Do you wish to live in a way that protects our childrens future? Do you want to live in the greenest world possible with a conscience, respect and appreciation for the environment?

The majority of Americans have a strong sense of environmental and social responsibility. We endeavor to make environmentally beneficial choices in many aspects of our daily living, yet we ignore one of the major contributors to the plight of the planet.

Worldwide in excess of one billion people do not have an uncontaminated source of clean drinking water, this is in excess of 1/6 of the world population, however, as Americans, spend billions of dollars yearly for the convenience of drinking from a plastic bottle instead of a water tap. We should be ashamed.

1.5 million tons of plastic are consumed to bottle water annually. It takes in excess of 25 times the amount of water to make each plastic bottle than the bottle contains. 300 million gallons of bottled water are imported to the United States yearly. This is unacceptable waste.

In America bottled water is often simply an indulgence. in spite of our justifications, it is not a harmless indulgence. Bottled water is an environmental nightmare. Three decades ago bottled water barely survived as a business in the United States. Today Americans spentd more on “designer” bottled water than we spent on sports tickets or iPods – $15 billion in 2007. The expected United States expenditure for bottled water will be $16 billion a year before the end of the decade.

As a nation we drink more than 30 billion single-serving bottles of water per year. Bottled water is the fastest growing beverage industry in the world, valued at $22 billion a year. Less than 15% of plastic bottles are recycled, the rest end up in the waste system and cost America’s major cities in excess of 70 million per year to handle processing and landfill expenditures. America yearly produces in excess of 800,000 tons of plastic bottle pollution that substantially magnifies global warming.

in 2007, Americans trashed more than 38 billion plastic water bottles, approximately $1 billion worth of plastic that could have been recycled. That’s an unforgivable waste, especially considering 1.5 million barrels of oil – enough to power 100,000 cars for a year – were consumed to manufacture these bottles. And that’s not even including the oil and gas required for shipping and delivering this huge volume of liquid.

If you are spending money on bottled water, you are basically purchasing plastic, which is manufactured from petroleum. When we purchase a bottle of water, what we’re often purchasing is the bottle its self. One of the essential problems with bottled water production is the reliance on fossil fuels. From packaging to transportation, bottled water relies on oil, using 17 million barrels of oil and producing massive amounts of carbon dioxide every year.

In the United States alone, we are hauling 1 billion liters of water around a week in ships trains and trucks. That is a weekly giant convoy equivalent to 37,800 18 wheelers. Water weighs 8 1/3 pounds a gallon. It is so heavy you cannot fill an 18 wheeler with bottled water–you have to allow empty space.

There is an simple eco friendly solution. Tap water is much less expensive. As a reporter for the NY Times pointed out, almost all municipal water in America is so good that nobody needs to import a single bottle from Italy or France or the Fiji Islands.

Clean and pure drinking water should be public and inexpensive. The more the wealthy opt out of drinking tap water, the less political support and funds there will be for investing in developing, maintaining and repairing America’s public water supply. That would be a dreadful loss.

Access to affordable, pure water is basic to a nations health. In Fiji, a state-of-the-art factory spins out more than a million bottles a day of the trendiest bottled water on the U.S. market, while more than half the people in Fiji do not have a pure or dependable source of drinking water. Therefore it is easier for the average American in Seattle or Boston to quench their thirst with refreshing Fiji water than it is for the majority of people in Fiji.

If you decide to get your recommended eight to ten glasses a day from bottled water, you could spend up to $1,500 or more every year. The same amount of tap water would cost pennies a day. Recent studies show that many brands of bottled water fail to meet industry guidelines and the cost of even inferior quality bottled water can grow quite high.

A lot of bottled water is really just plain tap water. Several bottled water companies package tap water into plastic bottles, then sell them to you at prices higher than gas and increasing just as rapidly. Aquafina, as an example, has sucessfully been pressured into correcting its labels to advise consumers that Aquafina water comes from tap water. Why do we not just drink tap water? In fact, more than a quarter of bottled water is just processed tap water.

Plastic containers leach dangerous chemicals. Have you considered why your plastic bottle of water has a warning on the label telling you not to reuse it? The longer you use that bottle, the more likely it is to leach hazarous chemicals into your water.

