Here is a homemade recipe you didn’t know you needed: purified water.

You likely have water on hand, but maybe you don’t exactly trust your source. You can use any of the three following water-purifying methods to clean the water you already have, to make drinking water for emergencies, or to get water on camping trips.

The various methods to make purified water each have their perks in removing contaminants found in water, such as particulates, bacteria, minerals, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, but none can be relied on solely to provide 100% “clean” water — if such a thing even exists in today’s world. However, they may come in handy in a variety of situations, even as an educational tool for children.

3 Ways to Purify Water at Home

1. Ionized Water

I learned about ionized water from Andreas Moritz’s liver cleanse program. Moritz claims that boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes causes it to become charged and saturated with negative oxygen ions. Because toxins and waste carry a positive charge, the ionized water attaches to them and discharges them from the body. Boiling also kills 99.9% of bacteria. This method, however, will not get rid of dirt and other solid matter in the water. Moritz suggest consuming ionized water while it is still hot (like tea) by storing it in a thermos flask and taking a few sips every half hour all day long.

2. Solar Still

A definite feature on an outdoor survival TV segment, the solar still is a more wilderness-apropos solution to cleansing water, but you can also try it at home. This distillation-type purifying system only works if you are in an area with plenty of sun.

First, find a bowl that has a wide and flat bottom surface – this could be a large bowl, a type of pot, etc. Place a weighted cup or jar in the center of the bowl. The height of the cup or jar should not exceed that of the bowl. Fill the bowl with the water you want to purify. The cup or jar should be weighted down and thus not floating. Meanwhile, the water should not be poured so high that it enters the cup.

Next, tightly cover the pot with plastic wrap. Place a rock or heavy object on top of the plastic wrap over the spot where the cup is. The rock will lightly press down on the center of the plastic wrap, but not so much that the rock touches the cup.

Let the contraption sit in the sun. The sun will evaporate the water, but the water will be unable to escape and will collect along the surface area of the plastic covering, and will eventually travel in the direction of the weighted part with the rock and drip into the cup. This can take days to take place, so be patient!

3. Filtration System

Make a homemade filtration system with layers of grass, rocks, charcoal, and sand. Poke holes into a bottom of a large container. Next, start layering filtering substances into the container, starting with a layer of grass wedge, cloth, or gravel. Then, add a layer of charcoal, followed by a layer of sand. Pour water into the top of the container, and retrieve it from the bottom with a collection container. Pass the water through the filter numerous times. Strain before consumption.

This filtration system is not to be used alone. While the sand removes some bacteria and the charcoal can remove some chemicals, it is not thorough enough to deem impure water safe to drink, unless you are in an emergency situation.

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The post 3 Ways to Ditch the Brita and Purify Your Own Water appeared first on EcoSalon.

How you start your day really has an impact on the way it unfolds. If you drink a carafe of coffee in the am, you can look forward to feeling jittery and then crashing later on. But on the other end of the spectrum, you can take small but significant steps to make your day a whole lot better. In fact, waking up and drinking water can change your life for the better in ways that may surprise you.

Why is Water So Important in the Morning?

Most healthy people drink water throughout the day, but after you wake up, you’ve gone a whopping seven to eight hours without hydration. If you’re not jonesing for some hydration, you should be. Drinking water first thing also gives your metabolism a boost– some estimates say by about 24 percent. Not to mention that it fills you up so you don’t start the day on a super empty stomach.

Drinking a bunch of water before noshing on a healthy breakfast means that your first meal is more likely to hold you over until lunch time without a snack in between. And that’s a good thing for weight loss. Not to mention that water helps your body detox from the junk you may have consumed the night before. It rehydrates the bodily systems that require water for proper function while giving the digestive system a kick in the butt if needed. Water also cleanses the colon and helps the body to better absorb nutrients.

Another benefit of drinking water first thing in the morning is timing. When you start slurping early on in the day, you’re likely to get through your daily allotment before the end of the day. If by noon you haven’t even had a glass, you’ve got a lot more drinking to get to before bedtime. Not to mention that drinking a bunch of water before you hit the hay can disrupt your sleep because you’re left running to the loo throughout the night.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Starting your day with at least 16 to 24 ounces of water can make a big difference. This is enough liquid to give the entire body a hydration flush, cleansing the body’s systems. Large amounts of water like this can renew the cells and make your skin glow. If at first this seems intimidating, gradually add more water to your mornings.

Additionally, have it handy as you work. When I’m working first thing in the morning, I keep a large bottle of water by my side so I’m sure to get through the necessary quantity before breakfast. I don’t drink my morning tea until I’ve gotten through my bottle of water. For me personally, drinking a full six glasses of water first thing in the morning keeps me from feeling exhausted by mid-afternoon. And for someone that works and chases a toddler around full time, this is an accomplishment.

Is Water with Lemon Any Better?

The benefits of lemon water are often touted, but is it really any better? In some ways, yes. Lemon does contain a potent dose of vitamin C, which benefits the immune system. It contains some potassium. Vitamin C is also important for the production of collagen, which improves the elasticity of the skin. For many people, lemon makes water more palatable.

