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What Is Sustainability and Why Is It Important?
What is sustainability? Is it just a buzzword? A new marketing trick? Or a lifestyle? The word sustainability is commonly used in the media, politics, and advertising. So, if you’re trying to understand what sustainability means and why sustainability is important, that’s great news. In truth, sustainability is a complicated concept. In this post, we’ll answer the questions: what is sustainability, what does sustainability mean in everyday life, and why is sustainability important? Let’s jump in! What is Sustainability? Still asking, what is sustainability? It’s not a simple term to define, but here’s our simplest explanation of what sustainability means. What is sustainability? Sustainability means meeting the needs and requirements of the present without limiting future generation’s ability to meet their needs and demands. In other words, sustainability means living within the limitations of the planet, society, and economy. The Three Pillars of Sustainability Sustainability divides into three categories: environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability. The key thing to remember is that all three pillars are deeply connected. For example, damage to the environment through deforestation is linked to more frequent natural disasters, such as flooding, landslides, and drought. Natural disasters have a huge impact on people’s lives and social security. They also impact the economy because individuals or governments need to rebuild damaged urban areas, fund emergency aid, and pay for medical care. Environmental Sustainability What is environmental sustainability? Environmental sustainability means living within the natural resources of the planet. To live an environmentally sustainable lifestyle, we need to consume resources at an equal rate to the rate at which they can be produced. Let’s imagine you have a 20-litre supply of drinking water. Your water tank will refill every ten days. Drinking 4 litres of water each day would be unsustainable because you’re going to run out after just five days. Therefore, limiting your water consumption to 2-litres of water per day would be a sustainable solution. Now imagine that your water tank is the world’s supply of drinking water. Using freshwater faster than it can be replaced is unsustainable because it will cause water shortages in the future. Social Sustainability What is sustainability in society? Social sustainability means living in a way that can be maintained in the long term. A rapidly expanding city that’s mostly powered by fossil fuels and produces little of its own goods is unsustainable in the long term. Meanwhile, a gradually expanding city that produces most of its own energy, food, and other goods could be sustained for generations. Economic Sustainability Economic sustainability is the trickiest of the three pillars. What does sustainability mean in an economic sense? Generally, the term applies to larger companies and nations and their ability to use profit to drive the economy. In an economically sustainable society, the profits from businesses and government would pay citizens' wages, fund public services, and enable more social and economic development. Also Read: What is Corporate Social Responsibility? What Does Sustainability Mean in Everyday Life? Let me give you an example. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels for energy and petrol is considered unsustainable. Because we use the resources faster than they can be replaced, it limits access to future generations. Additionally, the damage caused to the environment by extracting fossil fuels and the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels will impact the health and livelihood of future generations. On the other hand, sunlight and wind are renewable energy sources that can’t be used up. Likewise, the manufacturing and maintenance of solar panels and wind turbines have a relatively low impact. Especially when you compare to the environmental damage and pollution that fossil fuels cause. Therefore, powering our homes, offices, and vehicles with renewable energy is sustainable. Also Read: Six tips to make your office eco-friendly. To give you another example, modern society’s current dependence on single-use plastics is unsustainable. Why? Because: Plastic is mostly made from non-renewable resources such as crude oil and coal. Plastic takes hundreds, or even thousands, of years to break down, taking up large areas of landfill sites. Plastic releases toxic chemicals into the soil, oceans, and waterways. These chemicals include ‘forever chemicals’ (persistent organic pollutants or POPs), which are commonly found in PVC plastics and don’t break down. Plastic waste, therefore, impacts the quality of essential resources such as water which will affect future generations. At the same time, irresponsible plastic disposal regularly threatens wildlife species. Also Read: Eight reasons to take a reusable water bottle everywhere. Why is Sustainability Important? Despite the huge debates surrounding sustainability, the reason that it’s so important is quite simple. It’s impossible to maintain the current quality of human life, biodiversity, and natural ecosystems without making sustainable changes. Eventually, fossil fuels and freshwater supplies will run out, wildlife species will become extinct, and natural resources polluted. That’s why it’s so important to start living more sustainably, as individuals and as societies, right now. Eco-Friendly Living vs Sustainability: What’s the difference? What is sustainability and what is eco-friendly living? Sustainability, as we defined above, is a complex concept that includes a range of activities. But its focus is on balancing economic and social development with the natural environment while maintaining resources for future generations. Eco-friendly living is much simpler. It means living in a way that does not harm the planet. Often, choosing to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and purchasing eco-friendly products will be more sustainable. But the two terms are not 100% interchangeable. Also Read: Top ten eco-friendly living tips. Did this post help you understand what sustainability means and why sustainability is important? We hope so! For more advice and tips on living sustainably, subscribe to the FLASKE Blog or check out our eco-friendly products.
