Ban on bottled water: Hydration with the Environment in Mind

Ban on bottled water: Hydration with the Environment in Mind

As the movement towards a complete ban on bottled water becomes an increasing possibility in society today, we can no longer ignore or avoid the effects of bottled water on our environment.  As the facts of the environmental consequences of bottled water are becoming more and accessible and apparent, certain communities are beginning to respond, such as the small town of Bundanoon in southern NSW, Australia which, on the 26th of September, became the first town in the world to ban bottled water.

According to www.gotap.com.au, a website run by the not-for-profit organisation, Do Something, which promotes positive social and environmental change, these are the facts on the bottled water industry and why they believe things have to change:

 

  • 64% of all bottles consumed go to land fill with only 36% being recycled
  • The production of one liter of bottle water emits 100 times more greenhouse gases than a liter of tap water

Hygiene is the #1 cause of Gastro

Environmental Impacts

There is no arguing that bottled water has detrimental effects on the environment right from when it is produced right through to its consumption.  According to www.celanup.org.au it all begins at the source.  Spring water used in bottled water is sourced from underground aquifers upstream from where the water surfaces.  This interrupts the natural aquifer flow, effecting eco systems relying on the water for nourishment and growth.

 In production, most bottles are produced from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), a plastic resin which is derived from crude oil.  It takes up to 250ml of crude oil to produce one liter of bottled water and in this process three litres of water is used.

 The water is then transported all around the world, burning fossil fuels that otherwise would not be taking a toll on the environment if bottled water was banned.

Did you know nearly 96% of people suffer from Gastro in their life

According to the 2009 ‘Rubbish Report’ by Clean Up Australia, plastic bottles are amongst the ten most common rubbish items picked up on Clean Up Australia day.  Bottles that are not recycled and go to land fill can take up to 1000 years per plastic bottle to decompose.

So what are the main reasons people insisting on turning to bottled water?  Some would argue that bottled water not only tastes better than tap water, but that it is also a healthier alternative and is more convenient.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that bottled water is a healthier alternative. Unless your bottle of water is spring water from natural sources, then it is simply sourced from municipal water supplies, i.e. tap water, but has received extra treatment.  Fortunately, as environmental awareness begins to rise, more people are beginning to wake up to the facts.

Increasing Trend of Social Responsibility

 As mentioned in the introduction, Bundanoon, was the first town in the world to ban bottled water.  The town replaced bottles of water in their stores with refillable and reusable bottles that can be replenished from water fountains installed inside shops and in the streets.

Following in the footsteps of Bundanoon, in January of 2011, the University of Canberra, Australia, declared that they were set to ban bottled water across their campuses.  They turned to the solution of vending machines called WaterVend, providing water refills for a dollar rather than students and university staff having to pay $3.00 for a bottle of water.

On the 3rd of January in 20193 Concord, a town in the USA state of Massachusetts passed a law making single serving bottle water illegal.  According to Ninemsn, “…the ban is intended to encourage use of tap water and curb the worldwide problem of plastic pollution.”

Solutions and Alternatives

In an economic and environmental climate that forces us to reconsider bottled water, Australian’s  are fortunate enough to have the alternative of purchasing reusable bottles.  Australian water is said to be world standard drinking water, but you are encouraged to adopt the use of water filters.

 

For water filtration on the run and in your home, SureAqua recommends their range of  filter and purification products, which you can view on our webpage by following this link:

https://www.sureaqua.com/products

 

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To research all the facts presented in this article, visit our trusted points of reference and support the promotion of ‘positive environmental change’:

1 – http://www.gotap.com.au/Did%20you%20know/Research.aspx

2 – http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/LiveGreener/bottled-water-at-school.html?kw=water

3 – Pacific Institute, “Bottled water and energy / A fact sheet” http://www.pacinst.org/topics/water_and_sustainability/bottled_water/bottled_water_and_energy.html

4 – Clean Up Australia, “Rubbish Report 2009” http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/NewsandMedia/rubbishreport.html?kw=rubbish%20report