If you’re like me and lemon water isn’t exactly appealing, consider slicing up cucumbers and mint or a variety of fruits. I’m a huge fan of pineapple and mango water with a hint of mint.

Room Temperature or Cold?

In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian method of natural healing, it’s thought that cold water douses your digestive fire and room temperature or even warm water is much better for hydrating your body. More specifically, it’s thought that cold water freezes the digestive enzymes in the gut and keeps your stomach from digesting food, which can cause constipation. The bottom line is that ice water makes your body work harder than it needs to. Experiment with leaving your water bottle outside of the fridge at night. Even if you crave cold beverages, try adding room temperature water to your morning routine.

What’s the Most Hydrating Water?

Alkaline water is supposed to be the most hydrating and in my experience, this is the case. It’s also helpful that alkaline water tastes really good so you’re likely to drink more of it than you would tap water. Advocates claim that they never feel thirsty and that by drinking alkaline water they feel all of the benefits of being constantly hydrated such as supple skin and good digestion.

It’s unclear why alkaline water is more hydrating. However the main difference between alkaline water and other waters is that alkaline water has a higher pH than regular water. Consider other more conscious purchases like buying yourself an alkaline water filter. This 4-Gallon Countertop Water Filter from Zen Water Systems is a good moderate purchase ($100) or this higher end Pure Hydration Alkaline Antioxidant Water Ionizer ($495). Other, more economical options, include this Nano Energy Bottle – Portable Water Ionizer ($24) or this EHM Alkaline Water Pitcher – 3.5L Pure Healthy Water Ionizer – BPA Free & Anti-Bacterial Filter ($40). You can also add mineral powders or drops to your water to make it more alkaline like Trace Minerals Research – Concentrace Trace Mineral Drops ($20) or AlkaZone – Alkaline pH Booster Drops ($45).

What’s your morning routine? Do you drink water first thing in the morning? How does it impact your day? We want to know! Drop us a line via Twitter @EcoSalon.

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The post Drinking Water First Thing in the Morning is Way More Important Than You Think appeared first on EcoSalon.

EcoSalon’s Made In America Box features items that are made right here in the U.S.A! July is an all-around patriotic month here in the states, so join your fellow eco-friendly patriots with a box of products worth $494.85, for just $129 + free shipping!

Sold Out!

You see it everywhere: The words “Made in America” are proudly-displayed symbols of the self-made American spirit. With this edition of The Box, you’ll be sporting your (ethically dyed) reds, whites, and blues especially proudly – and consciously – as your skin glows and your hair shines. With everything from beautiful hand-crafted jewelry to the perfect makeup, you’ll be ready to shine as brightly as the stars and stripes themselves.

There are only 40 Boxes available.

Beginning on Friday, July 24th, we will reveal between three and four of our fabulous participating brands per day. The Box will go on sale Monday, July 27th, at 8 o’clock AM Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast! Check back daily to see the latest reveals, and read on to discover today’s products!

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Lip Glaze + Gift

Did you know that your skin absorbs 60 percent of anything that is applied to it? That includes those products made with petroleum, artificial colors, toxic chemicals and harmful preservatives. What’s the result? Clogged pores and aged skin! Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques has a solution to this dilemma, creating products from natural and certified organic plant oils and extracts, flower essences and minerals from the earth. This makeup is the kind that your skin craves. Filled with vitamins and nutrients for moisturizing and anti-aging, it leaves the skin rejuvenated and soft. With makeup that can do all that, AND give us the confidence that comes from that perfect shade of lip gloss, sign us up!

$50 gift card redeemable Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Products

ColourFusion Lip Glaze: $9

Total value: $59

Nurture My Body Luscious Duo

Get ready for your best body – instantly – with these two nourishing products. Improved elasticity and skin revitalization comes from Nurture My Body’s Wild Eucalyptus Body Wash, while proactive repair and broad spectrum protection is provided by their Organic Sunscreen (SPF 32). Both products are made with organic ingredients that help keep your skin healthy and protected. While the invigorating scent of Wild Eucalyptus will make your shower energizing and fun, the fragrance-free sunscreen is made without nano-sized particles, which can get into the bloodstream. This nutrient-packed combo will give your skin everything it needs to stay safe and good-lookin’ for the rest of the summer.

BONUS: Just catching The Box after it’s sold out? Nurture My Body is offering 15% off to all EcoSalon readers, even after all 40 Made In America Boxes have been purchases. Just use the coupon code ECOSALON to redeem this great offer!

Organic Sunscreen: $29.99

Wild Eucalyptus Body Wash: $26.95

Total Value: $56.94

Tyramin Succulent Stud Earrings

These beautiful earrings are made by socially-conscious Tyramin (only the most sustainable materials are used whenever possible, with jewelry crafted in small batches), whose unique designs are sold in high-end boutiques, museums, and fine art galleries. These earrings are especially unique; they are cast from real succulent plants in pewter. From everyday to special occasion, these fun studs will catch you compliments no matter where you go.