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Top Ten Eco-Friendly Living Tips
Whether you're going green to save money, improve your health, or help the environment, every step towards eco-friendly living is a step in the right direction. If you're new to the concept of eco-friendly living, then you might not know where to start. Don't be discouraged. Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is a journey that will take time to adjust to. Here are ten eco-friendly living tips to help you on your way. Top Ten Tips for Eco-Friendly Living Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is not as hard as you think. Use these ten easy eco-friendly living tips to become more sustainable in your daily life! Ditch Single-use Plastic Look around your home. Take note of how many single-use plastic items you see. Single-use plastic is everywhere, especially in our kitchens, but reducing your dependence on single-use plastic is easier than you might think. Bringing a reusable cotton tote when you go shopping and purchasing loose fruits and veggies will significantly reduce the plastic in your home. You can also stop buying bottled water. Instead, take a reusable water bottle everywhere you go. Buy Eco-Friendly Living Products Everything you buy has a carbon footprint. If you want to adopt eco-friendly living principles, you'll need to start shopping more carefully. Try searching for environmentally conscious companies that sell eco-friendly living products, such as reusable water bottles and plastic-free cleaning products. Other eco-friendly products to look out for include natural toiletries and alternatives to single-use plastics. Repair, Reuse, Recycle You've probably heard of the Three R's before, but do you use them in your daily life? When something is broken, take it to your local repair shop before putting it in the trash. And, if something can't be fixed, can you find another use for it? Can you upcycle it? Remember that recycling is an energy-intensive process that should be a last resort. So, always repair and reuse before recycling. Drive Less If it's possible to travel by public transport, carshare, cycle, or walk, do so instead of driving. You can reduce your environmental impact by driving less or switching to an electric-powered vehicle. People who live on public transport routes or near a city centre may not need a car at all. Alternatively, choose a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle when you need to drive. Make sure you inflate the tyres properly and reduce your speed to the optimum level for your car. Reduce Food Waste In developed countries, we waste millions of tonnes of food every year. Aside from wasting your money, throwing out tons of food leads to increased greenhouse gases released from landfill sites. Storing fresh produce correctly can help you reduce the amount of food you waste. So can a set of reusable food storage containers. Try putting your leftovers from dinner into a reusable food pot and eating them for lunch the next day. Eat Less Meat You don't have to switch to a 100% plant-based diet to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle. But reducing the amount of meat on your plate, particularly red meats, is one of our eco-friendly living tips. It's no secret that animal agriculture is highly unsustainable and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. What's more, regularly eating low-quality meats isn't great for your health. Taking meat off the menu a few days a week will help to keep the planet clean and your body healthy. Switch to Renewable Energy Renewable energy is now widely available and highly affordable. Switching to a 100% renewable energy supplier may save you money and help you live more sustainably. Plus, if you own your property, installing solar panels on your roof lets you benefit from free electricity! Shop Locally Clothes, food, electronics, or other items, the closer to home you buy your products, the fewer miles they will have to travel. Transporting food and other commercial products increases their carbon footprint. So, support your local economy and buy locally produced goods whenever you can. Say No to On-The-Go Plastics Like reducing the single-use plastics in our household, eliminate the single-use plastics that you use away from home. Saying no to disposable plastics can be challenging, but it's easy if you're organised. Remember to travel with a refillable water bottle and take an insulated travel coffee mug whenever you want a takeaway coffee. Bring your own reusable bag, buy snacks in recyclable packaging, or sit to eat instead of getting a takeaway. Also Read: How to tackle waste with your morning coffee routine. Grow Your Own Growing fruits and vegetables at home is a rewarding way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. If you have a back garden or an allotment, you're already set to grow! Growing your own food isn't limited to homeowners though. Anyone living in an apartment or renting a flat short-term can try growing herbs, shallow-rooted veggies such as spring onions, lettuce, and leeks, or fast-growing fruits like strawberries and raspberries. All you need is some window boxes, hanging baskets or small pots. Want more tips and advice for eco-friendly living? Why not subscribe to the FLASKE Blog so that you don't miss out on our eco-friendly living tips and sustainable product updates.
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Your Questions Answered: What Does BPA Free Mean?