5 – http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/bundanoon-in-world-first-ban-on-bottled-water/story-e6frg6nf-1225779878437

6 – http://www.gotap.com.au/en/Blog/Major%20Australian%20university%20bans%20bottled%20water.aspx

7 – http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2013/01/03/10/20/us-town-bans-bottled-water

Drinking Water Bottle bugs

Drinking Water Bottle bugs

Drinking Water Bottle bugs

Drinking water bottles are common in the U.S.– and in numerous other developed nations as well. Children bring drinking water bottles to school. Moms and dads carry drinking water bottles as they commute to work, children’s soccer games, and so on. Some people have actually begun bring drinking water bottles to church with them. Professional athletes constantly seem to have a drinking water bottle with them.

Convenience

A significant factor for using drinking water bottles is the benefit they provide. Drinking water bottles include little cost, and their loss is not an issue.

What takes place, though, when drinking water bottles are not recycled?

Hygiene is the #1 cause of Gastro

The Danger

Disposing of drinking water bottles is the best idea, however many people refill them. If they clear the bottle while jogging, they stop and refill it at a water fountain. They fill up drinking water bottles from the filter if they have a filter at home. At work, they might refill a drinking water bottle from the water cooler. Each time, they may be putting healthy drinking water into the bottle, but is this a safe practice? Or is there risk in filling up disposable drinking water bottles?

The threat is not, as claimed by an old web urban myth, that the bottles will break down into carcinogenic substances. That plastic scare came from with the master’s thesis of an undergraduate student who did not carry out enough clinical research study prior to releasing his thesis. USFDA requirements control the type of plastic utilized for bottled water.

Can plastic drinking water bottles break down? Can plastic leach into the water when you refill them? Potentially. It is stated that some bottles, even those authorized by the USFDA, do undoubtedly seep into water– even prior to you open the bottle.

Did you know nearly 96% of people suffer from Gastro in their life

Germs

Although your plastic drinking water bottles might not break down into cancer-causing compounds, and might not seep plastic into your water, they do consist of bacteria. Bacteria can grow and recreate quickly in an empty plastic drinking water bottle.

Each time you take a beverage from that drinking water bottle, you deposit germs from your mouth on the rim of the bottle. If you refill the bottle without washing it, you merely flush the germs into your water.

However They Are MY Bugs

Germs in the drinking water bottle are no longer managed. In addition, other bacteria will go into the bottle from the air, socializing with those from your mouth.

Washing Helps

Washing the bottle completely will damage many of the bacteria. The bottle must be washed after each use, prior to refilling. The only way to have healthy drinking water is to use drinking water bottles only once, or wash them completely before refilling.

Since very hot water is the best method to get the bottle clean, a dishwashing machine is suggested. You will have to put the bottle on the top rack, considering that the plastic is not designed for high temperature. When the wash cycle ends, remove your drinking water bottle right away before the dry cycle can start.

FREEZE OUT

When you take the tidy drinking water bottle from your dishwashing machine, location it into the freezer right away. When you are all set to use it, take the tidy drinking water bottle from the cap, freezer, and fill.

Disposable plastic drinking water bottles are convenient, however do not sacrifice your health.

If they have a filter at home, they refill drinking water bottles from the filter. At work, they may refill a drinking water bottle from the water cooler. It is said that some bottles, even those approved by the USFDA, do certainly leach into water– even before you open the bottle.

Each time you take a drink from that drinking water bottle, you transfer bacteria from your mouth on the rim of the bottle. The only method to have healthy drinking water is to use drinking water bottles only as soon as, or clean them thoroughly prior to filling up.

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How to Find Water for Survival in the Wilderness

How to Find Water for Survival in the Wilderness

Water is vital if you end up being stranded out in the wilderness. Here are some suggestions to discovering water for survival.

First, try to find surface water in the location. Rivers, streams, and lakes are often outstanding sources for water. If you find running water at high altitudes in separated areas, it is probably safe to drink. Never assume water is safe for consumption. It is always best to be cautious. Water from melting ice and glaciers, for instance, frequently consists of bacteria that can be harmful to humans when consumed.

