You return from your latest shopping trip and are putting your purchases away. As you unpack your reusable shopping bags of the latest cleaning wonder, you look at your cleaning cabinet. It may actually qualify as a miniature superfund site.

A closer look reveals that you are not that different than the rest of us - we all have different cleaners for wood, stainless steel, tile, windows, carpets, drains, and everything else under the sun. You admit to yourself that perhaps you like a clean house way too much and that you’ve got a soft spot for the high tech cleaning gadgets, but is any of it eco-friendly?

Do you know what the most difficult challenge of municipal water systems is? It isn’t the organic waste that is difficult to deal with. Organic waste settles to the bottom where it is then taken care of by special enzymes. Chemicals are another story. Cities and municipalities have to use a series of filtration systems to remove chemicals from the water. Other chemicals are often added to help neutralize some of the more hazardous chemicals. However, this water isn’t even completely purified; it is merely purified enough to be pumped down the river, or into a lake.

If you think businesses and manufacturing facilities are the biggest problems - think again. They are closely monitored for chemical pollution to waterways. Homeowners like us are the real problem. With thousands of people on a local water system, and millions on a big city system it is impossible to control what gets washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet. While some offenses are blatant, such as pouring antifreeze or other used car chemicals down the drain, most comes out of ignorance, as most people assume that the manufacturer of the product is selling you something that is safe and look no further. Unfortunately, this is not true. The enzymes and boosters put in most cleaning products have detrimental impacts on algae growth and oxygen levels in water which has a very large negative impact on marine ecosystems.

What can be done to stop this kind of madness? Actually, it’s providing people with the knowledge and education to make smart eco-friendly choices. For instance, home cleaning can be done with several safer cleansers like alcohol, ammonia, bleach, detergent, oil and soaps. Make sure not to mix these chemicals since doing so can be deadly.

One major source of chemicals in the water comes from laundry. However, it really only takes a simple detergent to keep clothes clean. Bleach is great for light clothes. Soaking extremely dirty clothes first, and then washing with a simple detergent is generally effective. Most stains will come clean with the use of alcohol. Vinegar can help with grease or oil stains. What about glass and windows? A simple solution of ammonia and water mixed equally is all you really need. The best cleaner for wood surfaces is simply a mild oil soap. There are even natural, eco-friendly cleaning techniques for virtually every mess or stain out there that involve the use of oils created from things like peppermint and lavender!

The rule of thumb is if there are more than seven to ten ingredients in a cleaner, there is probably a better and more eco friendly choice. Next time you are shopping for home cleanup products you may want to remember that it’s not just buying or bringing your organic cotton bags, its what you put in, or don’t put in it.

You return from your latest shopping trip and are putting your purchases away. As you unpack your reusable bags of the latest cleaning wonder, you look at your cleaning cabinet. It may actually qualify as a miniature superfund site.

As you look in the cabinet, you notice cleaners for polishing wood, cleaners for your stainless steel appliances, cleaners for the window/glass, carpets, drains, bathrooms; the list is endless. You admit to yourself that perhaps you like a clean house way too much and that you’ve got a soft spot for the high tech cleaning gadgets, but is any of it eco-friendly?

Consider your municipal water system - what do you think is the biggest challenge for them? It isn’t the organic waste that is difficult to deal with. Organic waste settles to the bottom where it is then taken care of by special enzymes. Chemicals are another story. Chemicals must be tediously removed from the water by a series of filtration systems. Other chemicals are often added to help neutralize some of the more hazardous chemicals. However, this water isn’t even completely purified; it is merely purified enough to be pumped down the river, or into a lake.

While business and manufacturing facilities can and are closely monitored for chemical pollution, the biggest problems come from homeowners. With thousands of people on a local water system, and millions on a big city system it is impossible to control what gets washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet. While some offenses are blatant, such as pouring antifreeze or other used car chemicals down the drain, most comes out of ignorance, as most people assume that the manufacturer of the product is selling you something that is safe and look no further. Unfortunately, this is not true. The enzymes and boosters put in most cleaning products have detrimental impacts on algae growth and oxygen levels in water which has a very large negative impact on marine ecosystems.

So, what can we do? Like most things, it all begins with a little education. For instance, home cleaning can be done with several safer cleansers like alcohol, ammonia, bleach, detergent, oil and soaps. Make sure not to mix these chemicals since doing so can be deadly.

One major source of chemicals in the water comes from laundry. However, it really only takes a simple detergent to keep clothes clean. Bleach is great for light clothes. Soaking extremely dirty clothes first, and then washing with a simple detergent is generally effective. Most stains will come clean with the use of alcohol. Vinegar can help with grease or oil stains. A tried and true cleaner for glass is made from ammonia and water mixed equally. The best cleaner for wood surfaces is simply a mild oil soap. There are even natural, eco-friendly cleaning techniques for virtually every mess or stain out there that involve the use of oils created from things like peppermint and lavender!

A general rule to follow when looking at what kind of cleaning products to use is to avoid products that use more than 7-10 ingredients. This won’t solve all the problems, but it will help. If you really want to get as eco-friendly as possible, look around online for “recipes” for cleaning products that you can make at home using only water and natural oils and extracts. Next time you are shopping for home cleanup products you may want to remember that it’s not just buying or bringing your organic cotton totes, its what you put in, or don’t put in it.