BPA free is a phrase you’ve probably come across hundreds of times, whether you’re shopping for plastic utensils in your local supermarket or buying a reusable water bottle. But what is BPA and what does BPA free mean? Unless you have a keen interest in chemistry, you probably only know two things: BPA is bad, BPA free is good. So, we’ve written this post for anyone who wants to know more about this common chemical. What is BPA? BPA is an stands for Bisphenol A, a synthetic chemical that has been commonly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins since the 1960s. It’s typically used to strengthen plastic but has also been found in dental products, toiletries, household electronics, and grocery receipts. Because many food and drink containers are made from polycarbonate plastics, BPA is frequently found in water bottles. However, it’s also used as a liner in many metal containers. Is BPA Bad for Your Health? Although Bisphenol A is a useful compound, it’s been proven to leech. Leeching is a problem for containers that are not BPA-free because the chemical can seep into the foods and drinks that you then consume. One of the main problems with plastic is that as it wears, it releases chemicals. So, the more you use a plastic bottle, the more chance your water is being contaminated. That’s why you should never reuse single-use plastic bottles. Although small amounts of BPA in humans may not cause huge health issues, the chemical has been linked to hormonal imbalances. Because BPA has a similar structure to oestrogen, it can affect hormone-related processes such as growth, reproduction, weight gain/loss, and energy levels. High levels of BPA may also affect development in babies and young children. That’s why several countries have already restricted the use of BPA in children’s products. What Does BPA Free Mean? Because of the discussions surrounding Bisphenol A, many manufactures have chosen to remove BPA from their products. So, plastic products, including plastic water bottles that are BPA free, do not contain Bisphenol A. Are BPA Free Plastic Water Bottles Safe to use? Not necessarily. Many reusable plastic water bottle manufacturers get around the issue of toxic chemicals in plastic by advertising their products as BPA free. Although removing BPA from plastic water bottles is a step in the right direction, other chemicals in plastic may have similar effects on our health. For example, Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BSF) have a similar structure to BPA. They may impact our hormone levels in the same way as BPA. There’s also a long list of Bisphenol variations (BPZ, BPAF, BHPF, BPP, and so on) which you probably haven’t heard of. And, they probably won’t be listed on the product’s label. Unfortunately, plastic and BP chemicals are everywhere, so it’s very hard to avoid them completely. However, you can minimise your exposure to BPA and other synthetic compounds by switching from plastic and tin to stainless steel or glass containers. Are FLASKE Water Bottles BPA Free? Yes. All FLASKE products are made from food-grade stainless steel. Because food-grade stainless steel is non-toxic, rust resistant and corrosion resistant, it doesn’t need a liner. That means our reusable water bottles, travel coffee cups, and insulated food pots are 100% BPA free. They’re also free from other toxic chemicals you would usually find in disposable and reusable plastic bottles. Read why stainless-steel water bottles are better than plastic to learn more about the problems with plastic. Now that you know what BPA free means and its negative health effects, we hope you’ll ditch plastic water bottles for good. High quality, BPA free metal bottles are safer for you and safer for the environment. So, visit the FLASKE Collection to order a stainless-steel reusable water bottle with your name on it.
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Eco-Friendly Ways To Store Baking Supplies And Alternatives To Single-Use Plastics
In a world full of 'instants' and 'convenience', avoiding the use of plastics can be very challenging, especially in your kitchen. The kitchen can be one of the most notorious places of the house for excessive plastic use, food waste, and storage. Yes, plastics are convenient, but they are not the most suitable option. If you are into baking, you may have experienced trouble storing baking supplies and equipment in an eco-friendly way. But, you can swap some of your baking and kitchen items with reusable ones such as the best silicone bundt pans and start or continue living a sustainable kitchen-life journey. Here are some ways to get you started. Easy, Eco-friendly Ways to Store Baking Supplies Fill your drawer with containers or make a tackle box. Fill your pull-out drawers with reusable containers and organize your baking supplies and ingredients such as flour, sugar, chips, and so on. You can also make a tackle box with lots of shallow divided layers that's perfect for storing small jars for your sprinkles and other ingredients. Stash cookie cutters in a cookie jar. Instead of rummaging through piles of cookie cutters, put them inside a cookie jar or a transparent container so you can easily spot them whenever you need them. Line cupcake liners in a Mason jar. For easy access, line up your cupcake liners in a Mason jar, so you can easily see and check their patterns and avoid buying the same one over again. Practice open shelving. This may be the easiest, cost-effective, and most eco-friendly way of storing your baking supplies. All your tools such as your whisks, spatula, measuring cups hang below with hooks. This way, you can easily see and reach out to the tools you need while baking. Sustainable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics in the Kitchen Ditch Plastic Wraps For most bakers, plastic wraps are a must in the kitchen. It keeps the food fresh and can wrap around baking supplies or accessories very easily. But did you know that you can ditch plastic wraps and use a handy alternative instead? The reusable beeswax wrap is a new trend that is perfect for your sustainable living. It wraps pretty much anything like a plastic wrap would. It is organic, washable, reusable, and, most of all, biodegradable. Plus, it comes in various sizes. Invest in Reusable Silicone Baking Supplies When it comes to baking, a reusable mat or a roasting sheet is ten times better than tin foil or parchment paper. Non-stick silicone baking accessories like the best silicone bundt pans are reusable, easy to use, and can last for years! Ditch Plastic Baggies Plastic baggies such as sandwich bags may come in handy for packing snacks and keeping leftovers, but there's a much more rewarding and convenient alternative to it. Re-sealable silicone bags are the perfect alternative for plastic ones. It's also the best way to introduce the importance of sustainable living to your children. Invest in Glass Containers Ditch your cheap plastic containers and replace them with tempered glass ones. Glass containers are non-toxic, food-safe, and recyclable and can keep your food fresh and clean even inside the fridge. They are also lightweight and have easy-seal features. Most of them are also microwavable and dishwasher safe. Conclusion Breaking the plastic habit, especially in the kitchen, may be a lot easier said than done. But you can start living a sustainable life by adopting some manageable baby steps, such as replacing single-use plastics with a more eco-friendly alternative. Try to find something that works best for you and slowly but surely, integrate it into your life. Also see, 5 Plastic-free alternatives, for more eco-friendly food storage solutions or order your zero-waste food pot from the FLASKE Collection!
