Environment

What Are The Natural Sources of Water?

There are a total of three natural sources of water. They are categorized as: rain water, underground water and surface water. Here is a look at each and what supplies these sources.

1 – Rain Water

Rain water includes other sources such as snow and additional types of precipitation. The precipitation that falls to the Earth is a major part of the water cycle as it replenishes both surface and underground water sources.

 

2 – Underground Water

These are the sources of water that basically you can’t see or can’t access easily. The important role underground water sources play in the water cycle is that they are the primary sources for human consumption. These underground bodies of water are often accessed through wells and when pressure under the surface is too great, this water is pushed up and out through springs.

 

3 – Surface Water

Easy to see and use, surface water is easily the most abundant supply of natural water. The downside is that most of the surface water on the planet is salt water so it is not ideal for drinking for most living species. Surface water does play an important part in our daily lives in addition to being a source of drinking water. Surface water is used to produce hydro-electric power as a clean energy source that is also renewable. Surface water is supplied by precipitation, springs and ice melting from higher elevations and glaciers.

 

Hidden Natural Sources Of Water

Probably the largest source of water on the planet is ‘hidden’ or trapped in a different form of water. The ice in glaciers, polar ice caps and even in the atmosphere all contain hidden sources of water. Although these sources are not readily available for use, they all eventually become fresh water through melting and precipitation.

 

Careful How You Use It

Although all the natural sources of water are constantly replenished through weather cycles, we still need to be conservative in how we use water. Fresh water is like a precious gift. We should use it sparingly and do everything in our power to share and protect it for future generations. When we control how we use water, we are helping the planet.

If your municipality has water restrictions, follow them to ensure there is enough water available for when you really need it. Try to not waste water in your home by using flow regulators and collect rain water for use in your garden. There are several ways to keep the natural water cycle flowing if we are careful in how we use the water we have access to today.

 

Why We Need To Drink Clean Water

Considering the majority of our bodies are comprised of fluids and water, it only makes sense that we should drink clean water if we want to stay healthy. But what exactly does water, in particular, clean water, do for us really? Here is a look at some of the benefits to having clean water in your system.

 

1 – Reduce Health Risks

 

Ask any doctor or health care professional and they will tell you that you will be healthier if you drink clean water. But what exactly does water do for us inside our bodies aside from keeping us hydrated? It turns out that without clean water our bodies can suffer from many different issues. They include kidney stones, cancer, blood clots and heart disease. We can also develop mental and general fatigue, crankiness and put on extra weight.

The main organ that benefits from when we drink clean water is the kidney. In fact, our kidneys process the water contained in our bodies and in doing so makes sure we don’t end up with urinary tract infections by flushing excess fluid out of our bodies as urine. The flushing also removes other toxins that enter our bodies through other means.

As for preventing cancer, with regular intake of clean water the workout you give your bladder reduces the risk of it developing cancer. Plus, as water contains no calories but works to make you feel full, it plays a vital role in several diet plans. As a result, drinking water and eating healthy foods work to promote weight loss and the maintenance of a safe weight.

 

2 – Reduce Dehydration

It’s no secret that if your body does not contain enough water, it will become dehydrated. Various factors will have an impact on how your body uses the water inside it and without proper replenishing of water lost through these factors you risk hurting yourself. Dehydration puts stress on the body and can wear you down making you susceptible to contracting various illnesses or problems.

Also, when the body becomes dehydrated the amount of blood flow throughout the body is affected. This contributes to mental and physical fatigue. When you are not mentally sharp you risk having problems with judgment and could end up injured from an accident or fall from fainting. When you drink enough clean water you prevent all of these issues.

 

Preventative Medicine

So you could actually look at having to drink clean water as a form of preventative medicine. By keeping your body properly hydrated you reduce the risks that can come from “running low” on fluids. Just as a vehicle does not operate well without correct fluid levels, your body won’t either so you need to keep topping it up with clean water whenever you can.

Daily Water Intake – How Much Do You Need?

You could ask your doctor and you could ask at a health food store. Regardless of where you go to find out how much is considered a safe amount of daily water intake, there are several factors to consider. Ultimately you want to avoid dehydration, but drinking water when you are thirsty is not enough. Here are some tips to guide you.

 

1 – You Need Water Daily

The human body depends on water for several reasons. It flushes toxins away, provides a pathway to cells that nutrients travel through and keeps sensitive organs moist for proper functioning. Dehydration is what happens when your body lacks the amount of water it requires. Without the proper level of daily water intake you risk losing energy and getting worn out which reduces productivity and quality of life.