Value: $53

Osmia Organics Facial Calibration Serum

This serum is everything but the (all-natural) kitchen sink. Not only does it nourish the skin, but also, it helps your cherished epidermis balance and become even and smooth, helping oily and combination skin learn to behave itself over time. Plus, your skin will get a blast of antioxidants and vitamins from acai and organic black seed oil. It even smells heavenly. This super powered serum checks every box on our skin-needs list, and it’s made in the U.S.A.

Value: $50

Good Karma Skincare Lux 7 Age Defying Four-in-One Face Cream

Let’s be honest: We don’t always have the energy to apply all of the products we know they should use, day-in and night-out. Well, Good Karma Skincare doesn’t believe you should have to. Cynthia Ransom created Good Karma to address the needs of real women, including the need for a simplified system. This revolutionary face cream acts as a daily moisturizer, skin refining serum, eye cream, and night cream, all in one. Made to make skin glow, this detoxifying cream will leave your skin smooth and radiant. As a bonus, a portion of every sale goes to feeding animals in shelters.

Value: $48

Sprayology Hair + Nail Tonic

Did you ever get an awful haircut, and wish you could grow your locks back faster to recover from the hacking? With Sprayology’s Hair +Nail Tonic you can do that, and more. This homeopathic oral spray contains 17 ingredients that will also give you healthier nails and heal a dry scalp, which means you’ll see a reduction in hair shedding. The best part of this magic potion? You’ll never find anything easier to ingest. Simply spray twice under your tongue, and be on your merry way.

Value: $29

Raw Materials Skin Grit

This top-selling exfoliator is a true wonder. It can be used both by women and men, and is versatile enough to handle your face and body. Your skin will be fine tuned and softened by this antioxidant-packed exfoliant. Using everything from jojoba beads (which gently soften skin and slowly melt to release natural moisturizing components) to finely crushed walnuts (to boost up the cleansing experience by unclogging pores and removing dead, dull skin), your pores will be clear, and your body will be happy.

Value: $27.95

Divining Oil Designs Personalized Healing Bracelet

Treat yourself to a beautiful, uniquely healing bracelet with a $25 gift card from Divining Oil Designs. These beautiful, customized pieces are intended to provide holistic healing to the mind, body and soul. Each bracelet’s beads slowly diffuse oils over time, with a bead composition personalized to fit your needs. The wonderfully scented bracelets can also be refreshed as they begin to fade, simply by adding another drop of the desired oil to the beads. Take your favorite scented oils with you, everywhere you go, and enjoy the healing that they provide.

Gift Card Value: $25 (with free shipping!)

Good Clean Love Oils Rollerball Gift Set

These nourishing oils are good for your skin, and good for your love life. These love oils have aphrodisiac qualities that work with the brain’s chemistry to smell unique to everyone that uses them. How many products are in your beauty supply stock that can actually enhance a kiss? These oils send a clear message, and will excite your foreplay…only in the safest, vegan, and most edible manner possible.

Value: $23.99

Au Naturale Organic Creme Eyeshadow

We won’t say that Au Naturale’s creme eye shadow is the best thing since sliced bread, but it’s pretty close! This stuff is dripping in gorgeous color, and can be blended, used as an eyeshadow, eyeliner, or brow polisher. Not only will these eyeshadows leave you looking sultry and sexy, but they’re also free of nano-particles, sulfates, and additives. “Good for you” looks good on you.

Value: $20

Aura Sensory Hair Care Set

The problem with using shampoos and conditioners that aren’t natural, is that the chemicals will actually strip your hair of its natural moisture. That can make hair look damaged and frizzy, but have no fear: Aura Sensory’s sulfate-free Shine Enhancing Shampoo and Deep Hydration conditioner are here. These products work together with a promise to bring life back your hair, thanks to the natural vitamins, oils and amino acids that are packed into the duo. Your scalp will be healthy, and your hair will be safe with these top-selling miracle workers.

Value: $20

Beautiphyed Age Defense Antioxidant Mist

The truth is, we could all benefit from some more antioxidants in our skincare regimen. This age-defying face mist, which also doubles as a toner, makes the task easy and fun; only a couple of quick squirts will protect your face from environmental toxins with hydrated, protected skin. The spray also works to fight aging and irritation, without any funky stuff; as dictated on Beautiphyed’s website, “Good nutritional advice tells you: ‘If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it!’ It’s no different for your skin.”

Value: $20

Rejuva Minerals Mega Lash Mascara

If you came here looking for makeup that made you look like a movie star, you came to the right place. Rejuva Minerals’ Mega Lash Mascara is a clump-free top seller used by celebrities and their makeup artists alike! In fact, every single Grammy nominee and VIP guest received this incredible gift at the 2015 Grammy nomination ceremony. What makes this mascara star-worthy? It actually conditions your lashes with organic cotton flower extract and avocado, as well as lengthening and thickening them.