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All You Need to Know About Branded Gifts
Branded gifts are a key marketing tool and a staple within many business plans. Increasing sales, promoting customer loyalty, and improving employee satisfaction, are just come of the benefits of giving the right corporate branded gifts. At FLASKE, we offer a range of sustainable branded gifts that your customers, clients, suppliers, and employees will be happy with. Why are company branded reusable water bottles great corporate gifts? Firstly, it’s essential for all businesses, big or small, to adopt social-environmental responsibility. That means taking responsibility for your company’s environmental footprint. So, giving a branded gift that replaces the need for single-use plastic bottles is an effective way to reinforce your company’s environmental policies. Secondly, reusable water bottles are useful, appropriate for people of any demographic, and relatively inexpensive - meaning that even small businesses and new start-ups can afford to give branded gifts. To help you understand the purpose of branded corporate gifts and the ins and outs of ordering branded gifts, FLASKE has put together this post with the answers to some of your common questions. Common Questions About Branded Gifts What are the best branded gifts? The best branded gifts for staff, clients, customers, and so on all have two things in common. They’re useful on a day-to-day basis and they bear your company name or logo. Printing your logo on branded gifts is essential because it will help spread your company name and raise awareness of your business. However, if you give something that the recipient can’t use regularly, you won’t be able to spread your brand name to the same extent. Additionally, pointless gifts are rarely appreciated by the receiver. Something durable and practical, like a stainless-steel water bottle or coffee cup, makes the perfect branded gift. Are branded corporate gifts effective for advertising? Absolutely! Branded corporate gifts are a fantastic way for you to get your name out there. Sending out useful gifts with your company branding will already put your business at the forefront of the recipient’s mind. But you will also benefit from free advertising when they use your branded gifts in public. Giving branded corporate gifts one of the most cost-effective ways of advertising! I haven’t used branded gifts before, where should I start? Firstly, consider who your target market is and what gift they would appreciate. Are you sponsoring a sporting event? What’s the age range of your customers? Would something fun and quirky suit your target market better than a practical branded gift? If you’re choosing from FLASKE’s products, consider whether a water bottle, travel coffee cup, or insulated food pot would be more appropriate. Also, consider which size, colour, or design would best reflect your business or customers. You may want to start with a small order and test customer responses before investing large sums. Are water bottles the right branded gifts for my business? The great thing about reusable water bottles is that they’re suitable gifts for any business, no matter who your target market is. Everyone needs to drink water and everyone should be trying to reduce their use of disposable plastics. Read More: 3 Branded corporate gifts for food & beverage businesses Who can I give branded corporate gifts to? Most businesses choose to give corporate gifts to three main groups; suppliers/partners, staff, and customers. However, those are not your only options. You may also choose to give corporate gifts to local organisations, school sports teams, or charities as part of a sponsorship or support package. You may also choose to welcome new employees with branded corporate gifts. Read More: Best unique personalised corporate gifts for new employees Are reusable coffee cups good branded gifts for staff? Reusable coffee cups are practical gifts for employees who work in the office as well as those who work from home, or anywhere outside of the office. Who doesn’t prefer to drink their coffee at the right temperature? Plus, reusable coffee cups encourage recipients to stop using disposable coffee mugs. Can a small business afford to give branded gifts? If you’re a small business with a limited budget, you might be wondering if you can afford to invest in corporate gifting. In most cases, the answer is yes. But you may want to start with a small order and carefully select your target market until your budget is more flexible. Read More: How can small cafes use customised water bottles & coffee mugs to promote their business What You Need to Know About FLASKE’s Branded Corporate Gifts How can I add my company’s logo to branded gifts? Adding your logo to corporate branded gifts is easy. If you place an order with FLASKE, you’ll just need to send us your logo and company name; we’ll take care of the design and printing. Are FLASKE’s company-branded gifts eco-friendly? Yes! Every branded gift has an environmental impact to some extent, but with FLASKE’s branded corporate gifts, the environmental impact is minimal. That’s because our products are responsibly produced from high-quality stainless steel that’s durable, fully recyclable, and non-toxic. FLASKE’s branded gifts are also shipped in 100% recyclable packaging, each bottle is sent inside a stylish cylindrical cardboard box, and we even use environmentally-friendly ink! Read More: Why you should consider reusable water bottles as eco-friendly corporate gifts What is the minimum order to bulk buy reusable water bottles? At FLASKE, we want to help small businesses and start-ups as well as large companies; that’s why our minimum order for buying coffee cups, food pots or water bottles in bulk is just 30 items. Can I get branded water bottles in different colours and sizes? Yes. The FLASKE Bottle is available in four sizes (260 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, or 1,000 ml) and a wide range of colours. Most of our bottle designs are suitable for customisation. You can choose the best reusable bottle for your business and we’ll add your company branding. However, there is a minimum requirement of 30 items in each colour/size. We hope this post has answered some of your questions about branded gifts and corporate gifting. If you have another question that hasn’t been answered, check out our FAQs or Companies pages or get in touch. The FLASKE team will be happy to help!
