Use public fountains, reduce waste
Tens of millions of tons of plastic waste are produced across the European Union every year. Progress is being made, but there’s still a long way to go! During your stay in Florence, you can personally help bring that number down, with three simple steps:
1. Drink tap water
Florence’s tap water is public, safe, and perfectly drinkable — the best way to stay hydrated without spending money or harming the environment. Quality and safety are guaranteed by Publiacqua, the utility company that manages the water supply for several of Tuscany’s main provinces, Florence included.
2. Find a fountain
Chances are you’re already traveling with a reusable water bottle, so remember to fill it up at one of the city’s many fountains, known locally as “fontanelli,” which offer free still or sparkling water. The most central one sits in Piazza della Signoria, just behind the “Biancone” — that’s what locals call the statue of Neptune!
3. Don't waste water, and recycle
Especially in summer, but really all year round, it’s important to conserve this resource by taking shorter showers and washing food and clothes as efficiently as possible. And if you do use plastic bottles, always toss them in the blue bins reserved for plastic packaging and containers.
4. Respect the monuments
Even on the hottest days, misusing Florence’s monumental fountains — or worse, swimming in them — is strictly forbidden and subject to fines. The same goes for diving into the Arno, for safety and hygiene reasons.