Value: $20

Sona Organics Custom Soap (made exclusively for Ecosalon!) and Natural Deodorant

Yes, you read that correctly: Sona Organics is including an organic soap in that’s only available in THIS Box, made exclusively for the fabulous readers of EcoSalon! On top of the exciting exclusivity of this gift, Sona is also providing its awesome, all-natural, vegan deodorant to keep you smelling sweet and fresh all day. The formula is so good, it only takes a maximum of two swipes for this product application to have maximum effectiveness. Body odor is fun for no one, but this product works on everyone!

Custom Natural Soap Exclusively For EcoSalon Readers: $3

Vegan Natural Deodorant: $12

Total Value: $15

Hello Products Toothpaste Mint Medley

An all-natural toothpaste that tastes so good, it actually makes you want to brush? It’s the truth! While most toothpastes are packed with sweeteners, triclosan, artificial dyes and microbeads, which can get stuck under the gums, Hello toothpaste is free of all of those offenders, and leaves out polyethylene and microplastics found in many oral care brands. Not to mention, these great toothpaste flavors also deliver cavity and enamel protection for your pearly whites. Hello products have reached major chains like Target and Walgreens, but with our Box, you get to try three awesome flavors, including the latest flavor, peach mango mint, and decide which one you like best.

Peach Mango Mint Toothpaste: $4.99

Supermint Toothpaste: $4.99

Mojito Mint Toothpaste: $4.99

Total Value: $14.97

All Beauty Water Beauty Bundle

What if you could enjoy a drink that not only made you more beautiful, but also tasted good? Now you can, with All Beauty Water’s nutrient-enhanced water that works to make you more beautiful from the inside-out. With All Beauty Water’s patented combination of “SkinVitamins®” and “SkinNutrients®,” your skin will get everything that it needs that it can’t get from regular water, like minerals, antioxidants and electrolytes. This product is a great tasting alternative to skin-harming soda and other sugary drinks. Each box comes with four bottles of water, with delicious flavors that include Pomegranate Rose, Strawberry Açaí, and Cucumber Aloe.

Value: $3 per bottle

Total value: $12 (for 4 bottles)

Total Value for the Made In America Box: $494.85

Sale Price: $129 + free shipping! That’s a 74 percent savings. It’s our salute to you, and your loyalty to an eco-fabulous lifestyle!

Sold Out!

The Box will go on sale Monday, July 27th, at 8 o’clock AM Pacific Time. So set your timers and mark your calendars–these will sell out fast (the last one sold out in under one hour)!

Note! We recommend purchasing The Box from a desktop device vs a mobile device (while we dial in mobile purchases).

Offer good anywhere in the continental U.S. International shipping is not available at this time. Buy, one, two, or three boxes! Please allow up to three weeks for delivery. All sales are final. Due to the nature of this exclusive one-time sale, we cannot accept any returns or exchanges. Any inquiries or concerns regarding purchased Boxes must be submitted via Customer Service within 30 days from date of purchase.

Say hey to Amanda on Twitter or Instagram

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The post A Salute! With EcoSalon’s The Box: Made In America appeared first on EcoSalon.

Column Drink Nestlé water, or any other bottled water for that matter? Stop. Now.

In a world where food has become political, it’s easy to forget that there’s something even more essential than food: water.

Water is after all what helps our food grow; not only do we need to drink it, but so do the plants that we consume everyday. Without water, we have nothing.

The severity of the drought in California has put the water crisis at the forefront of our minds, but it’s nothing new. Over the last century, water use has grown at more than twice the rate of population increase, and by 2025, approximately 1.8 billion people will suffer from water scarcity. Water is an issue that we must take seriously.

In the face of such an issue, it seems near insanity that companies would profit off of water. The corporate face of water privatization is of course Nestlé. As the owner of a handful of water brands, like Poland Spring, Pellegrino, Perrier and Evian, Nestlé dominates the bottled water market.

Consumers spend up to 2,000 times the price of tap water to drink out of a bottle. And when an estimated 25 percent of all bottled water is actually tap water, I think we can all agree that a bottled water habit is simply idiotic.

But in the mind of the corporations, it’s their right to make money off of water. Nestlé CEO Peter Brabeck has publicly come under scolding for his comments back in 2013 in regards to water rights. “Water is of course the most important raw material we have today in the world. It’s a question of whether we should privatize the normal water supply for the population. And there are two different opinions on the matter. The one opinion, which I think is extreme, is represented by the NGOs, who bang on about declaring water a public right. That means as a human being you should have a right to water. That’s an extreme solution. And the other view says water is a foodstuff like any other. And like any other foodstuff it should have a market. Personally I think it’s better to give foodstuff a market value…”

While that might sound like extreme thinking, it’s definitely in line with Nestlé’s global push to privatize water sources. In Pakistan, Nestlé has been accused of draining groundwater levels and affecting local health in order to bottle Pure Life, a bottled water brand marketed as a healthy option for families. What’s so healthy about drinking contaminated groundwater because the levels are so low? At the World Water Forum in 2000, Nestlé successfully lobbied to keep water from being declared a universal human right (Nestlé defines water as a “need”).

If you think that’s appalling, check out The Story of Stuff Project that made the fantastic video on bottled water back in 2010 and has recently launched a campaign against Nestlé and the privatization of water.

