People often claim the reasons they buy bottled water is because of convenience, supposed health benefits, and better taste. Yet, a majority of consumers cannot identify any valid reasons as to why they choose bottled water over a reusable bottle. In a way, you could assert that filling up a reusable water bottle for the day is more convenient than finding a store that sells bottled water and having to wait in the check-out line to pay. Many studies have shown that using a reusable bottle is not only beneficial for our wallets, but for our health as well.

Here are 5 reasons why not to purchase bottled water

1. Bottled water is not any healthier or cleaner than tap water, although the industry may claim
2. One plastic bottle can take hundreds of years to decompose; therefore, loading up our landfills for years at a time (Greeniac24)
3. Expensive and costly compared to drinking tap water or filtered water from a reusable, biodegradable bottle
4. The production of one plastic bottle uses energy, omits toxins into the air, and uses more water to produce than actually put into the bottle for drinking
5. Plastic bottles contain a harmful substance called polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which is dangerous to human health (Greeniac24)

Here are 5 benefits of using a reusable water bottle

1. Better for our environment by reducing the amount of fossil fuels and toxins released into the air during production
2. Durable, stylish, and can help you decrease your carbon footprint (Greeniac24)
3. Tap water is more cost-efficient. Bottled water can cost up to 500 times the cost of tap water
4. Better for your health and the health of your family by using a BPA-free, lead-free reusable bottle
5. Convenient. Most public facilities have water fountains to fill up your water bottle

Most would think these facts are a no-brainer and the better choice is to have a reusable bottle, yet millions of bottles of water are purchased every day. We all have the choice to make a change for the environment, the economy, and our personal health; we just need to take that step forward and Ban the Bottle.

It’s almost Mother’s Day! Families gather to celebrate their mom’s and all they have done for them throughout their lives. Mother’s Day may only be celebrated once a year, but everything a mother does for her family, noticed and unnoticed, should be shown gratitude every day. 

For this holiday, some families indulge on vacations and attend spectacular festivities while others partake in a relaxing day at home after making breakfast in bed for mom. Whatever way you choose to spoil your mother will be sure to put a smile on her face.

But one issue that arises for many around this time of year is, “What should I get mom?” Well we have a few ideas for you.

1. A reusable water bottle such as a Nalgene or Camelbak
2. Sustainable, eco-friendly apparel which can be found on many eco-friendly websites
3. Plant a fresh fruit or vegetable garden together
4. Sustainable journal made out of hemp
5. A book on sustainable living
6. Ecotonix compost machine found on Earth Techling.com
7. Reusable shopping bags
8. Green cosmetics such as Alima Pure, Nvey Eco, and Organic Wear
9. Go on a walk/hike (but don’t forget your reusable water bottle!)
10. Reusable coffee filters

Now, we’d like to know how you plan to celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom and/or family. Post a blurb below and tell us your ideas!

Today’s smartphone can play many roles in your life�mobile payment device, gaming gadget, personal trainer, and it can even act as a calling device (imagine that). But could your smartphone soon help quench your thirst as well?

Technology product design and development firm Cambridge Consultants, www.cambridgeconsultants.com, based in England, announced the development of the i-dration water bottle. Working in synch with a smartphone, this water bottle is designed to help athletes maintain optimum levels of hydration by alerting the user when it is time to take a drink of water during an activity.

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