 

2 – What Affects Your Hydration

As easy as it is to say you should drink 8 or 10 glasses of water daily, there are factors that have an impact on how your body uses it. If you exercise, or lead an active lifestyle, your body will lose more water through sweat than someone less active. This fluid loss needs to be recovered and extra water will suffice.

The environment you live in will also impact your hydration level. In particular, hot or humid climates will be a clue that you should increase your daily water intake. The same goes for high elevation climates which may increase breathing which will use more water than other localities. Plus, if you are ill or suffer from some health conditions, you will deplete your fluid reserves faster.

Another consideration is specifically for expectant mothers and breast-feeding women. Large amounts of water are used especially while nursing which needs to be replaced in order to prevent dehydration. It is a general guideline that nursing mothers consume no less than 13 cups of fluids per day to compensate.

 

3 – When To Drink Water Daily

As the foods you eat have a significant amount of water content, probably the most reliable source of fluids for your body comes from drinking water. This is why it is easy to add glasses of water to your daily routine. Drinking one with each meal, one before and after exercising or a vigorous activity and drink enough during the day where you do not feel thirsty and you will remain hydrated.

 

Stay Hydrated – Stay Healthy

As long as you are sure to keep your daily water intake at a level where your urine is either colourless or light yellow, you will keep your body healthy. With the right amount of fluids in your system, everything functions properly and you will look and feel your best!

3 Reasons Why Plastic Drink Bottles Are Harmful

You’ve seen them and have probably used or recycled several already. Plastic drink bottles are manufactured to be one use only and as a disposable item they are filling up trash cans and recycle bins everywhere. In fact, estimates say that consumers are using up to 1,500 of these plastic drink bottles every second! Aside from the huge volume of waste being produced, there are other reasons why they are harmful.

1 – Human Health Concerns

Let’s just cut to the chase. The chemical used to make plastic hard and clear is known as Bisphenol A, or BPA for short. It is a chemical that has been linked to several health issues including some forms of cancer, neurological matters, birth defects, fertility decreases in women and several more problems. The bottom line is that BPA is not good for your health and it is contained in plastic drink bottles.

 

2 – Animal Health Concerns

Wouldn’t you know it, although the plastic bottles are recyclable, their companion bottle tops are not. What this means is that although a bottle will likely find its way to a recycle bin and then to a recycling plant, the bottle tops typically end up in the trash. As they are dense in weight, they will often end up at the bottom of a bag of garbage.

This also means that a number of these bottle caps manage to work their way into streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. As a result wildlife and marine life end up swallowing these little things that do not break down in their system. Birds have died tangled up in plastic and even whales have washed up on North American beaches with bodies full of plastic material including bottle caps.

 

3 – Environmental Concerns

The petroleum product used to make plastic drink bottles is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which happens to use significant amounts of fossil fuels. For a visual of how much oil is used to manufacture a single bottle, fill one to about a quarter full of water. That’s how much. That’s a huge amount of oil used to produce something designed for a one time use.

Plus, recycling plastic may sound like a great idea but it is actually more difficult to recycle. In fact, because of this many communities don’t take recycled bottles further from their drop off depot. This means landfill sites end up with them and all that can be done is they can be buried which allows dangerous chemicals to leach into the ground over time.

 

How You Can Make A Difference

The simple solution that comes from your involvement is to stop using plastic drink bottles. It is not hard to do with several different fresh water alternatives available to choose from. Besides, you don’t want to keep feeding landfills or oceans something you only get to use once anyway.

Water Refill Stations: Help Communities Become Environmentally Aware

A water refill station can help people become more conscious about the environment. Here’s how:

  • Promote the benefits of reusable water bottles over single use plastic bottles
  • Have a win-win solution (stay hydrated and help the environment)
  • Set a trend and a good example

Those are the ways a refill station can help. Let’s discuss each one:

1. Promote the benefits of reusable water bottles

Reusable water bottles can have a huge and long-term positive impact on the environment. They go hand in hand with the use of a water refill station.

People need a strong and reliable container that they can use every day and stainless steel water bottles are a good choice.  They are durable containers that can be washed and reused every day.

In addition, reusable water bottles make it easier  to stay hydrated whilst not having to buy single use plastic bottled water.

2. Have a win-win solution (stay hydrated and help the environment)

Many Australians  are now eager to help the environment but some still don’t know how.

Water refill stations are an easy way to start making a difference.  Everyone, old and young  can start right away. Imagine the impact this will have in years to come if everybody made filling up their water bottle part of their regular day to day routine.

You feel good each time you refill your bottle. You stay hydrated and healthy whist  also reducing plastic waste.

3. Set a trend and a good example

We often observe other people before we do something. That’s especially the case when refilling water bottles.

It starts with a few people  but as time passes, more and more people follow. This results  in an accumulative effect  as more people refill their bottles, more people will adopt the same routine.