As Nestlé lays claim to 700 million gallons of water in thirsty California, the corporation’s leadership publicly holds that it is providing a benefit to people. With five bottling facilities in California, Nestlé claims to run its own operation because “people need to drink water.” But that’s a benefit that really only benefits the company, financially speaking, and for the citizens of California, means drawing from its groundwater, an act that is unfortunately goes unregulated by the government. In fact, Nestlé Waters North America’s CEO Tim Brown said in a public radio interview, “If I stop bottling water tomorrow, people would buy a different brand of bottled water. We see this everyday. In fact, if I could increase [bottling], I would.” It seems nothing, not even a debilitating drought, will make Nestlé stop.

Boycotting Nestlé is of course one option, and you might be surprised at what brands that fall under the Nestlé umbrella. Time to kick your PowerBar habit, athletes. Got a Nespresso maker? Time to ditch that as well, sorry George (although, I don’t know why you are drinking capsule coffee in the first place). Also, you should probably stop feeding your dog Purina Dog Chow.

The other option, and the simplest one which you can implement on an everyday basis, is to boycott bottled water, of all brands. All things considered, when we live in countries where access to clean, potable water is as easy as turning on the tap, there is no excuse for drinking bottled water. None.

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This is the latest installment of Anna Brones’ weekly column at EcoSalon: Foodie Underground, an exploration of what’s new and different in the underground movement, and how we make the topic of good food more accessible to everyone. More musings on the topic can be found at www.foodieunderground.com.

Image: SimonQ

The post Why You Should Boycott Nestlé Water and All Its Other Brands: Foodie Underground appeared first on EcoSalon.

With the severity of the drought in California, there has been a lot of talk about the water footprint of the foods that we eat. The water footprint is the amount of water it takes to produce a certain food. For example, to produce one kilogram of beef it takes almost 15,500 liters of water.

In California, almonds have gotten the majority of the bad press, as has the meat and dairy industry, which are dependent on water-intensive alfalfa. Ethical eaters have in turn been challenged to think seriously about the impact of what they eat, this time in regards to the water footprint of their favorite foods.

But how much does it all really matter? Does opting out of almond milk and a hamburger do any good in the grand scheme of things?

As James McWilliams writes in Pacific Standard, overall even if we all stopped buying almond butter and cut out dairy from our diets, it wouldn’t necessarily make a measurable difference in California’s water crisis. Same goes for meat, as much of the alfalfa produced in California gets shipped across the ocean to China. “Making ethical consumer decisions based on hard data about specific commodities is about more than achieving immediate empirical impact.” As McWilliams goes on to write, “When an ecological problem—and its perceived solution—is elevated beyond the reach of individual behavior, the outcome is personal apathy.”

If the problem feels like it’s completely out of our hands, does it them absolve us from trying to do anything about it?

Apathy is in fact our worst enemy. As Charles de Montesquieu once said, “The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.” If we want to push for change then we must combat apathy.

When policymakers put the responsibility on individuals, it gets them out of taking action, and putting better policies in place. It’s easy to put the blame on individuals instead of doing the hard work. But a better world isn’t just the sum of a bunch of individual efforts; it’s a sum of individual and infrastructural change. And in making personal change, we create enough noise that infrastructural change becomes a reality. Just look at how much water scarcity is now a part of the American consciousness.

It might seem insignificant to change our diets based upon water footprint, but we have to do it anyway. Because making change is part of a larger fight, one that does in fact have a greater impact on policy change. Opting for a meat- and dairy-free meal once, or twice, or even three times a week, might not directly change what’s happening in California, but ultimately, the only thing that we have control over is what’s on the plate in front of us. If we don’t make ethical eating decisions, then we certainly have lost the battle; and in a food world that’s more and more threatened by climate change, change isn’t an option, it’s a necessity.

Eating ethically means knowing our food, it means understanding the problem, and it means not choosing a certain food just because it’s the latest trendy healthy thing to eat. Water footprint is but one of the factors that we should consider when we eat, and there’s no denying that makes eating ethically an overwhelming task. But the more personal choices we make, the more power that we have, at least in our immediate surroundings. You might not cut out almonds completely, but you might find more balance in the types of nuts and seeds that you eat. You might think twice about making guacamole from avocados every single night of the week. You might opt for something that’s produced more locally.

But our world needs a lot of change, and giving up isn’t an option. Eating better, for those of us who have the ability to do so, is the way forward.

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This is the latest installment of Anna Brones’ weekly column at EcoSalon: Foodie Underground, an exploration of what’s new and different in the underground movement, and how we make the topic of good food more accessible to everyone. More musings on the topic can be found at www.foodieunderground.com.

Image: Dorte

The post Should You Care About the Water Footprint of Your Food? Foodie Underground appeared first on EcoSalon.

What’s healthier and more vital to our existence than water? Definitely not bottled water. In fact, it’s loaded with so many chemicals it will make your head spin.

According to recent research that looked at 18 bottled water brands, there are an astonishing 24,520 chemicals in bottled water (which makes you wonder just how many chemicals there are in the world if water can contain more than 24,000).

