You turn on the tap and pour yourself a glass of water. It tastes so good going down. But, did you ever wonder where that water comes from? Is there a reason so many people buy bottled water? The answer is probably ‘no’ for both questions.

It tastes good, so why worry about how it gets to the tap? Very knowledgeable people work at treatment plants to make it that way and they obviously know what they’re doing. But, there are still a lot of people buying bottle water. In most cases, it’s because of the convenience. When tested, most tap water tests as well as, if not better than some of those bottles. But it’s easier to grab a bottle and go.

So, if the tap water is as good as bottled water, how does it get that way? Wastewater treatment plants have come far in working to make more reusable water in varying degrees of clarity. The reason for the varying degrees is because it is more cost effective. For example, to treat water we use to flush a toilet differently than the water we drink only makes sense, because we don’t drink out of the toilet.

Through more advanced technology, these plants take stormwater runoff and domestic water sewage and process it to remove contaminants. In a multilevel treatment process, physical, chemical and biological contaminants are removed. But, the sludge and that is pulled out of the water during the purification needs to be treated as well, or all that nastiness will go back into the ground and affect our water tables. The treatment plants handle this as well.

Many in society take water for granted. Wastewater treatment plants are found throughout towns and cities and do all the work to gather and treat the water they drink and even use to flush a toilet. For those in areas that don’t have the sewage systems or water pipes to deliver what they need, it can be another story. Some areas throughout the world walk to wells or rivers and fill buckets for use.

There are some companies that have managed to construct portable water treatment plants that can be used just about anywhere. Now, areas that were not able to treat their water because of their location, can have a portable plant brought to them. How wonderful is that?

Wastewater treatment plants do all the hard and dirty work for us, to provide all the water we need. Their ability as well as their efficiency delivers water that is as good as any you can buy in a store. Why waste the money? Grab a glass or a refillable green bottle and fill it up and enjoy.

If you are looking for solutions to water treatment and reliable wastewater treatment plant technologies, contact Tristar Water for your water treatment needs.

Living Green: Ride Your Bike to Work

Biking to work makes sense. Rather than driving which uses gas and provides no exercise, you can hop on a bike and effortlessly maneuver through traffic, burn calories, and save the planet all at the same time!

Okay, that really does sound wonderful – on a perfect 70F Friday when you’re allowed to dress casually, but, what if it’s 50F, rainy, windy and altogether miserable out? Or, what if you have an 8am meeting and even the outside chance of getting your clothes sweaty isn’t an option?

Don’t let yourself get psyched out before you’ve even tried. We all want to lead healthier lives and protect our planet, right? Follow these tips and guidelines and you’ll be ready to join ranks with the bicycle commuters.

Things To Do Before You Begin

• Find a buddy. Post a notice on the bulletin board in the break room, or, just generally spread the word that you’re trying to find a co-worker who already bikes to work regularly. It’s a definite advantage to travel with someone who has experience as they’ll tend to know the safest and quickest ways to get there.
• Take it easy. Just as with any exercise it’s best to start slow and build gradually over time. If it’s been a long time since you were last on a bike, and the distance to your job is extensive, you’ll need to start out with short rides close to home until you’ve trained sufficiently to handle the distance there and back.
• Test it out. It’s impossible to predict what you’ll encounter on your first ride, but take a weekend and do a test run or two, and you can definitely increase your chances of success as you’ll be able to gage your feelings during and after and also make any necessary adjustments.Don’t be overly hard on yourself. There’s no rule set in stone that says once you start biking to work, you must do it every single day. If the weather is just too hideous, or you’re not feeling well, then take the day off.Essential Elements of Bicycle Commuting
  • A helmet
  • A bike that’s in excellent working order and the tools you’ll need to maintain it.
  • Reflective clothing.

  Reasons Why You Should Try Biking to Work

  • It’s great for your health.
  • Save money and the planet.
  • Be an inspiration to others.

  By following these tips as well as creating and following a plan, becoming a bicycle commuter is something that’s doable for just about anyone in any situation. Give it a shot!

About the Author:

Grace Pendleton contributes freelance articles courtesy of AdvanceMe America’s leading merchant cash advance provider.

