Humans have worked hard to be on top of the food chain. It is time to co-exist with nature. Take this graphic to heart and think about how our actions impact the local and global ecosystem. 

The other day I came across an article in EarthShare about the growing B.Y.O. Sticks movement in Asia. At first I did not think much of this article until you begin to realize the impact of disposable chopsticks. The Chinease government estimates that China cuts down nearly 25 million trees per year to support the disposable chopstick habit. This number seems far fetched like many green facts until you hear that China consumes on average 45 billion chopsticks per year. Most of these chopsticks end up in landfills.

It is time for the world to take notice of our consumption and the amount of gargage we produce as consumers. Though recycling is often taught as the solution to our waste management stream, the focus really needs to be placed on Reduction and Reusing. A fourth new term has also being used - Refuse. 

Thank you for checking out the info graphic below provided by www.businessdegree.net. Make the effort to Reduce the amount of garbage you create. Each little step made by individual consumers will have a significant impact. Do you part and together we can make a difference.

Nalgene appears to be making a come back in the water bottle world. Nalgene as a company started in the 1940's as a supplier of plastics used in the medical industry. In the early 1970's, Nalgene Outdoors was created and they became famous for their resusable water bottles.  The most famous by far was their 1 liter wide mouth bottle loved and used by hikers worldwide.

In 2007 it became clear that Bisphenol A (BPA) posed a human health threat and the Nalgene brand along with plastic water bottles in general fell out of favor to stainless steel water bottles.  Soon after Nalgene replaced their plastics used, but the fear of BPA led to the rise in popularity of stainless steel bottles and such popular brands as Klean Kanteen. 

Now move forward to 2013. Nalgene appears to making a strong come back and Custom Nalgene Bottles are more popular than ever.  Custom Nalgene Bottles have many advantages over stainless steel bottles. 

• Nalgene products are manufactured in the United States unlike most stainless steel bottles. For many consumers, buying U.S. manufactured products is an important consideration when purchasing custom drinkware.
• Nalgene products come in a wide range of styles and colors. Currently Nalgene has over a dozen styles of bottles with numerous lid options.
• Nalgene products are lightweight and more durable. Unlike stainless steel which is heavy and easily dents or scratches.
• Nalgene products are translucent. People like to see what they are drinking.

Consumers now have more options than ever before when purchasing custom water bottles and now the choice is about usability instead of safety concerns. At Green Benefits we have been a leading supplier of custom water bottles since 2007. Our focus has been to provide safe alternatives to disposable plastic water bottles.

We are proud to offer the complete selection of Custom Nalgene Bottles for your group. Call us today to learn more or to order your Custom Nalgene Bottles.

The Most Popular Custom Nalgene Bottles

		16 oz. Custom Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottle The 16 oz. Custom Nalgene Bottle is a smaller version of the classic 1 Liter bottle Nalgene became famous for. Made in the U.S.A. and comes in a wide range of colors. As Low As: $7.00
		24 oz. Custom Nalgene OTG Bottle The Nalgene OTG (also known as the On The Go Bottle) offers an innovative design making hydration fun and easy. By far our best selling Custom Nalgene Bottle and popular with groups and schools across the nation. As Low As: $7.50
		32 oz. Custom Nalgene Wide Mouth Bottle This is the bottle that made Nalgene a household name. The very popular wide mouth 1 liter bottle is ideal for the gym or trail. As Low As: $8.75

Fair Trade is a term often used in the marketplace, but the average consumer is still unaware of what this really means.  The following 10 principles of Fair Trade are promoted by the World Fair Trade Organization.  For a full description of these ten principles you can visit the World Fair Trade Organization Web site.

Principle One: Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers

Principle Two: Transparency and Accountability

Principle Three: Fair Trading Practices

Principle Four: Payment of a Fair Price

Principle Five: Ensuring no Child Labor and Forced Labor

Principle Six: Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Freedom of Association

Principle Seven: Ensuring Good Working Conditions

Principle Eight: Providing Capacity Building

Principle Nine: Promoting Fair Trade

Principle Ten: Respect for the Environment

Every 22nd day in March is World Water Day.  This event started out in 1993 and has grown into a worldwide event.  The goal of this important event is simple - to raise awareness of the challenges facing water managment in light of the increase demand for water access.

At Green Benefits we urge you to take the time and educate yourself about the water issues facing the United States.  Poor water quality, drought, and water shortages are real issues in many parts of our country and will threaten our food and water supply.  Do your part and participate in the 2013 World Water Day Celebration and help educate your community about water issues at home and abroad.

Another great infographic from Nourishing the Planet.  This graphic titled "Soil to Sky: of agroecology  versus industrial agriculture" by the Christian Fund tells the story how we can feed the world without destroying our natural resources.  As the old saying goes - a picture is worth a thousand words.  Enjoy the picture and and think about how we will feed our planet now and into the future.