We already know putting anything in plastic knocks its health value down a few notches, even if it’s just because of the indirect health risk from the environmental damage plastic causes, polluting our water and our food supply.

Heating plastic with food in it (like in the microwave) is an absolute no-no, as it makes the chemicals more active and capable of leaching into your food and of course, your bloodstream.

Plastics are hotbeds for endocrine disruptors, which can mimic the body’s natural metabolic functions, throwing off these delicate systems and causing health problems.

The study authors wrote: “We detected antiestrogens and antiandrogens in the majority of analyzed bottled water products. Moreover, the antagonist activity was very potent. An equivalent of 3.75 ml bottled water inhibited estrogen and androgen receptor by up to 60 and 90%, respectively… Bottled water from six different countries has been found to contain estrogenic, antiestrogenic, and antiandrogenic (this study), as well as androgenic, progestagenic, and glucocorticoid-like chemicals. This demonstrates that a popular beverage is contaminated with diverse-acting EDCs.”

And these endocrine disrupting chemicals can lead to cancer, birth defects, cardiovascular issues and developmental issues for children, reports Natural Society—all from something as important and should-be-harmless as water in a bottle.

Terrifying, yes, especially if bottled water is your only option, like if you’re traveling to another country. But there are workaround options like Life Straws and filters that can make conventional tap water a healthier option. There are also a few brands of bottled water that come in glass. Of course, if you’re in a situation where there literally is no other option, drink the water from the bottle. While there are health risks to contend with from plastic, there are far more immediate and potentially dangerous risks in not drinking any water at all.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

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The post More than 24,000 Chemicals Found in Bottled Water (But Surprisingly Not on the Ingredients List) appeared first on EcoSalon.

The new film “Watermark” looks at our massive dependence on a finite resource.

The opening scene of “Watermark,” a new film from Edward Burtynsky and Jennifer Baichwal, creates a disorienting effect that leaves the viewer feeling tiny against the pure force of water. The film takes features 20 stories across 10 countries in what director Baichwal, (“Manufactured Landscapes” and “Payback”), calls a “river-like rhythm.” Inspired by Burtynsky’s images, the numerous stories create an overarching narrative around the ways we use, control and pollute water.

After working with Butynsky on “Manufactured Landscapes” (2006), Baichwal wanted to team up with the photographer again. His work had been the focus of her previous film about industrial manufacturing. When she saw the images he had been working on for a National Geographic essay about water in California, she knew it was the next film.

She felt that the dire tone of other environmental docs failed. Instead Watermark presents a visually compelling story that combines aerial vantages, macros shots and time lapses to present a holistic and artistic perspective. Baichwal said they wanted to capture the full reach of human interaction with water, resulting in a 90 minute film edited from 200 hours of footage.

“Watermark” moves between the expansive industrial projects around water, like China’s Xiluodu Dam, which is six times the size of the Hoover Dam, and the individual human interactions with water, such as the water guard pacing the rice paddies of Yunnan, making sure no one diverts his family’s supply. The lone guard’s patrol of trickling waterways contrasts with the Maha Kumbh Mela, a ritual gathering of 30 million people who bathe in a sacred river. Baichwal said the Maha Kumbh Mela served as the “spiritual connection to the water.”

“We had broad and respectful ways of filming these stories,” Baichwal said. “Instead of having experts talking about it, we had the people living it.”

Another story focuses on the Dhaka, Bangledesh, leather tanneries that pump chemicals into the local water supply, highlighting the interconnectedness of different water usages. The same water used to process hides is later used for washing people and their clothes. In another scene the parched Colorado River Delta serves as a distinct contrast to the pools of Discovery Bay, a community built right onto the California Delta, built mere feet away from a body of water. California agriculture needs the scarce resource to produce the substantial amounts of produce it supplies the rest of the country, while the abalone farms near China’s Fujian coast are built into the water itself. There are parallels and divergences in how water is used by people around the world, but the recurring theme is that it is necessary for existence.

“It’s interesting living in Canada, which has about twenty percent of world’s fresh water supply. It’s very easy to take advantage of it,” Baichwal said. “When you see the devastating effects of water pollution it’s impossible to take it for granted.”

She wanted to create a greater awareness of and respect for water, but wanted to approach it different from other environmental documentaries. Instead of inundating viewers with interviews from experts, she chose a more philosophical approach. “We wanted to create a river – we wanted to immerse viewers in it,” Baichwal explained.

“I’m much more interested in understanding the complexity. Acknowledging complexity means not making quick judgements,” she said. “We worked hard on this film. Wanted to open up a space and move people. The power of film is that it can move you. The goal of the film is to do that and create an awareness, or expand our awareness, of this incredible natural force.”

Burtynsky’s studio is featured frequently as he makes edits to his book, Burtynsky-Water, which spans five years of work. The photographs were also part of a traveling exhibition in 2013, making this project a multi-platform experience.