If you are unsure of the quality in the area, always cleanse any water. Prevent taking possibilities whenever possible. This is the best way to stay safe and healthy.

Preparing for a hike is critical for your survival

If you are unable to find surface area water, do not worry. Dig into damp soil. Allow the water to settle and end up being clearer.

This muddy water can be filtered and cleansed to become safe drinking water with a little effort and time. Although drinking, from what is essentially a mud puddle, may not sound attractive, it truly can conserve your life in an outside survival scenario.

Beware of stagnant water with little or no signs of life. This is often a red flag cautioning you to stay away.

Look for animal tracks that converge. See if they will lead you to a water source.

Valleys are great locations for natural drainage, so inspect low areas for possible water.

As the Scouts say..Be Prepared

Pests often stay near water, so if the pests are plentiful, you are most likely close. Birds will frequently fly near sources of water.

Collecting water is another method to get the adequate fluids you need to survive. Water is generally safe to consume. Collect rain water in a clean container to remain hydrated.

You can also gather water from plants. Wet a fabric by soaking it in the early morning dew discovered on long, damp lawn. Once the cloth becomes saturated, wring it out directly into your mouth or a collection container. Drink what you can and desire in the morning and conserve as much water as possible in your collection container to drink for the remainder of the day.

Roots from plants and trees collect water from the ground. Let the plant work for you to gather water. Find a growing branch that has exposure to the sun. Connect a plastic bag over this branch. Close the bag, however be careful not to puncture a hole in it. Let a corner of the bag hang low to collect the drinking water from the condensation

Finding water is key to survival in an emergency. With these suggestions, you ought to have no problem finding the water you require to remain hydrated in a survival situation. Always remember to properly purify any water that may be questionable.

Here are some ideas to finding water for survival.

If you find running water at high altitudes in isolated locations, it is probably safe to drink. If you are not able to find surface area water, don’t fret.

Discovering water is essential to survival in an emergency situation. With these suggestions, you need to have no issue finding the water you need to remain hydrated in a survival situation.

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Dehydration The Quiet Killer

Dehydration The Quiet Killer

The human body is comprised of about 70 percent water. Under regular conditions it loses some body water through sweat, tears, urine and stool. Water also evaporates from the skin and leaves the body in the kind of vapor when individuals breathe. Dehydration ends up being a major health concern amongst many people because of these realities. 

Dehydration is a condition in which the body lacks water and electrolytes. Electrolytes are compounds which contains complimentary ions that are used by the body in essential cellular activity. This condition may cause severe conditions and even death if not given appropriate attention.

Hygiene is the #1 cause of Gastro

One significant cause of dehydration is inadequate intake of water. Combined with extremely hot weather, insufficient water intake may result in severe dehydration or heatstroke (extreme form of heat disease). In addition to these aspects, other reasons for dehydration may include intense exercises and other agonizing physical activities.

These activities may cause excessive sweating and diminish the body of electrolytes and other essential nutrients. Other causes of dehydration can be digestion issues brought on by defects, disease or response to gastric bypass or other surgical treatments on the stomach. Health ailments like nausea and vomiting or diarrhea are other reasons for dehydration. Too much alcohol and coffee intake may also trigger dehydration.

Did you know nearly 96% of people suffer from Gastro in their life

Some indications of dehydration may include dizziness, sunken eyes, quick heartbeat, dry mouth, tiredness, and irritability. It is necessary to give emphasis on the treatment of dehydration due to the fact that without treatment and extreme dehydration can cause shock. This happens when there are insufficient water in the brains and other important organs.

It is important to find out the indications of dehydration and treat them rapidly prior to they aggravate. If possible, individuals should attempt not get dehydrated in the first place. The aim in dealing with dehydration is to change lost fluids and electrolytes. Plain water is the best choice in the first three hours. Health professionals encourage using sports beverage and other alternative beverages with electrolytes. These products might replenish lost nutrients quicker than common water.