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All You Need to Know About Reusable Water Bottles
Unfortunately, we don’t always have a ready supply of drinking water when we’re away from home, so water bottles are a necessary part of daily life. As a solution to on-the-go hydration problems, disposable water bottles have infiltrated society and become the norm. The problem is that, although plastic water bottles are technically recyclable, the majority are not actually recycled. Of the estimated 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic produced globally (as of 2018) since the 1950s, only 9.5% was recycled. Approximately 12% was incinerated, and a whopping 79% is sitting in landfill (Royal Statistical Society, 2018). But, as the world becomes more and more conscious of the impact of single-use plastics and plastic pollution, reusable water bottles offer an environmentally-friendly alternative. Nowadays, taking a reusable water bottle everywhere you go is just as necessary as putting on a pair of shoes when you go for a walk or and wearing a winter jacket when it’s snowing outside. So, in this post, we’re going to answer some of the common questions you might have about reusable water bottles. Your Reusable Water Bottle Questions Answered What are reusable water bottles made from? You can buy reusable water bottles made from a range of materials, including BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, aluminium, or glass. Plastic reusable water bottles are usually the cheapest, but we don’t recommend them because they pose the same environmental and health problems as single-use plastic bottles. Although evidence is inconclusive, there is also some discussion about whether large quantities of aluminium in drinking water can be linked to Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, we think the best reusable water bottles are made from food-grade stainless steel or glass. Can reusable water bottles be recycled? That depends on which material the bottle is made from. Reusable water bottles made from metal materials, such as stainless steel and aluminium, as well as glass, are 100% recyclable. However, you may need to check how and where to recycle them with your local recycling services. Is it safe to use a stainless steel water bottle? Low-quality stainless steel water bottles can present potentially toxic lead levels (found in the sealing dot in the base) as they age. That’s why we only recommend using metal bottles made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel. High-quality and food-grade stainless steel bottles are completely safe to drink from. Stainless steel is a non-toxic metal that doesn’t leak chemicals, even as it ages and even when heated. Therefore, stainless steel water bottles don’t require liners. How long can you keep water in a stainless steel bottle? Assuming that the bottle is clean, water can stay good inside a stainless steel bottle for months. Perhaps longer, depending on the purity of the water you’re filling it with. However, if you don’t clean your water bottle, it’s better not to store water in it for more than a few days as bacteria can develop. Are reusable water bottles hygienic? Absolutely! Providing that you clean your reusable water bottle regularly. What’s the best way to clean a water bottle? Cleaning a reusable water bottle is easy. Just use regular dish soap and warm water. A bottle brush will be useful too. When your bottle needs a deeper clean, mix a little baking soda, vinegar, or bleach with boiling water and let it soak before washing with warm water and dish soap. Are reusable water bottles dishwasher safe? Only some reusable water bottles are dishwasher safe, so you should always check the brand’s website. FLASKE bottles are not dishwasher safe. How long do reusable water bottles last? If you buy a high-quality stainless steel bottle and care for it properly, it can last all your life! Are reusable water bottles allowed on aeroplanes? Yes, the bottle itself is allowed on aeroplanes, but you’ll need to empty it before going through airport security. Fortunately, many airports have fountains where you can refill a water bottle before boarding your flight. Alternatively, you can ask the staff in an airport cafe to refill your bottle. Are reusable water bottles good for the environment? Reusable water bottles help you cut down your use of single-use plastics and therefore help to minimise plastic waste, minimise plastic pollution, and minimise the demand for the raw materials needed to make plastic. Reusable water bottles are great for the environment! How much do reusable water bottles cost? Prices vary depending on the quality of the materials, the brand, and any additional features. Most 500 ml insulated stainless steel water bottles cost between €20 and €40. That’s a huge saving when you calculate how much you’re already spending on single-use plastic bottles. How long do drinks stay hot/cold in insulated reusable water bottles? If you’re commuting to the office most days or like spending time outside during cold winter days and hot summer months, an insulated reusable water bottle might be a wise investment. Insulated water bottles have a double-wall design that maintains the temperature of hot or cold beverages. The amount of time that drinks stay hot or cold will depend on which bottle you buy because not all brands are equal. FLASKE bottles can keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, although exact times can vary depending on external temperatures. To keep drinks hot for longer, remember to preheat your bottle with boiling water or precool it with cold water or ice before filling it with your chosen beverage. Can I personalise a reusable water bottle? Of course! Firstly, you can find water bottles in an endless range of colours and designs. A FLASKE bottle comes in a variety of matt or metallic colours as well as a unique range of patterns; you can check out the FLASKE Collection. Secondly, you can personalise a reusable water bottle with your name. Or, engrave the bottle with a friend, colleague or family member’s name to make a memorable and eco-friendly gift. Are reusable water bottles for kids? Everyone needs to drink water and say hydrated; kids are no different. That’s why reusable water bottles are great for kids. You can put one in your child's school back; that way, you’ll know if your child is drinking enough each day. Additionally, giving your child a reusable water bottle will help teach them about the importance of reducing plastic waste and living a healthy lifestyle. The best reusable water bottles for kids are leak-proof, BPA-free, and available in several colours that kids will love. Which Reusable Water Bottle is Best? The best reusable water bottle is the one that suits your lifestyle, personality, and budget whilst minimising your environmental footprint. Reusable water bottles made from 100% recyclable materials, such as stainless steel or glass, from an environmentally-conscious retailer, are always the best! Choose a reusable water bottle from the FLASKE Collection today! You’ll receive it in 100% recyclable packaging tomorrow. And, we’ll donate 650 litres of clean drinking water for every FLASKE sold.