The film, which won Best Documentary at the Canadian Screen Awards and Best Canadian Film from the Toronto Film Critics Association, is playing around the USA in limited release.- Bianca Hernandez

This article originally appears on Sierra Magazine

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How many cups of water per day ensures that we’re properly hydrated? It’s a straightforward question with no clear answer.

The Institute of Medicine recommends 13 cups of water per day for men, and 9 cups of water per day for women. However, there are so many factors that affect individual water requirements that no two people need the same amount. The question then is not how many cups of water per day we all need but how many you need.

Importance of Daily Water Intake

Water is incredibly healing, both on the inside and out. When your body loses water, it also loses electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and chloride. By the time you notice obvious signs of thirst, such as a dry mouth, lips or skin, your body is already dehydrated. Perhaps you feel more tired than usual, are dealing with a headache or occasional dizziness, or feeling weak. These are all symptoms of dehydration.

Another way to determine whether you’re getting enough water is by looking at your urine. The darker yellow your urine is, the more water you need. Your pee should be nearly clear.

Factors That Influence Hydration Needs

Your weight provides another way to estimate how many cups of water per day is right for your body.  A good rule of thumb is to consume half of your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water. For exampl: If you weigh 150 pounds, this means you should be consuming 75 ounces (about 9.5 cups) of water per day. However, this short-cut still fails to take some factors into consideration.

Climate, perspiration levels, bowel movement frequency, diet and overall health can alter your water needs. Someone who tends to eat dry foods, such as bagels, pastas, nuts, grains, and dried fruit will require more water to compensate than someone who consumes a lot of water-containing foods such as raw fruits and vegetables. Also, those who consume alcohol will also require more water consumption as alcohol has a diuretic affect on the body. An active individual will lose a lot of water through sweat and will thus need to drink more water than someone who is relatively inactive.

How Many Cups of Water Per Day Do You Really Need?

The best advice is to feel it out, and instead of worrying about an exact amount, pay attention to your hydration habits. Sometimes it is hard to tell when you are thirsty or not. Here are some tips to getting enough water.

1. Begin each day with 1 liter (just over 4 cups) of water to set the stage.
2. Pay attention to “hunger” cues. Are you simply craving liquids?
3. 30 minutes before lunch and dinner, drink 1 cup of water.
4. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. While working out, have a water bottle nearby to sip as you go.
6. Drink 1 cup of water in between alcoholic beverages.
7. After a night drinking alcohol, down 1 liter of water before bed. This will help you to avoid a hangover as well!
8. For every cup of coffee, drink 1 cup of water.
9. Enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables juices – they can be counted as part of your daily water fix.

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Image Credit: Papillon Jewelry

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Five sustainable denim favorites for spring and summer.

A good pair of jeans will last you the rest of your life (or until you wear them to shreds). It’s important to pick a good pair, made from organic or recycled denim. Cotton production pollutes soil and waterways, damages wildlife habitats and accounts for over 10 percent of the global use of pesticides. Now that spring seems finally here to stay, it may be time to invest in a new pair. Here are five of our sustainable denim favorites for spring and summer.

1. Kuyichi Denim
Kuyichi was one of the first brands to make denim from recycled and organic cotton, grown completely free of pesticides. These are made from 98 percent organic cotton and 2 percent elastane. We love the faded effect, distressed look and contrast stitching.
$99, YOOX

2. Nudie Jeans Tight Long John Org. Twill Rinsed
Although the brand markets exclusively to men, many of Nudie’s style fit women just as well. The Tight Long John is one of them. Last year, the Swedish label managed to transition its entire high end denim line to 100 percent organic. The darkness in the shade of this pair comes from sulpha that has been added to give it a less red cast. The copper trims are also organic.
$179, Nudie Jeans Co.

3. Levi’s Water<Less Classic Rise Demi Curve Boot Cut Jeans
All the styles in Levi’s CurveID line are specifically designed for different body types. They fit in all the right places—no more pinching, pulling, or bent-over backside reveals. The effect is an overall smoother silhouette and jeans that look like they were made for you. This particular pair is also part of Levi’s Water<Less collection, an initiative designed to significantly reduce the amount of water needed to produce denim.
$50, Levi’s

4. The Remy by Big Star Denim
The all classic boot cut is always in style. The medium blue wash of the Remy is very versatile and easy to pair with anything in your wardrobe. Big Star Denim uses special ozone technology to create their washes. This uses less water, less energy and less chemicals.
$98, Kaight

5. Mid Rise Trouser by Reuse Jeans
The perfect shade of medium blue of these flares bring to mind the carefree attitudes of the ’70s. Channel your inner flower child and pair them with fringe and florals for festival season, or dress them up with a fitted navy blazer and simple whit tee. Reuse Jeans are sustainably made in China, from pre-consumer recycled denim.
$95, Reuse Jeans

Images courtesy of the brands featured

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Learn to make your body go more with the flow.

Nothing slows you down quite like poor blood circulation does. If you aren’t getting enough oxygen to your cells, in an effective and efficient way, then you’ll most likely feel sluggish, look worn and tired, and perhaps even be covering a more serious problem – one that could indicate cardiovascular disease. To boost your energy levels, tone your body, and feel a whole lot like a kid again, get your life force energy flow on with these 20 natural circulation-boosting tips.