There is a solution. If you are not confident in your local water supply or wish to safely filter tap water when on the go, carbon-filtered tap water os safer and costs much less than bottled water. According to the Environmental Working Group, carbon filtration of tap water will dramatically lower levels of toxic by products; it is also 10 to 20 times less expensive than bottled water, and does not produce the waste and pollution associated with the packaging and transport of bottled water.

A portable water filter is a perfect solution for water filtration on the go. A portable water filter allows anyone to filter their own water, no matter where they travel; across town or around the world. A portable water filter allows you to free yourself from any unpleasant taste, additives or contaminates while protecting the environment and your pocketbook. Get the whole family involved. A five member family could save well over $7,500.00 a year.

Stop being unwitting victims of manipulative advertising. When a entire industry is built up by overwhelming us with a product we do not need, when an entire industry is based on packaging and presentation, not the product, it is worth asking how that happened and what the future impact is upon our precious planet.

Foreign visitors whether heading out on a weekend US road trip or planning a long family vacation on the road you must take some precautions to have a great experience. Your vacation can be ruined if you encounter trouble while driving. Before you start off on your trip, check out these travel tips.

1. Tires must be checked periodically. They lose air pressure every month. An optimum tire pressure is required to maintain the proper contact between the road and the tire. Your car’s fuel economy can be improved if you maintain the manufacturer recommended pressure in your tires.

2. Follow the recommended schedule for an oil change. Different types of oils are suggested for different weather conditions. Thicker oil may be more suitable during summer months. The coolant/antifreeze ratio must be 50/50.

3. If needed top off all the fluids and examine the belts and hoses for cracks and wear. If your battery is between 3-5 years old get it tested. It can be strained in hot weather and it is safer to replace it than be stranded in the middle of nowhere.

4. Auto Club memberships can be very helpful during such trips. They can assist with tire changes, locked doors, towing etc. Take your membership card with you. If you have a newer car check with your dealer if road side assistance is included from the manufacturer.

5. Always have an emergency kit in your truck. The kit can contain basic tools, food, water, jumper cables, first aid kit and a flashlight. Auto stores sell fully assembled kits.

6. Pack a small cooler with bottled water, crackers, cereal bars, fruit, milk etc., to keep you and your family hydrated and hunger-free. Refill your cooler at gas stations and rest stops so you will always have food available. Sodas and salty snacks can make you more thirsty.

7. Always obey the rules of the road. Do not drive if you are sleepy or tired. Use seatbelts always and strap children in car seats.

An investment in a trusted visitor health can cover you for medical expenses from illnesses or injuries. Have a great summer vacation!

For senior citizens it is very arduous to manuever so mobility becomes a dilemma that needs to be solved. However, in some instances this incapacity is more severe and permanent than in other situations. When a person comes to the point that they need help moving around and they can afford it, they would benefit from using mobility scooters . A mobility scooter makes it possible for disabled individuals to maintain their independence, who otherwise may not have been able to move like they once did. In fact, electric mobility scooters are great for inside and outdoor activities, as they move smoothly and easily over a range of surfaces.

New scooters are expensive, but it doesn’t mean that the individual should wait until they have more cash for a new scooter to get assistance. Rather, they can choose to invest in used mobility scooters as as opposed to a shiney new mobility scooter. Seeking out a used mobility scooter will save tons of money, but don’t skimp on quality. Make sure you are getting a quality heavy duty scooter. Many people find that it is easier to get a used scooter faster than going through the process of buying a brand new one.

Seniors often need guidance on how to come across a used mobility scooter. There are many well-constructed and reliable electric mobility scooters on the market these days. There are many online auctions that allow people to post mobility scooters. The leading one on the internet is Ebay. Using online auctions and other retailers on the web provides more opportunities to get a great deal. Beware however, you need to consider shipping cost.

If you don’t want to just stay local, and the internet is a mystery, you can go elsewhere to get your used scooter. Thrift stores are a good place to begin, despite the fact that a quality scooter is not certain to be there. Occasionally, there will be one located there and the price is typically much lower than anywhere else. Individuals can also inquire of the owners whether or not get mobility scooters, and how often this happens. Using the newspapers and magazines that are published locally for classified ads on used mobility scooters. If none are listed the individual can place a “wanted to buy” classified ad. Also check out the local radio stations early in the mornings for a buy/sell show. Many smaller local stations have that. You can also, of course, place a classified ad registering your yearning to buy a used mobility scooter.