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Best Reusable Water Bottles for Kids
If you're a parent and you're concerned about the environment, there are probably some questions that you want answering. Are reusable water bottles for kids sustainable? How much do they cost? What bottles are BPA free? What are the best water bottles for kids? What can I put in a reusable water bottle? Let's answer some of those questions. Currently, single-use plastic bottles are one of the most littered items on the planet. They regularly turn up in beach clean-ups, block waterways and fill landfill sites even though they are technically recyclable. Teaching kids to refill a plastic-free water bottle is a stepping stone for teaching the future generation about environmental issues and the importance of minimising plastic waste. Eco-friendly water bottles for kids don't just provide peace of mind for eco-conscious parents; they’re useful too. The best reusable water bottles for kids are leak-proof, condensation-proof, difficult to spill and easy to clean, which is sure to save you some time and give your washing machine a break! There are many more reasons to buy an insulated reusable stainless steel water bottle for kids, to start with: Stainless steel water bottles are BPA-free and protect kids from the potentially harmful chemicals found in plastics. They help to reduce pollution from plastic waste and teach kids to adopt sustainable habits. They will keep your kids' drinks at the right temperature. A personal water bottle can encourage kids to drink more water and stay hydrated, improving mental clarity, energy levels, and concentration in the classroom. It will save you money in the long-term. Your kids will love the cool FLASKE bottle designs! At FLASKE, we're as dedicated to minimising plastic waste as we are to providing practical alternatives to single-use plastic. FLASKE's water bottles for kids are made from top quality stainless steel that's safe for your little ones to drink from. Our bottles are also leak-proof and condensation-proof so you can pack one in your kid's backpack without fear of soggy sandwiches. Because our stainless-steel water bottles are easy to clean, you fill them with anything from water to your child's favourite fruit juice. Plus, FLASKE offers a selection of child-friendly water bottles that your kids will be proud to show their school friends. Take a look. FLASKE’s 5 Best Reusable Water Bottles for Kids FLASKE Rainbow Bottle Series We know that kids like to be different and the FLASKE Rainbow Series caters to all. Your child can choose their favourite colour reusable water bottle, from baby pink to sea blue and sunshine yellow to chilli pepper red. Plus, our Rainbow Series bottles come in three different sizes; 500 ml, 750 ml, or 1000 ml, and all 500 ml bottles are compatible with FLASKE's sports lid and carabiners. FLASKE Camouflage Bottle Series (500 ml) Where are the kids? Out playing soldiers in the garden again? An army-inspired camouflage bottle would be the perfect piece of kit for their next top-secret mission. The 500 ml FLASKE Camouflage bottles are ideal for boys and girls. They’re the right size to keep kids well hydrated while out on an adventure and also compatible with FLASKE’s sports lids so it’s easy to drink on the go. FLASKE Wild Bottle Series (500 ml) Whether your kids’ climb trees like Mowgli from The Jungle Book or they're just inspired by nature, these jungle-themed water bottles are sure to bring out their creative side. Better yet, the unique designs are unlikely to get mixed up with other bottles in the classroom, so you can be sure that your kid will bring it home at the end of the school day. FLASKE Zebra Bottle (260 ml) The Zebra bottle from our Wild Series is the best reusable water bottle for toddlers. Its small size makes it easy for little hands to hold. Meanwhile, the funky Zebra print is a popular choice for animal lovers. Plus, the Zebra bottle is compatible with the FLASKE sports lid, so your toddler can drink from the bottle like a Sippy cup instead of lifting it. FLASKE Personalised Water Bottles for Kids If you really want to make your kids bottle unique, why not personalise it with their name. FLASKE offers laser-engraving on a selection of bottles, including all reusable water bottles in the Rainbow, Match, Deep and Gradient Series. FLASKE's child-friendly features Aside from the colourful designs and unique prints, you’ll find a selection of child-friendly accessories for FLASKE's water bottles. A durable flip-up sports lid will make it easy for kids to drink from any of our 260 ml or 500 ml water bottles and minimise mess at the same time. You can also replace lost lids instead of buying a whole new bottle. Additionally, in case FLASKE's range of designs and name engraving isn't quite enough, your child can personalise their bottle even more with a lightweight carabiner in the colour of their choice. Children's eco-friendly water bottles are practical and stylish, but, most importantly, they teach the next generation to live more sustainably. Why not let your kid choose their favourite FLASKE Bottle and start saving the planet today?