Here extra remedies that can be done to lower the development of dehydration:

  • Eliminate the consumption or lower of dehydrating beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas. These beverages include caffeine might increase the danger for dehydration.
  • If drinks with caffeine are taken in, it is recommended that more water than the typical everyday overall. The dehydration brought on by these drinks can be compensated by consuming extra water.
  • Include great deals of fruits and vegetables in a diet plan. These foods have high water content and may increase the body’s water material.
  • The sense of thirst is not a reputable dehydration sign. Individuals might need water long prior to the sense of thirst is felt.

Numerous cases of dehydration can be avoided by keeping the body cool and by preventing hot environments. If left ignored, it is an avoidable condition that can result to death. Extreme care needs to be taken to avoid dehydration specifically during sports activities and intensely hot weather.

Home treatment is usually that is needed to deal with mild dehydration. Nevertheless, extreme exhaustion and sever dehydration might require instant medical attention. Comprehending the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for dehydration may allow numerous people to be mindful of their water intake and enhance their health.

Dehydration is a condition in which the body does not have water and electrolytes. One major cause of dehydration is inadequate consumption of water.

Paired with intensely hot weather, inadequate water consumption may lead to serious dehydration or heatstroke (extreme type of heat illness).

It is important to give emphasis on the treatment of dehydration since untreated and severe dehydration can trigger shock.

Comprehending the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for dehydration may enable lots of people to be mindful of their water consumption and enhance their health.

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Outdoor Camping Emergency Treatment

Outdoor Camping Emergency Treatment

Accidents happen even on the most well planned camping journeys. You need to not only strategy to avoid mishaps, but you likewise require to intend on how to handle them if and when they develop while camping.

The crucial thing is to remember to stay calm. The worse thing you can do is panic. You need to keep a clear head and simply let your emergency treatment training start. Then you need to participate in some classes before going camping, if you don’t have any very first aid training. Then you might not treat the appropriate issue and this could just make it even worse, if you are not calm.

Camping is a greatway to connect to nature

Three common ailments that befall campers are dehydration, heat fatigue, and heat stroke. To many people these all appear like similar disorders, and they are, but they each need to be treated differently.

Complicated which treatment chooses which will not just halt recovery, but it might also do damage. The very first most typical issue while outdoor camping is dehydration.

The best thing to do is simply to keep yourself well hydrated with water. 

You may consume absolutely nothing however soda and coffee at home, however if you try that while camping you will quickly find yourself in a health center room for dehydration. There are numerous indicators of dehydration besides the apparent thirst. Extreme sweating, rapid breathing, clammy skin, and loss of skin elasticity are all signs of dehydration. When dehydrated, children may likewise have sunken eyes.

Did you know close to 98% of natural water ways have bad bacteria that makes you ill!

If someone gets dehydrated while you’re camping then you wish to have them rest in the shade and beverage a lot of cool water. You’ll also desire them to eliminate any unnecessary clothes. Heat fatigue is another common problem while camping. This is triggered by not only to too much heat, however can also be triggered by excessive humidity.

An individual with heat fatigue will have pale, clammy skin, fast breathing, extreme sweating, thirst and exhaustion, queasiness, and headache. Once again you’ll desire the person to take a break from outdoor camping and entirely rest with their feet raised. Cool water and a shady location are a must.

The 3rd typical outdoor camping ailment is heat stroke. If someone gets heat fatigue while outdoor camping you need to get help immediately and get an ambulance. These 3 conditions are typical while camping and must be seen for and treated immediately.

Help knowledge is important when outdoor camping. Keep in mind that water always helps, so have lots of it with you at all times. , if something does take place on your outdoor camping trip remain calm and remember what you’ve discovered.

If he’s red raise his head, if he’s pale raise his tale, is a good rhyme to help you remember what to do if something takes place while you’re camping. Keep cool and hydrated and you must be able to prevent issues like these on your camping trip.

You need to not only strategy to prevent mishaps, but you likewise require to prepare on how to manage them if and when they occur while outdoor camping.

If you do not have any first aid training then you must go to some classes prior to going outdoor camping. Heat exhaustion is another common issue while outdoor camping.

The 3rd common camping ailment is heat stroke. If somebody gets heat exhaustion while outdoor camping you require to get assist instantly and get an ambulance.

