Proper hydration is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
At GoodWays, we constantly strive to improve how we take care of our health and the environment, and that's why we would like to delve into the topic of water and its impact on our health and our planet. The question of healthy hydration isn't just about quantity, but also quality, storage methods and water flavoring. The good news is that by consciously choosing our drinking source, we can help not only our bodies but also the world around us.
We have a few practical tips for you on how to stay properly and well-hydrated while reducing your carbon footprint.
Why is proper hydration so important?
The human body is made up of at least 60% water. A few hours without fluid intake is enough for us to feel the effects of dehydration. The first sign is the familiar feeling of thirst, which is gradually accompanied by headaches, lethargy, fatigue, mood changes, irritability, or impaired concentration. By the time we feel thirsty, it is usually too late for our body. The danger of today's fast-paced world is that we often forget about our daily hydration, and then we don't understand why we don't feel our best.
So how can we drink more quality clean water without forgetting?
1. The most important thing is regular hydration, so always set yourself a daily goal.
2. Create reminders throughout your day, whether on paper, in your calendar, or on your phone. An alarm named 'time to finally drink some water' can also be quite helpful. You can also use mobile apps like Daily Water Tracker Reminder or Hydro Coach.
3. Keep your personal reusable bottle with you. Carrying your own bottle everywhere is the easiest way to ensure that you maintain your hydration and stay hydrated throughout the day. If you're looking for inspiration for the right bottle for you, check out our article: HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PERSONAL ZERO WASTE BOTTLE?
4. Try to limit sugary drinks as much as possible and instead drink clean water. You can flavor your water with fruits, vegetables, or herbs.
5. Drink at least one glass of water before each meal.
6. Get a quality water filter that will help you achieve perfect water quality. From our selection, you can try our GoodFilter - activated charcoal for water, which is one of the most eco-friendly natural water filters in the world.
7. A nice addition to your healthy hydration routine can also be GoodStraw metal straws, which you can always carry with you thanks to our cotton pouch.
8. And how much water should you drink? It's important not to overdo it. The rule of thumb for the number of liters of water you drink daily is “everything in moderation”.
How you store water matters.
There is an increasing emphasis on how to store water. It turns out that plastic bottles are not the right choice, not only for the environment but also for our health. Heat, wear, or UV radiation can release Bisphenol (BPA and BPS) from plastics, which research shows has very negative effects on our overall health, such as on the proper functioning of hormones. Just having a plastic bottle in the car or bag for a few hours can start releasing this substance.
Using the same plastic bottle repeatedly, even to reduce your waste, has its own risks - the plastic wears down, leading to the leaching of harmful substances through small cracks where bacteria can settle and spread. We then ingest these into our bodies, moving away from a healthy hydration routine.
So what should you drink water from?
Many of us struggle with cravings for sweets and often satisfy them by drinking store-bought flavored juices. There are plenty of ways to flavor water healthily. You can add fresh fruits, vegetables, or even fresh herbs to it. Our glass bottle GoodGlass Simple offers a great opportunity to be creative and turn your regular hydration routine into a personal statement that characterizes you. Great options include strawberries, blueberries, mint, or sliced cucumber. For extra freshness, try lemon, lime, orange slices, or the superfood Camu, which is high in vitamin C. It all depends on you and your taste; there are no limits to your imagination, so try and experiment on your journey to your ideal hydration routine!
And what does nature say about our hydration?
Did you know that according to statistics, we throw away an incredible 1,000,000 plastic bottles every minute, which then take at least 450 years to decompose in nature? The good news is that each of us has the ability to influence this terrifyingly high number and reduce the overall human ecological footprint.
Let's focus not only on maintaining our hydration but also on sustainability. All you need to do is get your favorite bottle, take care of it, and carry it with you everywhere, whether on trips or just around town. It often happens that at first, a person forgets about such a new habit, but over time, your bottle will become part of your daily essentials.
Become an inspiration for sustainable changes.
You might think that one person has a small impact on the overall change of the system. We firmly believe that every step counts and each of us can be a good example for those around us. When you walk around the city with your own reusable bottle, you become an inspiration for others!
If not for nature, at least for yourself.
If not for yourself, at least for those you love.
With love,
Eliška from the GoodWays team
