You have heard about the thousands of miles of floating plastics, pollution and debris out in the middle of our oceans, right?  Well, we should be ashamed of ourselves.  We humans consume, consume, and consume.  We think little about the effects our actions have on the environment.  We act as though there are endless supplies of resources and that our waste will just magically disappear.  Well, I am here to tell you if you haven't already heard....You're wrong!  It is up to each one of us individually to make a difference.  Now I don't blame you individually.  I know many of us were raised to not even think twice about where our garbage goes.  We are happy putting it in the trash (or the recycling please), wheeling our carts out to the curbs each week, and never thinking twice about it.

I am begging you to stop this destructive lifestyle. 

One way to make a difference is to stop buying bottled water.  I know the convenience of Water-to-Go is nice but there are other ways that are much less wasteful.  Are you ready to hear how?

Step 1:  Invest in a water purifying system or don't.  Tap water may be acceptable to you.

                 I prefer not to have fluoride in my water as it is not utilized in its natural form but is rather an industrial waste by-product.  Yum, industrial waste...thanks (insert your city water company here).  You probably don't believe me but I encourage you to do your own research.   Flouride can effect brain development, lower your IQ, has possible links to thyroid conditions, can damage your immune system, can cause flourosis , can increase your risk of osteoporosis, and on and on.  Why do you think so many European countries have banned fluoridation in their water systems?  Do I smell corporate greed here in America?

Some reading material for you:

Toxic waste chemicals are disposed of by feeding to humans, then calling it fluoride.

50 Reasons to Oppose Fluoridation

         One of the few home water purifying systems that you can buy that removes fluoride from your tap water is Custom Pure.  It is a wonderful system!  I even have it hooked up to my refrigerator so my ice is fluoride-free too. Don't be fooled!  Systems like Brita or Pur do NOT remove fluoride.  The Custom Pure MB series also removes Lead, Arsenic, Chlorine, Nitrates, Sulfates, etc.

Step 2:  Buy a reusable drinking container.  I prefer My Sigg water bottle, as it doesn't leach chemicals into my water that could affect my hormones and health.  Another good choice is Kleen Kanteen.  Steer clear of plastics and aluminium containers.

More reading for you:

Plastic (Not) Fantastic: Food Containers Leach a Potentially Harmful Chemical

Step 3:  Fill water bottle and drink pure water often!

If you follow these three easy steps, you will begin to see that your recycling bin has a lot more room in it now. Congratulations....You are the change we need!!!!

For more tips check out Live Green NW