It can be difficult to search for used scooters that will provide you most benefits, but it is not impossible to do. Just be sure to be unwearied and hang in there. The benefits will last for years, by helping you to get places that you never thought possible.

Your longed for holiday has finally arrived. Are you well prepared for your trip? Often in the excitement leading up to departure essential luggage items can be over looked. Obviously a weekend away is different from an overseas trip so you must pack accordingly.

Make a list of what you think you need to pack then add the following. Your main three travel essentials to include are Toiletries, First Aid and Essential documents.

Sounds simple enough and yes many of the items are readily available at most destinations. However do you really want to spend your valuable holiday time searching for a pharmacy at 2am because you have a splitting headache? Or trying to explain diarrhea to a foreign speaking pharmacist?

There are plenty of really great travel first aid kits now available. Depending on what type of trip you are planning you can buy a first aid kit to suit. This is highly recommended for any overseas trip. As well as being in a neat compact kit as a bonus these kits are very useful to keep at home or in your car or boat.

A decent kit will contain pain relief medication; stomach upset medication, an antiseptic cream, various band aids and plasters. Usually safety pins and tweezers will be included. Eye drops are good. Include an emergency temporary dental filling as well. Make sure that your first aid kit is in your checked luggage. This will ensure none of your essential items will be confiscated by customs.

Your toiletries should include essentials such as medicated wipes, tissues, dental floss or toothpicks and sun cream. If you are traveling outside of cities an insect repellent will be useful. Depending where you travel if the climate is very dry, lip balm and body moisturizer are advised. Emery boards for ragged nails will save you annoyance. Men don’t forget your razor!

If you are on medication make sure you have enough for your whole trip and then some. Don’t assume that your destination country pharmacy will stock your brand of medicine or that you will be able to get your prescription filled over seas.

At all times especially if traveling alone have emergency contact details on you. Also carry copies of your passport, your travel itinerary and your travel insurance details. Having your travel agents contact details can also be useful.

With a little planning and a few extra items be confident that you have everything you need to enjoy your adventure. Bon Voyage!

Medical expenses rise yearly. It can become a huge burden, especially when you’re visiting a foreign country. Whether you are traveling to the US for vacation or business, you need to have “visitor medical insurance”.

The actual things covered by visitors health insurance differ from plan to plan. It’s all more than a little confusing to buy the correct policy. Whatever your needs are, you have to consider the following common elements, and take these into consideration before buying any policy:

Insurance company’s reputation

This is an important element you should thoroughly research in order to get yourself insured by the right company. In the event of a serious medical problem, you want your insurance company to be on your side, not fighting your claim. You should only deal with policies from trusted companies.

To find out what a company’s reputation is, visit the websites of independent rating companies. Rating companies are independent organizations which give fair reviews and provide ratings to insurance industry. One example is “A.M. Best” rating.

Use the Internet to find out information

If you are not sure about the correct place to find out information about the company, you can directly go to the company’s website. Every piece of information is written in different sections which are easy to find out.

Using the Internet has some other side benefits. One is that you can simply see the policies from one company compared against policies from other companies in this interactive interface. Most insurance companies provide something of the sort.

Study the policies carefully

Although every type of information is available in the information brochure and documentation provided by the company, sometimes people just skip the less important parts and read the main parts only. This should not be done while dealing with any kind of insurance policies. When you are going to buy a visitor health insurance policy, you have to consider each and every factor as the important one.

Pick an American insurance company

If you are visiting United States, it is strongly advised to buy the policy from an insurance company based in America. American based policies will cover all risks in any part of USA. Some doctors or hospitals may not accept policies originating outside the USA. Therefore it makes sense to use a company based in the USA.

Buying a visitor’s medical policy not only benefits you, but also covers your family in the case of risk. You have to take specific plans if you are visiting the country with your family. Accidents and health conditions are not predictable and it may create trouble when you are not in your country. Therefore it is wise to get yourself insured before visiting any country to minimize the risk factor.