| When was the last time you drank 8 glasses of | | | | think to buy a soda, drink a larger glass of water |
| water in one day? Just plain tap, filtered or | | | | first thing in the morning and the next time you |
| sparkling water is best. | | | | feel hungry drink a glass of water instead of |
| The average person should consume between | | | | eating a snack. |
| 4-10 glasses of water each day, depending on the | | | | Bottled water is a good option, and water from |
| amount of fluid lost, and the size of your glass. | | | | your sink, refrigerator filter or fountain is the best |
| Drinking water restores balance to your body's | | | | choice. There is a lot of waste produced with |
| tissues; it keeps us hydrated as well as our bodies | | | | each bottle of water; including the materials to |
| working at the optimal level. | | | | make the plastic bottle, label and cap, and the fuel |
| Soft drinks and juice contain ingredients such as | | | | for the truck that brings it to you. Roughly 86% |
| sugars, sweeteners, and caffeine that disrupt the | | | | of plastic water bottles are thrown away as trash |
| fluid balance in our tissues and can actually create | | | | into our landfills and may take more than 1,000 |
| a dehydrated state. | | | | years to biodegrade. |
| It is a myth that the more one drinks the more | | | | Reuse your next bottle or buy a reusable bottle |
| you will use the bathroom. A concentrated | | | | locally (aluminum, stainless steel, plastic or glass), all |
| amount of urine in your bladder from not drinking | | | | can be cleaned and reused. You don't have to |
| enough water, or the presence of caffeine and | | | | spend lots of $$ to get one. A glass bottle with a |
| sweeteners may irritate your bladder and lead to | | | | screw on, ceramic or porcelain cap to drink your |
| more trips to the bathroom. A good way to | | | | water is a great way to minimize consumption |
| know if you are well hydrated is if your urine is | | | | while drinking pure water. You can buy a Lorina |
| clear and odorless. | | | | Juice bottle or similar drink with a ceramic or |
| The standard recommendation is to consume | | | | porcelain cap for approximately $3.99 or a |
| eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. That is a | | | | specialty beer, such a Rougue, $6-10. You can |
| lot more than it seems, though it can be easy to | | | | then drink the liquid, rinse and re-use. A store |
| incorporate into your day. Start your morning with | | | | bought reusable bottle, such as a SIGG or a Kleen |
| a glass of water and end your day with another | | | | Kanteen, will save you money over the life of the |
| glass. Drink one at each meal, another with an | | | | bottle. Even though the packs of 24 and 36 |
| afternoon snack, one before and after you | | | | bottles of water at the grocery store may be |
| exercise. That is 8 glasses. | | | | tempting because they are inexpensive, reusing |
| For reference 1 cup holds 8-ounces of liquid, a | | | | one bottle is still less expensive. |
| glass about 4 inches tall, roughly the length of | | | | Using a reusable water bottle is the most |
| your index finger, holds 8 ounces, a can of soda is | | | | economical and environmentally responsible choice, |
| typically 12-ounces, and a pint glass is 16-ounces, | | | | especially since the glass, aluminum and stainless |
| as well as many plastic soda bottles. | | | | steel bottles can be recycled after their very long |
| Other good ways to increase your water intake | | | | life. |
| include substituting plain water the next time you | | | | If you feel thirsty, take a drink. |