People Water is an LA based bottled water company with the same principle of TOMS shoes – instead of giving shoes to those in need, they are giving water, drop for drop. They started selling bottles November 2011. I was able to interview Cody, the Co Founder and Katelin the Advertising Director. Here’s what went down:

The company is fairly new, are you happy with the response that People water has received so far?

Yeah, it’s been amazing. The response has been overwhelming and positive. We’re amazed at how quickly this has started to catch on

I’ve seen People popping up a lot recently in action sports, last week with Stezus Christ at the Berrics and also Utah snowboarder Alex Andrews in a Hump Day interview on Yobeat.com, will People water be considered just an action sports brand?

We’ve had a huge response within the action sports industry, we’re also working with Steve Berra. We have all this amazing support but we don’t consider ourselves an actions sports brand. We have plans to be with the Dirty Dash and Color Me Rad. Wherever there are thirsty people that want to help out, we want to be there. 

Can we expect to see any wakeboarders/wakeskaters supporting People in the future?

For sure, we are definitely looking into rolling something out this summer.

Rad, Drink Water – started by Austin Smith and Bryan Fox openly opposes the marketing of energy drinks to kids through action sports – does People have a stance on energy drinks?

We don’t have a stance, but…our body is made up of about 70% water… We just want people to give their body what it wants.

Makes sense to drink it then. I’ve always wondered what happened to my money when I bought a pair of Toms shoes, can you briefly describe what happens when I buy a bottle of People?

When you buy a bottle of People Water we donate an equal amount of clean water to a person in need. What that essentially means is with bottled water sales we are able to fund well projects in developing countries that suffer from the effects of dirty water. On average a well produces 500 liters of water per day. For us to meet an equal amount of water given it will take 4-6 months of use from the well. We work with different charity partners who are local in that country to make sure donations go where they need to go.

Thats amazing, I know you helped build a well in Nicaragua, will People focus on other continents outside of Africa in the future?

We are wanting to go wherever we see a great need. We have big plans to help people all over the world.

What inspired you to start a company like People?

I’ve always wanted to help. I wanted to create a company with a charitable arm that was fully sustainable. I didn’t want to start a charity that asked people to donate money or really change anything they were doing. When people buy People Water, yes, we make money and it fuels our business but it also fuels and makes our charity efforts possible. This way as long as People Water is selling water we will always be able to help those who live without clean water.

Thats awesome, I’ve worked with non profits before and it’s always hard when all the income is based on donations. I’d rather buy a product and get something back while helping then just giving money to a cause. Ok last question – What western states can you purchase People Water, and when can people expect to see it in a store near them?

We appreciate your support!  We are currently being sold in Utah and are quickly moving into Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. If you can’t find People Water in stores the easiest way to purchase it will be from our online store which will be up in the next 3 weeks.

Awesome. Anything else you’d like to say for the interview? Last words?

We’re not asking anyone to change their habits. If you are going to buy and drink bottled water, make it People Water -  and hit us up on facebook, twitter (@peoplewater) , instagram (@peoplewater), our blog. We are constantly putting up new, cool stuff and do quite a few giveaways!

There you have it, People Water, drop for drop.

AWAKE