In the age of Facebook, where privacy has become more and more scarce, we crave it more than ever. At least we can find solace beneath the trees in our backyards, right? Not when your neighbors are ten feet from your kitchen window. So what can be done to keep nosey neighbors from knowing your every move?

You may think traditional fences provide ample protection from chatty Mrs. Smith or the unruly Sanderson kids. But the minute you install a privacy fence, the neighborhood watch thinks you’re up to something. You may not have anything to hide, but the thought of being on display is not your cup of tea. In that case, consider plantingtrees and shrubs for a green privacy screen!

To cut down on the time spent perusing the plants at your nearest nursery, I’ve compiled a list of the best trees and shrubs to border your home.

Top Trees for Natural Privacy Screening:

Ameri-Willow (Hybrid Willow Tree): Though it has a peculiar name, the Hybrid Willow is one of the fastest growing trees available, making it a perfect choice for blocking out Mr. and Mrs. Need-To-Know-Everything! Easy to grow and adaptable to any soil conditions, the Ameri-willow can reach heights of 60’-70’, so make sure you’ve got ample vertical growing space for these impressive arbors! Planting these beautiful trees will guarantee not only privacy, but shade as well, with their 15’-18’ canopies.

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus): As one of the most popular fruit trees in America, the Cherry Laurel, or English Laurel, has great potential for privacy screening. This broadleaf evergreen has desirable height, an average of 20’-25’, as well as beautiful foliage that is resistant to many animals. The accelerated growth of these trees makes for ideal coverage in no time, with a width of 15’-18’. You’ll certainly be able to cover a vast landscape with these hardwoods!

Waxleaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum ‘Texanum’ ): Also known as the Japanese privet, this versatile tree is a favorite for privacy screening. Depending on the type of privacy you prefer, you can choose to grow this plant as a tree or a shrub. With proper pruning, the Waxleaf privet can reach a height of 10’-12’, keeping its foliage and fragrant flowers throughout the year. Simply trim the lower branches for a canopy as wide as 6’-8’. However, you’ll achieve great coverage by reducing the amount of lower branch trimming to retain the overall shrub form.

When deciding whether to go with a fast growing tree or a heartier shrub or hedge, consider the unique environmental factors of your landscape.

Top Shrubs for Green Privacy Screens:

Arborvitae Green Giant (Thuja standishii x plicata): This tall hedge makes for a perfect screen because it has versatility and vigorous growth. The pyramid shape gives these hedges a wide base that can expand up to 16’, while remaining favorable to a variety of soils and weather conditions. The green giant is aptly named due to its enormous frame, growing upwards of 3’ a year to a maximum height of 50’-60’! These hedges require a 5’-6’ spread, which can reduce the amount you’ll have to plant to give ample coverage for large yards or fences.

Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica): Don’t be fooled by its name, Nandina is actually a shrub! Be careful about planting this shrub if you live in the U.S. Southeast, because it is considered an invasive species there, but it does do the trick as a great privacy screen. Growing a maximum of 6’ tall, it’s not the tallest shrub you can find, but that makes it easier to prune yourself. This plant keeps its foliage throughout the year, and even changes color depending on the season.

Cleyera (Ternstromeria japonica): Another way to add some color to your living wall is with this full-figured shrub.  At its maturity, the Cleyera shrub reaches 8’-10’ and spreads as wide as 5’-6’. Zigzag these bushes to add an interesting growth pattern and increase wind resistance. Just remember that there are a variety of species with their own coloration, so choose the hue that fits your landscaping requirements and you’ll have a lovely privacy screen year round!

Of course, there are many different trees and shrubs to choose from to give you the ideal privacy screen. Many of these plants are fast growing and remain a great fixture to any landscape for years to come.

As an added benefit, these formidable trees and thick hedges act as windbreakers and provide shade with minimal effort. Having a professional tree service plant and prune your privacy wall can ensure maximum growth potential and ultimate coverage, which not only preserves your privacy, but provides your neighbors with enjoyable greenery as well! In a matter of months you’ll be able to sip your coffee and lounge in peace behind a screen of nature’s living walls.

Image : Courtesy Worakit Sirijinda / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author

Kristina Silva is an environmentally-savvy writer living in Atlanta, GA. She enjoys writing about anything green and currently works for the tree lovers at the Tree Lovers Blog.