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An Easy Guide To Gastroenteritis

An Easy Guide To Gastroenteritis

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines triggered by an infection, parasites or bacteria resulting in leakage of fluid from the cell into the intestinal tract( diarrhea), stomach discomfort and throwing up.

What are the causes of Gastroenteritis?  Viral Gastroenteritis: 

The most common reason for Gastroenteritis is Viral.

Rota infection is the leading cause amongst kids 3 to 15 months old and the most common reason for diarrhea in children under the age of 5 years.

Adenovirus occurs primarily in children under the age of 2 years.

Caliciviruses specifically the norovirus cause infection in individuals of all ages.

Astrovirus likewise infects primarily babies, young kids, and the senior.

Hygiene is the #1 cause of Gastro

Bacterial Gastroenteritis:

The most common cause is the E. coli bacteria, typically mild with diarrhea, abdominal pain and periodic throwing up. It seldom trigger fever.

Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, are more severe bacterial infection triggering diarrhea and high fever.

Parasitic Gastroenteritis:

Most common is amoebic dysentery, typical in India and Africa.
Other parasitic infection are giardiasis and threadworms.

What are signs of Gastroenteritis?

The primary signs of gastroenteritis are

1. watery diarrhea
2. abdominal discomfort
3. vomiting
4. headache
5. fever.
6. loss of appetite and energy

Did you know nearly 96% of people suffer from Gastro in their life

Signs normally appear within 4 to 48 hours after direct exposure to the bacterium and last for 1 to 2 days, though symptoms can last as long as 10 days.

How is Gastroenteritis sent?

Gastroenteritis can be highly contagious. The bacteria are typically sent by individuals with unwashed hands.

People can get the bacteria through close contact with infected people by sharing their food, drink, or eating utensils, or by consuming food or drinking beverages that are polluted with the bacteria.

Noroviruses in particular, are normally spread to other individuals by contact with stool or vomit of contaminated individuals and through contaminated water or food especially oysters, prawns, crabs, lobsters, cockleshells from contaminated reproducing waters.

How is the diagnosis of Gastroenteritis made?

Medical professionals normally identify gastroenteritis based on the symptoms and a physical exam. Your medical professional may request for a stool sample to check for rotavirus or to rule out bacteria or parasites as the reason for your symptoms.

How is Gastroenteritis treated?

Many cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve without particular treatment.

Prescription antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.

The primary goal of treatment is to decrease the signs which may consist of an antispasmodic drug to stop stomach cramps, medicine to harden the stools such as kaolin and slow down the digestive motion (lomotil or loperamide).

Trigger treatment might be required to avoid dehydration which is the loss of fluids from the body. Essential salts or minerals, called electrolytes, can likewise be lost with the fluids. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, extreme urination, excessive sweating, or by not drinking enough fluids since of queasiness, problem swallowing, or anorexia nervosa.

The symptoms of dehydration areexcessive thirstdry mouthlittle or no urine or dark yellow urinesunken eyessevere weakness or lethargydizziness or lightheadedness

Moderate dehydration can be treated by drinking liquids.

Serious dehydration may require intravenous fluids and hospitalization.
Untreated serious dehydration can be life threatening specifically in infants, young children and the senior.

The following actions might assist ease the symptoms of gastroenteritis.

1. Enable your intestinal system to settle by not consuming for a few hours.
2. If throwing up is still an issue, sip little quantities of clear liquids or suck on ice chips.
3. Provide children and babies oral rehydration options to replace fluids and lost electrolytes.
4. Gradually reestablish food, beginning with boring, easy-to-digest food, like porridge or soups.
5. Prevent dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol up until healing is total.
6. Get plenty of rest.

How is Gastroenteritis prevented?

You can prevent infection by:

1. washing your hands completely for 20 seconds after using the restroom or altering diapers
2. cleaning your hands completely for 20 seconds prior to consuming
3. sanitizing contaminated surfaces such as counter tops and infant changing stations
4. Prevent consuming or drinking foods or liquids that may be contaminated

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