Clean 'N Green - #1 Drinking water

Several posts back I pledged to start a-blogging on some green topics.

Let's start with the basics - the water we drink.

Our family has used reverse-osmosis water for years from a water cooler. We visit our local water depot-type place, sanitize the jugs and fill them up at a cost of less than $3 for an 19 litre bottle. It saves on using individual water bottles which of course are now the scourge of the eco-friendly masses.

Why not drink city-tested and approved water?

I don't doubt the safety of our water and I'm very grateful that we have clean water for bathing and washing and don't fear getting ill from drinking the water. But years ago we went for a tour of the local water treatment plant because my daughter chose to do a school project on the subject. We had a friend who worked there, and he gave us the grand tour. I saw and heard where the water comes from and of all the interesting things that get filtered and removed from the water. I saw the processes that remove all the contaminants, and subsequently the chemicals additives that are poured back in to make it drinkable. As we were leaving, I asked our gentleman friend whether he drinks the city water and he was quick to say, 'Oh no. I get my water from a natural spring near here.'  Mmmmhmm.

That was years ago and now even the springs have been shut down as unsafe. That visit to the plant left a bad taste in my mouth and since the water depot-type places advertise that reverse osmosis removes any pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine that the city didn't (when used with a carbon filter), I concluded that it must be better to drink. However, according to HistoryofWaterCoolers.com, the downside of reverse osmosis is that it also removes the healthy, natural, beneficial minerals that should be in the water we drink. That website suggests that both reverse osmosis and distillation are extremely wasteful methods of water filtration, discarding 75-80% of the water with the contaminants and both remove the healthy minerals we should be drinking with our water. It suggests that carbon water filters are cheaper and the least wasteful.

Again, I am not implying that you are killing yourself slowly by drinking municipal water or doing yourself any harm. But if it is something that you're interested in and would prefer an alternative, do your research.

Here's an alternative that our family has recently purchased that caught my interest. It's called the Santevia Water System. Everyone who walks by this unit in our kitchen for the first time, does a double-take. Because the 'tank' contains a layer of gravel-like stones,  it looks like it should have fish swimming around in it! To summarize in a sentence, this system uses your ordinary tap water (no need to buy and lug bottles), filters it further through 8 stages, and then re-mineralizes the water to make it as close to natural spring water as you can get while adjusting the Ph level, according to their statements. They challenge you to get your Santevia water tested to prove their claims. You can read all about it here. They also have Youtube videos with 'wordless' demonstrations of assembly, maintenance, etc.

We purchased ours at a natural healthfood store, but they can be purchased easily on-line from their website. No, I am not getting a commission, nor am I endorsing it. I am informing you so you can make your own choice! Here's their introductory video....and you be the judge!

Proud

I get so tired of negativity.

I'm not talking about people who have legitimate needs and express disappointments and difficulties.

It's the daily onslaught of negative opinions about politics and people and situations.....and sometimes it's just more than tiring to listen to it. It doesn't solve anything. It drags us all down....makes us grumpy and ungrateful. (Did we just celebrate Thanksgiving??)

Enter, memories of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

If you're Canadian and you're proud of your country, your heart will swell as you watch the video clip below and remember. I don't recall a time when so many Canadians were united together in excitement and pride in their fellow countrymen. It wasn't simply the medal winning. It was the stories behind those who were giving their all to win. They were ordinary people often dealing with extremely difficult situations, working hard, staying positive, and doing everything in their power to win for their country. Who can forget the face of Alex Bilodeau's brother Frederic - his biggest fan? (Google him - he's famous now!), or the perseverance of Joannie Rochette who tragically lost her mother suddenly in the midst of the games, but kept on going to win a medal for her Mom.

We could learn a thing or two from these Olympians. Hard work. Staying positive. Committed to the team. Pride in their country. Pulling for the next guy.

Our country is made up of people....of which I am one. If I could capture and keep the spirit of the Olympics alive in my daily life....along with you....the landscape of our culture could be vastly different.....so much better. Pulling for our neighbours...instead of criticizing them. Praying for our politicians in spite of their shortcomings. Cheering each other on. Watching out for and lifting up those who fall down.

Be inspired to spread some Olympian-like fever where ever you go. Let's hope it spreads across the country again!

Sweet Nikki

Rest in Peace Sweet Nikki

23 October 1997 - 6 October 2010

We love you!