One of the things that we can all do to reduce our individual carbon footprint and an idea that has been around for many years now for various reasons, is the installation of water filters and using glass or stainless steel, reusable drinking bottles. There are many debates that revolve around the use of and exploitation of large amounts of energy to produce products that are not only dangerous; they are having a very negative impact on our environment. It is possible to adjust certain aspects of our lifestyle in favour of smarter and cheaper methods to achieve the same results. We just have to know where to go to get this information.

When we install a home water filter and use a reusable water bottle (glass or stainless steel) we are each reducing the amount of pollution caused from the plastic waste, during the processing, transportation, and disposal of plastic bottles. It was recently estimated that the manufacturing process involved in producing plastic, releases more than 800,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, contributing a massive amount to global climate change. Reducing our dependence on bottled water, will almost certainly cut down on the amount of greenhouse gas being put into the atmosphere.

The manufacture of bottled water uses a lot of natural resources and energy. If we believe the official figures out of New York, we can believe that the amount of oil used to produce plastic water bottles, is the equivalent of 66 million gallons of gasoline, in that state alone! When you combine this with global research data conducted over a number of years, bottled water is no safer to drink that standard tap water, in most countries. Is the use and consumption of bottled a “fashion statement”. Are we funding the demise of the planet through the bottled water industry, simply because a few irresponsible people think it’s cool to drink it?

You be the judge, and decide for yourself whether or not you support the trend. Fashionable, destructive and harmful bottled water, or simple reusable bottles and water filters for a healthier planet.

A company known as Identity Links has been focusing on the “Going Green” issue and believes that corporations need to be not only promoting its products and services, but also its commitment to our planet. With this in mind the company has introduced a new eco-friendly material to the promotional products buyer, “Jute”.

An all natural material made entirely from plant fibers’, has more uses than cotton. Entirely durable and a prime eco-friendly, it is reusable for many years. The range comes in several different color combinations, and is only one of the many wonderfully chic eco-friendly bags. This bag can serve many purposes: purse, shopping bag, grocery bag, conference bag, etc.

Other preferred Textile Fibers’

Natural plant fibers’ such as Cotton, Flax, Hemp, & Jute

Whereas Nylon and polyester man made fibers’ can be discarded, but as we are now very aware, their disposal is more damaging to the environment than other more natural products. We are therefore left with a number of options to consider.

Plant Fibers’ of which all are 100% biodegradable. In this article we will look more closely at just one option.

COTTON is a soft unicellular hair fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. It is a tropical plant which is native to more than 60 countries of which China is the largest producer followed by America.

Cotton can be woven or knitted. It can also be turned into flannel, corduroy, muslin, and a variety of other fabrics used so universally that the American Cotton Council uses “the fabric of our lives” as a tag line.

Cotton also carries environmental controversy, particularly in the developing world, where dangerous pesticides are heavily employed. Cotton is subject to infestation, and therefore many growers heavily douse the plant in pesticides that are harmful to human and animal health, as well as herbicides to eliminate competition for resources.

A number of producers also genetically modify the plant, which many outside the industry view as a questionable practice. Cotton also has very large water requirements, which may place stress on nations with limited water resources. The processing of cotton is also a lengthy and complex process involving washing, boiling and bleaching all of which require temperature control. The finishing processes also involve starching and further chemical treatment. As a result, the production of cotton is heavily criticized for its damaging impact on the environment.

In the late 20th century, there was a push for organic, sustainable cotton grown and harvested without the use of pesticides and human exploitation. This cotton is significantly more expensive than conventionally farmed cotton, however, and may not be practical for most consumers.