It also sets a good example for the youth who can start adopting the trend as well. At the beginning it will only be a trend but after some time, it will become the  normal thing for everyone to do.

This can result  in a long-term impact that the community will benefit from.It can also encourage other communities near and far to adopt the same practices.

A water refill station for your community

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

It’s the same with helping the environment. You can start right now and have a drinking fountain and water refill station in your community.

If you need a sturdy water refill station and drinking fountain for your community, you can call us on  1300 400 006 and we’ll provide you with practical and environmentally friendly solution.

Water Hydration Station: 3 Short and Long-term Benefits for People and Environment

A water hydration station can positively impact both the people and the environment. It’s a small and yet long-term investment that will yield positive results for everyone.

That’s why many communities now have a water refill station and a drinking fountain. Aside from being a growing trend, water drinking stations will continue to be a part of many cities and localities for decades to come.

Many environment-savvy Australians are also becoming aware of the short and long-term benefits of a drinking water station. A few of these are:

1. Less sugar consumption

This is important. Our bodies are not built to take in much sugar and carbohydrates. Notice that many diseases today are related to overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks (e.g. diabetes, metabolic syndromes, inflammation).

It becomes a daily habit that’s why the effects are often disastrous. This is the case especially with consuming sugary beverages.

Why do people consistently buy those sugary drinks? One reason is that there’s no reliable source of water around. Once they go into the stores, the bottled sugary drinks are prominently displayed (which is why many buy the product).

Thankfully, more and more water hydration stations are being installed in communities. Australians and even tourists can drink water instead of relying on sugary drinks.

2. Less plastic waste

Many people already drink more water even outdoors. However, some still regularly buy bottled water from the stores.

These plastic bottles are often non-biodegradable. Natural processes can’t break down those plastics so they accumulate in  landfill. They might also end up in lakes, rivers and oceans.

The solution is to have a water drinking station nearby. This way, people will just drink directly from the bubbler or fill up their refillable bottles from the refilling point.

This would result in more people using refillable bottles instead of  single use plastic bottles that ultimately end up in landfill. This will help the environment and the world as a whole.

3. Set a good example

People learn best by example. This is  the case especially with kids.

Since they are still learning and havelimited experience,  they are influenced by what they see happening around  them and adults should be leading by example.

If people around are always drinking sugary beverages, kids will likely copy that. But if people  choose water over sugary drinks, children will be learning from a good example.

Water hydration station for schools, parks and communities

People and the environment will benefit from  water drinking stations. It’s an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to stay hydrated and maintain good health.

If you need a refill station and a drinking fountain for your place, you can call us at 1300 400 006 today.

How Eco Friendly Companies Can Stay Consistent with their Practices

Some organisations have already conducted surveys about the preferences of customers. Some say that over 50 percent of all consumers prefer dealing with companies that apply eco-friendly practices. One survey even claims that it can be as high as 80 percent.

No matter the result, one thing is clear. More and more people now are becoming aware of the environmental impacts of companies (especially the industrial ones). That’s why some of these companies position themselves as applying environment-friendly practices.

How companies practice eco-friendly acts

From production to distribution, there’s a way to implement eco-friendly practices. For example, manufacturers are now starting to use more natural materials in their production. Some even use solar or wind energy to complement the traditional energy sources in their manufacturing processes.

Even during the packaging and distribution, eco-friendly practices now rule. More companies now are also becoming more responsible when it comes to the disposal of waste. Many even recycle their own stuff and wastes from other organisations.

How companies can stay consistent

Each of the established companies often has a stated Mission that unites the whole organisation. This way, their efforts will all point toward one common destination.

All their efforts should stay consistent and on track. If they want to promote their company as one supporting the environment, every little detail should be in line.

That’s why some of them even encourage the use of reusable water bottles. This way, the public will use fewer (or zero) plastic bottles. Imagine the hundreds of plastic water bottles you prevented from coming into the landfill.

During fundraisers and other large events, many organisations install portable drinking fountains. This way, people can just drink from those clean water sources without buying sugary drinks or bottled water.

Both the reusable water bottles and portable drinking fountains can help companies stay consistent with their environment-friendly practices. It’s a small investment but the companies can produce a positive impact that could last for generations.

Consistency is the key to achieving a goal and helping the environment. Even in small acts, the vision should remain consistent. It’s also the key to making a long-lasting impact both for the organisation and the environment.

3 Benefits of Water Cooler Conversations in the Workplace

Water cooler chats often have a negative connotation. However, there are hidden positive benefits to it that will help the employees and the workplace. Here they are:

1. Water cooler conversations help employees become more casual to one another

Often, the employees may be a bit too formal to one another. That’s because everyone’s expected to talk and act professionally. Almost all the interactions that happen are work-related.

