(By Peter Anspach – Contributing Editor)
Water. It makes up 60% of our bodies – and covers over 70% of our planet. We need water to survive, and yet sometimes we don’t consider the impact of our own consumption. According to Authority Nutrition and common knowledge, it is recommended that the average person drink 8 – 8 ounce cups of water per day, equating to 64 ounce or a ½ gallon.
In the United States, it is relatively cheap and easy to obtain water. Whether you have a well, city/town tap water or visit your local grocery store – water is available. We are very fortunate to have this kind of access, which is why it is our responsibility to consume water in the most earth-friendly manner possible.
This is why I’d like to introduce Klean Kanteen. Founded in 2004, Klean Kanteen strives to create a non-toxic solution to single-use plastic water bottles – which most Americans rely on for their every day water consumption. The Klean Kanteen is made of 100% recyclable stainless steel – which does not retain tastes or odors, is very easy to clean, and is extremely durable. Stainless Steel is also BPA-free.
Klean Kanteen manufactures over seas in China to provide a low-cost product. Though having business in America is more fruitful for our economy, the advantages to this low-cost actually pay off from an environmental standpoint. Klean Kanteen has partnered with companies such as Green Mountain Energy, 1% For The Planet and the B Corporation in order to massively reduce their carbon footprint. These companies utilize something called “Renewable Energy Certificates,” which represent a certain amount of energy created by renewable sources such as wind and solar. Klean Kanteen purchases the equivalent amount of REC’s to the amount of electricity they use at their factories and manufacturing plants. In additional, Green Mountain Energy calculates the amount of carbon sent into the atmosphere by the shipment and delivery of every Klean Kanteen (out of its factory in Chico, California), which Klean Kanteen then retracts by purchasing more REC’s.
Klean Kanteen bottles come in a variety of styles and sizes ranging from 18 oz to 64 oz. The standard 27 oz. bottle need only be filled 2 1/3 times per day in order to meet the daily consumption standard. It may be less convenient to find a water fountain or sink, but it will be better for our planet and a lot more cost effective in the long run than buying plastic water bottles.
Any coffee lovers out there? KK offers insulated bottles – perfect for keeping your coffee hot or cold throughout the day. The 20 oz. wide version can keep your beverage hot for 14 hours or ice cold for 40 hours – much better than the standard plastic/paper/foam cups provided at coffee shops. Not to mention the impact that reusing a coffee mug can have on our planet as opposed to buying a disposable cup every day. Some may be thinking, “Well, the cup says it’s recyclable…” Yes, that is true, but the real crime is the mass production of paper/plastic/foam and the carbon impact the manufacturing process and shipping has on our atmosphere. Just ask your regular coffee stop to fill up your Kanteen instead!
I encourage you all to visit kleankanteen.com. Check out the different types of quality containers and pick whichever works best for your daily life. The classic 27 oz. bottle is only $20.95, a real bargain for a lifetime of portable water.
Sources
http://www.kleankanteen.com/pages/sustainability-details
http://www.kleankanteen.com/pages/energy
http://www.designlife-cycle.com/klean-kanteen-life-cycle/
http://www.naturalnews.com/029758_stainless_steel_water_bottles.html
https://www.bcorporation.net/community/klean-kanteen
https://thewaterproject.org/bottled-water/bottled-water-on-campus
http://www.carbonrally.com/challenges/4-plastic-bottle