.
“I love everything about my Owala, I bring it everywhere. I appreciate how it keeps my water cold and is very durable. The color ways also are a huge plus and my Owala motivates me to drink more water,” junior Amy Jigon said.
Research shows that students often choose reusable water bottles for a mixture of functionality and social signaling. While studies on college campuses have found that carrying a reusable bottle is linked to hydration habits and convenience, broader high school trends also point to cultural influences on students’ choices, including peer behavior and group identity tied to everyday objects like water bottles.
Owala’s rise mirrors these broader trends. The brand is known for its patented FreeSip lid and vibrant aesthetics, and its bottles have become a social media sensation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users share videos and photos showcasing their colors and features. These visuals make hydration more appealing and help bottles transition from simple utility items to lifestyle accessories.
“Owalas are just really aesthetic; they look very curated and it feels like an accessory and a water bottle,” junior Phoebe Lu said.
Owala’s brand strategy and retail presence also play a role. The bottles are sold in major stores and through online retailers, and frequent “color drops” and limited editions create a sense of excitement among buyers. The company’s partnerships with major retailers and visibility across social media have helped it compete with established drinkware brands and maintain strong demand among younger consumers.
Teachers have taken notice of the trend and say the shift toward reusable bottles may reflect broader changes in student habits, including increased mindfulness about sustainability and preparedness.
“I myself have purchased an Owala after being influenced by one of my friends. I’ve noticed that in the recent school year, more students have shown up to school with water bottles like the Owala, while in the past we’ve had Hydro Flasks and Stanleys. It’s definitely a trend, but it’s also a shift toward sustainability,” science teacher Mr. Denara said.
While social media trends and peer influence may contribute to the popularity of Owala bottles, students indicated that function mattered more than brand recognition. Of those surveyed who owned an Owala, 60% said they would continue using it even if it stopped being popular.
As reusable bottles continue to replace disposable ones at NHP, the rise of Owalas reflects more than a passing trend. For many students, the bottles have become a reliable part of the school day, combining convenience, durability and personal style in a way that has reshaped what fills backpacks and desks throughout the building.
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