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How You Can Support the Plastic Soup Foundation
In 2020, FLASKE became a Bronze Business Angel for the Plastic Soup Foundation. We've already donated over €5,000 and will continue to support, the Plastic Soup Foundation. That's not all; we're proud to announce that we've just upgraded to a Silver Business Angel. What does that mean? It means that thanks to the people who chose FLASKE, we're now able to increase our financial donation to the Plastic Soup Foundation and support its quest to eliminate plastic waste, clean the oceans, and protect our health. 'No plastic in our water or our bodies' Aside from donating over €5,000 to support the Plastic Soup Foundation's projects, FLASKE wants to help spread the word about environmental change. So, as active supporters of the Plastic Soup Foundation, we thought it would be a great idea to share some of its achievements and introduce you to environmental campaigns that you can join. Also Read: Why we support the Plastic Soup Foundation How Can You Directly Support the Plastic soup Foundation? The Plastic Soup Foundation operates several environmental campaigns to raise awareness of the immense quantity of plastics consumed in modern society. It's programmes provide education on the ecological and health implications of plastic pollution. The Plastic Soup Foundation also push for legislation that will eventually eliminate single-use plastics. Here are some campaigns that you can join today! Beat the Microbead Launched by the Plastic Soup Foundation in 2012, the Beat the Microbead campaign raises awareness of a specific type of microplastic that is often found in cosmetic products like shampoo and face wash. Since starting the campaign, over 400 brands have promised to eliminate microbeads from their products. Additionally, some countries, including the UK, France, Sweden, Canada, USA, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan, have already banned microbeads. Furthermore, the organisation carried out research to identify the types of microplastics present in cosmetic products so that consumers can make informed shopping choices. Thanks to this campaign, you and I can shop for cosmetics marked with the Look for the Zero logo, which guarantees that the product is microplastic-free. The campaign has also released the Beat the Microbead app which will list any known microplastics when you scan a product's list of ingredients. Neat! How You Can Help If you're looking for ways to help the Plastic Soup Foundation eliminate microbeads, you have a few options. Firstly, download the Beat the Microbead app and boycott any cosmetic products that contain microplastics. Secondly, share the campaign so that more people learn about microbeads and download the app. Thirdly, if you're able, consider making a financial contribution to the Beat the Microbead campaign. Ocean Clean Wash Ocean Clean Wash is another successful campaign operated by the Plastic Soup Foundation. This campaign raises awareness of the scale of ocean pollution caused simply by washing clothes. According to the campaign, up to 9 million non-degradable fibres are released each year in Europe just by washing clothes. Ocean Clean Wash tackles the problem in two ways. Firstly, by teaching consumers how to use their washing machines and choose their clothes more sustainably. Secondly, by collaborating with manufacturers to make washing machine products more eco-friendly. How You Can Help Take a look at the consumer solutions on the Ocean Clean Wash website. Here, you'll find plenty of information on habits that will make your laundry routine more eco-friendly and products that will reduce the number of microfibres released with wastewater. World Cleanup Day On World Cleanup Day, people worldwide volunteer to pick up trash in their local area. Over 180 countries are involved and the Plastic Soup Foundation is responsible for organising events in the Netherlands. Volunteers for the event include school groups, local clubs, colleagues, and individuals. Along with collecting trash, volunteers are responsible for recording the item and the brand that made it, so that top trash producers can be held accountable. How You Can Help Sign up for World Cleanup Day on September 18th 2021, organise a group to collect litter in your local area, and download the Litterati app for recording what you find. You can still take part even if you don’t live in the Netherlands. Just get in touch with your country’s World Cleanup Day representative. Remember, this is an international effort. Also Read: Get ready for the Plastic-Free July EcoChallange Trash Hunters You don't need to spend the year waiting for World Cleanup Day. Trash Hunters is an international program that inspires individuals, groups, or local communities to pick up litter in their local area. This campaign goes a step further than regular trash-collecting programmes because collectors download an app that lets them record the object found, along with the location, material, and brand. The app uses the information to map littered areas and hold the producers and litterers responsible. How You Can Help Download the Litterati app and go litter picking! You can either go as an individual or trash hunt with a group. By collecting litter before it reaches the sea and gathering data on common polluters, you'll already be helping the Plastic Soup Foundation. How Can You Indirectly Support the Plastic Soup Foundation? Another way you can help the Plastic Soup Foundation achieve its goal is to reduce single-use plastics in your daily life. Many of the most common items that pollute the oceans, such as plastic water bottles, food wrappers, and disposable coffee cups, are completely unnecessary. You can also petition your government or local representative to implement eco-friendly legislation, such as banning microbeads or plastic bags. If you share the Plastic Soup Foundation's aim; no plastic in our waters or our bodies, then it's time to ditch single-use plastics and microplastics for good. Check out the FLASKE Collection for more inspiration.