Millions of people around the world use oceans, pools, and lakes for all sorts of recreational activities. There are many activities that are fun for individuals and families. Because of the wide range of options, water activities are a pastime that shows no signs of declining in the future.

The following is a list of the water activities enjoyed by many throughout the world:

Swimming: Whether it is a pool, lake, or ocean, swimming is a past time enjoyed by many people.

Water Polo: This water sport consists of two teams and a ball. It is often described as a combination of swimming, football (soccer), basketball, and wrestling. A team consists of six field players and one goalie. The purpose of the game is to score as many goals as possible.

Snorkeling: This activity consists of swimming at the surface of the water and using a mask and a small tube called a snorkel.

Water Aerobics: This form of aerobics is performed in the water.

Water Slide: Fun for all ages, a water slide is a slide with water flowing down it.

Scuba Diving: consists of is swimming under water using a (self contained) breathing apparatus and scuba mask.

Underwater Photography: This activity involves taking pictures under water. There are many contests involved with Underwater Photography.

Boating: This is the use of boats on the water. This can include rowboats, motor boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboats, luxury cruise ships, fishing boats, yachts, speed boats, hydroplane racingetc.

Fishing: This recreational or business activity involves catching fish.

Kite Surfing: This sport involves traveling on water using a kite for propulsion.

Water Skiing: This water sport involves using skis to glide over the water while being pulled by a motor boat.

Wakeboarding: This sport is much like water skiing, but involves using only one board attached to the feet.

Wakeskating: This activity is much like wakeboarding, but the board is not attached to the feet

Windsurfing: This involves traveling on a board that uses wind to propel sails.

Synchronized swimming: This involves a combination of swimming, gymnastics, and ballet.

Free-Diving: The goal of this activity is to dive as deep as you can without using a breathing apparatus.

Bodyboarding: This sport is similar to surfing, but the board is smaller and the person lies down on the board.

Dragon Boat Racing: This sport involves teams paddling on water, using painted boats which are attached to decorative dragon heads and tails. The length of the race can be 500 meters and the normal crew number is 22, including 20 paddlers, 1 steer person and 1 drummer.

Fin swimming: This is swimming with fins

Water Aerobics: This exercise is aerobics in the water

Water Tubing: This fun pastime involves sitting in a water tube and being pulled by a motor boat.

Rafting: This involves traveling on a raft down a river.

White Water Rafting: This type of rafting involves traveling in a boat like a kayak through rough river waters.

Jet Ski: A jet ski is a mechanical device used to travel on the water.

Because there are so many activities that involve the use of water, there is usually an activity for everyone to enjoy.

Water is an incredible gift from Mother Nature for sustaining our life and body and keeping us healthy. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day is the normal requirement for an average person. Our body needs plenty of water to maintain its standard body weight as our body weight is 75% water. The vibrant and the main parts of the body like the heart, lungs, muscles, brain and kidneys depend on water for their hydration.

It is an amazing fact that water promotes weight loss by keeping obesity in check. It helps to make a person leaner and slimmer and heightens the glow of the face. To work at their utmost limit, our kidneys require a good supply of water. If there is insufficient water, the kidneys become less active and the burden is automatically transferred to the liver. The chief function of the liver is to transform stored fatty acids into energy for the body. But when the liver becomes burdened by the kidneys’ load, its own efficiency slackens and less reserved fats are transformed by the liver into energy. This gives rise to increased storage of fats and ultimately you start developing obesity. Overweight people need more intake of water than the ones who are already slimmer.

Water ensures that the organs are well replenished and moisturized. Inadequate water supply will force the body to starve the organs of water and this can cause various illnesses. Our brain depends on water to function at its maximum. A person remains attentive and energized throughout the day. Insufficient water can make the person weak, exhausted and drained of energy during the day. Migraines and lack of concentration are also very common problems which are experienced.

Water is beneficial for the heart as well as it aids in circulation of the blood and keeps the heart robust. The function of digestion is also eased as it aids in nutrient absorption. A soft glow in the skin is also observed as water expels toxins and waste products from the body. Skin disorders and acne can also be treated by drinking sufficient water.

Joints are also lubricated and muscles toned by the aid of water. For those suffering from intestinal problems, water helps as it prevents the formation of kidney stones and urinary diseases. It animates the character and helps in uplifting moods. It can also help to cool down the temperature of the body. This effect can especially be tested on a hot, sunny day.

Water is a perfect substitute for coffee and soft drinks. Where soft drinks and coffee act as diuretics, water will act as a hydrator. Fruits and vegetables are also an excellent source of water. For those who forget to drink water, the best solution is to keep a water bottle with you at all times so that the next time you forget or feel too lazy to go to the kitchen, you have the water at an arm’s length.

Cold water is considered harmful for the body and it also promotes a pushed out stomach. Cold water should always be avoided as it has a negative impact on your health. For those suffering constant constipation, water is an answer to your prayers. Drinking sufficient water will ensure natural bowel function and help to reduce constipation.

Water is the source of life and a unique gift from Mother Nature. One should use it to a maximum to remain healthy and evergreen.