October 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
- Think about water conservation
- Is bottled water better?
- Find us on Facebook
- Promotion: Klean Kanteen
- Upcoming events
- Quick facts
- Word of the month
- Missed an Issue?
- Visit us online at www.olivineproducts.com
FEATURE ARTICLE
Think about water conservation
In North America we have easy access to a plentiful supply of fresh water. Just turn on your faucet and it is ready to use, 24 hours a day. The fact is, water is critical to sustaining life and there are social, economic, and environmental costs associated with supplying it, using it, and keeping it clean.
Despite its seeming abundance, people exploit our planet’s fresh water faster than it can naturally be replenished. If you are looking for ways to reduce your environmental impact then water conservation should be part of your plan. Using less water puts less pressure on our sewage treatment facilities and reduces the amount of energy needed for water heating. When you use water wisely, you also save money. Your family pays for the water you use. If you use less water, you’ll have more money left to spend on other necessities.
The bathroom accounts for more than half of a home’s indoor water consumption. In keeping with Olivine’s™ philosophy of taking steps toward living green we offer these tips and suggestions to practicing efficiency and conservation in one area of your home. Future newsletter articles will explore other opportunities for residential water conservation.
- Don’t rush to flush! The toilet is your home’s the single largest source of water consumption. Avoid using your toilet as a wastebasket to flush away tissues, unwanted insects, cigarettes or anything else that ought to be thrown in the garbage.
- Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks and can waste hundreds of gallons a day if they go undetected. Leaks occur when the toilet is out of adjustment or when parts are worn, so it’s a good idea to check periodically. Drop a little food coloring into a thankful of clear water and wait a few minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl.
- When it is time to replace you toilet, opt for the low flow or dual flush variety. Look for the EPA’s WaterSense label in order to identify the low-flow models.
- The conventional wisdom used to be that showers were less wasteful than baths, but there really is no hard and fast rule. It’s more a matte of self- control. Think about how long you spend in the shower and how much and how often you like to fill your tub. Time yourself next time you step under the spray. Also, consider if you need the water running at full, hot blast.
- Choose water saving devices, like low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Products on the market today are designed for ample water flow with a lot less water usage. You will not sacrifice your comfort but you’ll certainly save money and reduce your water consumption.
It is not hard to conserve water; it does not change our lives drastically. It is mainly a matter if using common sense and making slight changes to our daily routine. Think about water, and when you do, think about conserving it.
Sources: American Water Works Association, National Geographic’s Green Guide, California Urban Water Conservation Council
FEATURE ARTICLE
Is bottled water better?
You have probably never stopped to think about it, but not all bottled water is the same. There are several types to consider, some of which include: spring water, natural mineral water, sparkling water, and purified water. Whatever your preference, you should know that bottled water is generally not regulated as strictly as tap water. Tap water is required to meet more stringent standards at both the federal and local levels. To check on the quality of drinking water in your area click here.
According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), bottled water is subject to lower purity standards and is tested less frequently that city tap water for bacteria and chemical contaminants. In addition, bottled water rules allow for some contamination by E. coli or fecal coliform, contrary to tap water rules, which prohibit any confirmed contamination with these bacteria. Similarly, there are no requirements for bottled water to be disinfected or tested for parasites such as cryptosporidium or giardia, unlike the rules for big city tap water systems that use surface water sources.
Cost should also be considered. At just 10 to 20 cents per gallon, tap water from your faucet is the cheapest source of water in the U.S. According to calculations by the NRDC, bottled water can cost from 240 to 10,000 times more per gallon than water from the faucet.
Bottom line: Don’t be fooled by bottled water packaging featuring pristine glaciers and crystal-clear mountain springs. Tap water is generally safer and definitely cheaper.
Sources: National Geographic’s Green Guide, Natural Resources Defense Council
GET CONNECTED
We’re thirsty for you comments about our water-themed newsletter. Post your comments on our recently launched Facebook page.
PROMOTION
Klean Kanteen stainless steel
drink bottles
12 oz stainless
with sport top: $12
12 oz pink or blue
with loop top: $12.50
UPCOMING EVENTS
Come visit Olivine™ at these upcoming events
October 17, 9:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M., Filtering the Green Noise Symposium, Suzanne Patterson Center, Princeton
October 18, Bordentown, NJ, 10:30 A.M.-12 P.M., learn about Olivine™ and other NJ based green businesses
October 22, Whole Earth Center, Princeton, 7-8 P.M. Olivine™ in-store event on green cleaning
October 24, 350 International day of Climate Action at Princeton Public Library, 12-2 P.M. Calculate you carbon footprint, enjoy refreshments, and be entered into a raffle to win free Olivine™ products
October 28, Green Gathering™ in Yardley, PA, 7-9 P.M. For details please email.
November 3, visit the Olivine™ booth at the Princeton Jewish Center Annual Gift Boutique, 9 A.M.-7 P.M.
November 7, 4th Annual GreenFaith Awards Celebration, 6-9 P.M., Reformed Church of Highland Park NJ. Bid on Olivine™ products at the Silent Auction.
QUICK FACTS
What do you know about our planet’s water supply?
97% of the water on earth is salt water, and is not suitable for humans to drink. Although the salt can be removed, this is a difficult and expensive process. 2% of the water on earth is glacier ice at the North and South Poles. Glacier ice is fresh water and can be melted, but it is too far from where people live to be usable. Less than 1% of all water on earth is fresh water that we can actually use. We use this small amount of water for drinking, transportation, heating and cooling, industry, and many other purposes. The average American uses 100 gallons of water a day.
Source: American Water Works Association
WORD OF THE MONTH
Wastewater: Water that has been used and contaminated. Wastewater must be purified before being used again or before being returned to the environment. In homes and apartment buildings wastewater comes from toilets, sinks, showers, and water using appliances.
Source: LOHAS.com
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