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8 Reasons to Take A Reusable Water Bottle Everywhere
Whether you're going on vacation, working out at the gym, organising a summer picnic, or just going about your daily life, there are many benefits to taking a reusable water bottle everywhere you go. Reasons to ditch single-use plastic water bottles and start carrying a reusable stainless steel water bottle range from concerns about the amount of plastic already polluting the oceans to concerns about plastic bottle toxicity. There's even a financial benefit when you ditch disposable bottles and refill a reusable water bottle instead. I used to buy bottled water all the time. Since buying a reusable stainless steel water bottle, I never drink bottled water unless it's absolutely unavoidable. Here are some of the most persuasive reasons to take a reusable water bottle everywhere. 8 Reasons to Take a Reusable Water Bottle Everywhere To Reduce Plastic Waste Billions of single-use plastic bottles are produced every year and only a small percentage of them are recycled. Even plastic waste that is recycled can only be reused a certain number of times as the fibres degrade. Therefore, most of the world's plastic waste ends up in landfill sites or in the oceans where it leaches chemicals, pollutes soil and harms wildlife. In the 2019 International Coastal Cleanup, over 1.9 million plastic bottles were collected from coastal areas worldwide, making plastic bottles one of the most common everyday items that pollute the oceans. To Protect Yourself from Toxic Chemicals It's no secret that plastic contains chemicals. Although plastic bottles may be okay to use when new, disposable bottles leach toxins when they become old, damaged or exposed to hot temperatures. That's why you should never reuse a single-use water bottle. The extent to which plastic bottles are responsible for health issues is still disputed but chemicals, such as BPA, have already been linked to infertility, hormone imbalance, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Nowadays, most people know to avoid BPA, but many people are unaware that several popular bottled water brands still contain significant amounts of microplastic. To Improve Your Overall Health Aside from toxic chemicals, taking a water bottle everywhere will remind you to drink more water. With a reusable water bottle in your bag, you'll be able to drink without the hassle of finding a shop or vending machine and paying out every time you feel thirsty. People who carry reusable water bottles are more likely to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated can elevate your cognitive and physical health by improving your focus and digestion, minimising headaches, clearing your skin, speeding up muscle recovery, and more. Also Read: Stay Hydrated: refill a reusable water bottle To Track How Much You Drink A reusable water bottle doesn't just encourage you to drink more water; it also helps you keep track of your daily consumption. If your target is to drink two litres of water every day, you only need to refill a 500 ml water bottle four times and make a note when you do. Likewise, during or after exercise, the right-sized reusable water bottle can prevent you from over or under hydrating. It's much easier to keep track of your daily water intake when drinking from a bottle instead of a glass. To Promote Plastic-Free Living If you're already aware of plastic problems and you're trying to reduce waste, then a reusable water bottle is an easy first step. Additionally, taking a reusable water bottle everywhere you go will help promote plastic-free alternatives to your friends, family, co-workers, or anyone who sees you using it. Before long, reusable stainless-steel water bottles will be the social norm and disposable bottles a thing of the past. To Save Money It's also important to note that reusable water bottles are lighter on your wallet in the long term. A 500 ml FLASKE Bottle costs just under €30. With the correct care, one bottle can last a lifetime. Comparatively, if you buy bottled water every day, you're probably already spending at least €30 every month. Even if you reuse disposable bottles (which you shouldn't), you're still going to save money by buying a high-quality stainless steel water bottle. Because Water Tastes Better in Stainless Steel Water Bottles Because you can't safely wash a plastic bottle with hot water, it's very easy for bacteria and bad odours to accumulate inside a plastic bottle, reusable or not. On the other hand, food-grade stainless steel is completely safe to wash with dish soap and boiling water so you can clean your bottle properly after each use. Additionally, because high-quality stainless steel is corrosion and rust-resistant, you don't get a metallic taste to your water. Because It Looks Better Than a Plastic Bottle For some people, style isn't important; for others, it's everything. Whichever group you fall into, you'll probably agree that reusable water bottles with unique prints, a huge range of colours, matt or metallic finishes, is much cooler than a transparent plastic bottle with a flimsy label. Several FLASKE Bottles are even available with name engraving so you can personalise a reusable water bottle. Also Read: 10 coolest FLASKE reusable water bottles to buy online Take Back Control With A Reusable Water Bottle Hopefully, you're convinced by these eight reasons to buy a reusable water bottle and take it everywhere. Whether you're motivated by environmental issues, health concerns, financial savings, or you just want something more stylish for your office desk; there are several benefits to using a reusable water bottle instead of disposable water bottles. Don't waste time; take a look at the FLASKE Collection, order your favourite bottle and start using it the very next day!
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