It’s especially the case when the interactions are just happening during meetings. That’s why it’s hard to build a more natural collaboration among employees. In addition, having a social life inside the office is a challenge.

But during each trip to the water cooler or drinking fountain, the employees have a chance to be more casual. They might still talk about work, but the setting is a bit different. It’s more relaxed and it’s also a chance for employees to build a more natural connection with one another.

2. Helps employees take a break from the pressures of work

What happens when there’s an upcoming deadline for a project? The pressure and the stress can help the employees focus more. But if this happens on a regular basis, this actually leads to less productivity on the long term.

Our bodies are not just designed for chronic stress. There should be allotted times for relaxation and getting the mind off work.

Aside from team building events and company celebrations, a simple trip to the drinking fountain or water cooler can help remove stress. It’s a small thing but when employees do it every day, the results can accumulate.

The employees can have more chances of socialising. They achieve some form of relaxation and they can have more energy to tackle the next set of tasks. It’s their time to rejuvenate and maybe get some ideas from their fellow employees.

3. Promotes a healthier lifestyle

Aside from our health, did you know that dehydration can affect employee productivity? Our bodies need a consistent supply of water so we can function properly, both mentally and physically.

That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated all day long (especially in the workplace). One way to encourage employees to drink more water is to install a water cooler or drinking fountain nearby. Aside from the social benefits, staying hydrated and water cooler conversations can also lead to healthier bodies. As a result, employees can become more productive and contribute more to the company.

How to choose a drinking fountain or water cooler

Before you install a drinking fountain or water cooler in your workplace, it’s good to choose a reliable one or that meets strict standards.

That’s why our fresh indoor drinking fountains are made with a priority on safety and reliability. Employees and managers are sure to benefit from these.

Aside from offices, these fresh indoor drinking fountains can also be installed in factories, hospitals, and schools. Contact us now if you want to know about our pricing.

Water on Tap in ACT Parks

Six new water refill stations

by CityNews

MEEGAN Fitzharris says work is commencing to install the first of six new water refill stations.

“Since 2014, the ACT Government has progressively installed 30 ‘Water on Tap’ refill stations in parks and public places across Canberra in an effort to reduce the use of disposable bottles and increase fresh, tap water consumption,” Meegan said.

“The water stations have proved popular and in coming weeks six new water stations will be installed at the Gungahlin Town Centre, Civic Square, Margaret Timpson Park, Manuka Oval, Cook shops and Kambah shops on Mannheim Street.

Read the full article here.

Why You Should Prioritise Water More than Food and Exercise

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Watch your diet. Exercise regularly. These are the first things people will tell you if you ask them how to get healthy. Those are also the recommendations you will read from health-related articles.

However, many forget one essential thing. It’s about drinking more water and staying hydrated. The focus is always on food and exercise. But actually, we take in fluids more frequently throughout the day.

This means water is a bigger part of our lives than many of us realize. We take in about 2-3 litres of water each day. The whole year it could add up to over 700 litres of water consumption. No matter what we do and no matter how busy we get, we will still take in water and other fluids.

One surprising thing about drinking more water

What happens if we start drinking more water? Our bodies can achieve proper fluid balance and perform other physical functions properly. It’s just that humans are designed to need water and replenish the supply quickly.

One surprising thing about it is it might also help with weight loss. How? If we drink more water, we will always fill full. This way, we won’t fill the urge to eat more foods. In addition, we will get rid of our craving for sugary drinks. Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. If we fill our stomachs with clean and safe water, there’s less likelihood that we will gulp carbonated drinks.

Once you start adopting a healthy habit (especially staying hydrated), notice how other healthy habits follow. You will feel the urge to exercise, eat more veggies, and eat less refined sugars. Small wins do add up and what you need is just one nudge. It can all start from one simple habit such as drinking more water.

Life gets busy but staying hydrated is the key

No matter how strictly we follow our diet and exercise routines, even the best of us can still fall sometimes. A few celebrations here and there and our diet gets ruined because of the irresistible meals around. Also, when the weather’s far from good or there are other reasons why we can’t exercise, we can miss a few days or weeks of working out.

Staying healthy and getting fit will be a challenge under those circumstances. However, you always have one thing to count on. And that’s staying hydrated.

You can easily accomplish that by having a small water container with you. For example, a stainless water bottle can be a reliable companion wherever you are (at work and at school or even while on travel).

Water is an essential and regular part of our lives. Staying hydrated is such a small and easy habit. It can also lead to adopting new healthy routines because one small win leads to another. Start today and you will be on your way to getting fit and healthy.

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