How to Stop Using Plastic Bottles

The constant use of plastic bottles is really harmful to the environment and can be pretty easily reduced. here are some ways to stop using plastic bottles so much.

New Water Technology at Israeli Watec Exhibition

Thousands of visitors from around the world have arrived at the Watec Exhibition in Tel Aviv to see and to learn the latest innovations in the field of water technology. Ever since its establishment Israel has struggled with a limited water supply, but has succeeded thanks to developing advanced technologies for overcoming its water shortage.

The Watec Exhibition is a bi-annual event presenting the most recently developed innovative water technologies.

Plastic bags and the environment

CNN's Amber Lyon examines the effect plastic bags have on the ocean.

CURE - Clean Up the River Environment

This short documentary shows the work being done by CURE to bring together farmers and down-stream citizens to work on pollution issues involving the Minnesota River. CURE won a 2010 InCommons grant for their great work

The Story of Bottled Water

The Story of Bottled Water employs the Story of Stuff style to tell the story of manufactured demand—how you get Americans to buy more than half a billion bottles of water every week when it already flows from the tap. Over five minutes, the film explores the bottled water industry's attacks on tap water and its use of seductive, environmental-themed advertising to cover up the mountains of plastic waste it produces. The film concludes with a call to take back the tap, not only by making a personal commitment to avoid bottled water, but by supporting investments in clean, available tap water for all.

Our production partners on the bottled water film include five leading sustainability groups: Corporate Accountability International, Environmental Working Group, Food & Water Watch, Pacific Institute, and Polaris Institute.

And, for all you fact checkers out there, http://storyofstuff.org/pdfs/StoryOfBottledWater_pdfs.zip

Why Care About Water?

There is the same amount of water on Earth today as there was when the dinosaurs roamed. And just less than one percent of the planet's water is available to meet the daily drinking water, sanitation and food needs of nearly 7 billion people and millions of other species. Learn more about water in all its forms and how you can make a difference.

Bringing Clean Water to Kenya

Vestergaard Frandsen's landmark Carbon for Water initiative provides more than 1 million free Lifestraw family water filters to communities in western Kenya, a region with limited access to clean water.

With a means for at-home access to drinkable water, locals no longer need to burn firewood for purification, resulting in carbon emissions savings. Watch the video to learn more about the company's commitment to Kenya and how carbon credits will help provide clean water equipment and training for years to come.



What Happens to Plastic Water Bottles?

What happens after you put a plastic bottle into the recycling bin?

Check out the tour of Marglen Industries in Rome, Ga., one of the largest and most sophisticated PET recycling facilities in the United States, using solar energy to help convert 2.5 billion empty bottles each year into many useful products. This video demonstrates the value, importance and practicality of recycling.

“In the video a Marglen spokesman says one of the biggest issues his recycling businesses faces is not having enough empty bottles to feed their facility,” says Tom Lauria, Vice President of Communication for the IBWA, in a press release. “U.S. recycling rates are still too low. This video is a clear message to consumers and municipalities that more needs to be done to capture this valuable material to feed recycled material processing centers rather than feeding landfills…”



Use Less Plastic

Every piece of plastic ever made still exists today, and much of this plastic has traveled from our hands to our oceans. This problem of plastic in our oceans is pretty serious. Here's one way to help, and it's pretty straightforward: Use less plastic. Join the Blue movement and sign the plastic pledge at SaveMyOceans.com.

Director: Mariana Blanco
Animator: Sol Linero
Production Co: Hoodablah - hoodablah.com

Song: Pot Kettle Black
Written by Kianna Alarid, Neely Jenkins, Derek Pressnall, Jamie Lynn Pressnall & Nicholas White
Performed By Tilly and the Wall
Courtesy Of Team Love Records By Arrangement With Bank Robber Music

Recycled Rainwater Boon for Beijing Florists

Flooding and drought are two major problems in China. But some Beijing florists are finding alternative solutions to their water woes. Here's more.

In Beijing, diminishing supplies of underground water reserves are becoming a major concern. But now, florists in the city are turning to the clouds to solve their water worries. They've begun to gather rainwater.

Liu Jiansheng is one such florist. His business is booming recently and so are his water demands. Turning to collected rainwater has benefited not only the environment, but also his wallet.

[Liu Jiansheng, Beijing Florist]:
"The previous water cost of one pot of flower was about five yuan, while after the use of recycled water, I only spent three yuan on it, two yuan lower than before."

Liu makes about $25,000 for every 80-thousand flowerpots, so every cent counts.

Landscaping Tips : How to Control Erosion in Plant Landscapes

Turn your green thumb into a green, thriving outdoor environment with these landscaping tips for planning, installing and maintaining the perfect landscape for your needs. Get professional help from an experienced landscaper in this video series.

You can control erosion in plant landscapes by installing a drainage system to control water flow, using mulches or planting Cotoneaster. Learn a variety of anti-erosion techniques from David Schmutz.

David Schmutz has more than 20 years of experience in landscape design, installation and maintenance. He serves as the manager of Smartscapes, LLC in Nashville, Tennessee.

How to recycle rain water for use at home

Looking for ways to cut down on your water usage? Homeowners Steve and Linda Parker have installed a rainwater catchment system that allows them to collect rainwater to recycle in their California home. Since installing the system they've collected about 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water to re-use for their laundry and their toilets.