Ingest Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper contains the chemical compound capsaicin, which may help to reduce cholesterol and clear arteries and blood vessels. Dash the ground pepper over sautéed dishes as well as into teas, soups, and juices. To target a more specific area of the body where you experience poor circulation, mix ground cayenne pepper with enough water so that it forms a paste. Spread the paste thinly on a cheese cloth and wrap the cloth around the troubled area. In case of a burning sensation, add some olive oil to the paste to relieve the intensity.

Dry Brush Daily

Dry skin brushing invigorates the skin, increasing blood supply to the areas brushed and bringing them oxygen and increased circulation. This ritual also warms you up on a cold winter morning!

To dry brush most effectively, brush in upward, circular motions toward your heart. Move the brush in a clockwise manner and go over each area of skin twice. Focus on the neck, behind the knees, under the arms, and general groin area for greatest results.  Also focus on your lower butt and thighs to reduce cellulite.

Take Hot-Cold C0ntrast Showers

Contrast showers are showers that alternate between hot and cold water. When cold water is running, the lymph vessels contract, and when hot water is running, they dilate. This creates a pump effect that contributes to increased lymph drainage and blood flow in the veins.

Get Regular Massages

Massage therapy helps to release contracted muscles, which in turn pushes blood towards the heart and relieves strain. Schedule a regular massage, at least once a month, to enjoyably increase your blood circulation. What better excuse than for health reasons?

Eat Healthy

A healthy diet, one that includes high alkaline foods – plenty of fruits and vegetables – will increase oxygen supply to your blood and improve overall blood circulation. This almost goes without saying.

Go Ginkgo

Ginkgo Biloba is used in Germany to treat varicose veins and is widely known for its ability to improve memory by increasing blood flow to the brain. The herb strengthens blood vessels and is anti-inflammatory.

Practice Rebounding

Rebounding encourages collateral circulation, which is the formation of branch blood vessels that distribute blood to the heart. It does this by increasing the capillary count in the muscles and reducing the distance between capillaries and target cells. That’s something to jump for!

Drink Water

Stay hydrated and your blood will flow better. The levels of oxygen in the bloodstream are greater when the body is well hydrated.

Increase Dietary Fiber Intake

A high-fiber diet contributes to a healthy circulatory system. High-fiber foods promote the production of propionic acid in the intestines. This acid reduces bile in the intestines and stops cholesterol build-up. Lower cholesterol levels reduce plaque in the arteries and lead to better circulation.

Raise Your Intake of Garlic

Garlic is widely known to reduce cholesterol levels, cleanse the blood, tone the heart, improve the circulatory system, and prevent heart disease.

Use an Infrared Sauna

The infrared sauna is a powerful tool. Infrared rays penetrate the skin a few inches deep, heating the body from the inside out, while ambient temperature stays relatively cool. A sauna session dilates your arteries, gets your heart to beat faster, and burns calories.

Eat Foods With Vitamin C

Low levels of vitamin C are associated with the narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the legs. Without an adequate supply of vitamin C, atherosclerosis can develop and plaque can accumulate in the blood. Vitamin C also helps to keep arteries flexible.

Add Lemon To Your Diet

Lemons contain citrate, which naturally improves circulation. Oranges and grapefruit also contain citrate and have the same effect. Upon waking, squeeze lemon juice into water or tea to reap the benefits first thing in the morning.

Use Heat Therapies

Heat treatments increase the flexibility of tissues, remove toxins from cells, and enhance blood flow. Hot packs, hot water bottles, and heating pads are popular and effective ways to treat an area of the body with poor circulation.

Relax

When the body and mind are relaxed, so are the capillaries and muscles. This allows for easier blood flow and overall proper circulation. Blood pressure also decreases. Practice yoga or take a moment everyday to do breathing practices, meditate, or to take a quiet walk.

Stretch Regularly

Stretching allows for more muscle blood flow, which can prevent from injury and keep your body flexible. Join a yoga class with a friend or spend a few minutes each morning stretching.

Eat Foods With Vitamin E

Vitamin E widens blood vessels to allow for the easy transit of blood through them. It prevents clotting and helps in the creation of red blood cells.

Take Omega-3s For Heart Health

Omega-3 fatty acids lower fibrin in the blood. Fibrin contributes to the formation of blood clots, and studies prove that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent this from happening.

Embrace Dark Chocolate

Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which boost circulation. In a 2003 Harvard study featured in the Journey of Hypertension, there was significant vasodilation among adults after four days of consuming chocolate.

Get Shut Eye

This tip can’t be stressed enough – it’s panacea for just about every ailment! Adequate sleep reduces tension in the body, allows the muscles to relax, and promotes detoxification and lymph drainage. All of these lead to better circulation.

Images: My Dutch Fashion Style, Fo.ol, Thomas Wanhoff, Woodley Wonderworks, Carbon NYC, Charles Chan, Dollen, Ever Jean

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