Our environment is already suffering from the results of human activities and industrialisation. One effective way to limit the damage and get things back in control is by implementing the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (the 3Rs) approach.

Many people still think that the 3Rs only apply to the manufacturing and chemical companies. Truly, industrial wastes should be reduced and some materials should be recycled and reused. However, it doesn’t end there.

The role of public in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The public can also take part in protecting the environment and building a sustainable future. In Australia alone, there are over 20 million people. Even if a small percentage of those is participating in protecting the environment, it can readily result to a large impact. The results will also amplify and accumulate if they are applying environment-friendly practices on a daily basis.

How can people start with the 3Rs?

We can begin by analysing our daily activities. It’s likely that in most of those we can find opportunities where we could prefer more environment-friendly practices. For example, maybe we can just walk or ride a bike when we’re going somewhere instead of driving. This will reduce our fuel consumption and reliance on fossil fuel.

Another example is our drinking water consumption. In that one activity we can apply the 3Rs in one go. Here’s how. Instead of regularly buying bottled water, we can have a stainless water bottle where we can regularly fill it up. We Reduce the waste because we’re not using and throwing plastic bottles. We also apply the Reuse and Recycle approach because we can use the stainless water bottle again and again.

This small change can add up especially if we’re doing it every day. Think of how many plastic bottles that won’t end up in the landfill every year. We’re already on our way to saving the environment and minimising the waste.

The key here is to start with our daily habits and activities. One small change can totally add up and it doesn’t require too much effort at all. It can easily be a part of our daily lifestyle. In addition, each individual can benefit from applying environmentally sound practices. Plastic water bottles themselves may contain chemicals (that might leach out) that might harm our health.

In summary, implementing the 3Rs in our activities including water consumption can benefit both the environment and our health. The steps are simple and you can take action today.

Staying hydrated is one of the most underrated health tips today. It’s almost free and in developed societies, clean and safe water is always available. However, many people around us (especially our friends and family) forget to drink enough water each day.

If you tell your friends and family to drink more water, it’s likely that they’ve heard the same advice from lots of different persons and sources. It’s likely they already know the health and environmental benefits of drinking more water and utilising reusable water containers.

What can you do to effectively “influence” them?

It seems an impossible task. But there are two common effective ways to finally make them drink more water using healthy and sustainable practices. Here are they:

Set an example

This is the most effective way to persuade other people. If you’re doing something healthy regularly, people will notice and one day they might ask you about your activities.

Arguments and data seem abstract to many of us. But if we see someone actually doing something, it’s more real and more tangible. We can easily relate and “if she’s doing it, I can do it also.” Convincing other people with data (no matter how scientific) might not be effective at all. Showing (not telling) might be a more effective approach.

Give your family and friends something they can use each day

Instead of providing them with more data and sharing them links to health-related articles, why not give them something tangible that they can bring every day?

You can give them stainless water bottles they can bring to work or school. No words are needed when you do this. With a stainless water bottle, they can easily bring water with them wherever they are. You’re making the habit (staying hydrated) easier for them to adopt because you’ve given them something they can readily use.

Action speaks louder than words

It’s an old saying but it’s still true today. Our loved ones might appreciate it more if we just do something instead of telling about it. Our actions can reach them easily and they will truly remember it.

Setting an example will show people that you’re practicing what you preach. This is important especially if you’re advocating for healthy and environment-friendly practices. Your actions and habits should align with your advocacies.

Gifts are also a good way to make people start a healthy habit. For example, if you give someone a pair of running shoes, you’re actually encouraging him or her to run and get fit (without saying anything). The same thing happens when you give people stainless water bottles. Even without explaining yourself, you’re making it easier for them to drink more water and stay healthy.

To adults, dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. In addition, it’s hard to focus on a task when we feel thirsty. It’s almost impossible to give our 100% if our bodies are screaming for water.

That’s the case wherever we are. It doesn’t matter if we’re at school, home, or office. Both our brains and bodies will be affected by dehydration. It can happen especially when we’re at work. We often forget to drink water because of the work pressures, our own lifestyles, and other things.

This will in turn affect employee productivity. Physically and mentally, the results will show. Whether in meetings or in manual labour, dehydration will make the person perform below 100%. Sometimes, the person might not be productive at all.

But this doesn’t have to be the case. There are quick and simple solutions you can start right now to drink more water and prevent dehydration. No employee should endure the thirst and no one should get used to it. Aside from immediate effects, there will be long-term consequences.

So how do you prevent dehydration easily in your workplace? Here are a few tips:

Install a drinking fountain or water cooler in the workplace

One often forgotten reason why people get dehydrated is there’s no available drinking water around in the first place. Employees won’t drink water if there’s nothing around. That’s why many often just prepare a cup of coffee or buy sugary drinks so they can drink something. Some even buy and bring bottled water. However, they sometimes forget and as a result they don’t have water with them at all.

It could also be that the water source is far from their desks or stations. It becomes less motivating to get or drink water if one has to walk dozens of steps before they reach it. People would just forget about it and reach out to whatever beverage is near.

But if there’s an indoor drinking fountain or water cooler nearby, employees can drink anytime. Thirst doesn’t choose a convenient time and we can experience it whatever we’re doing. If there’s a nearby source of clean water, it becomes easier and we can stay hydrated all day long.

Have a clean and sturdy water bottle nearby

It also helps if you have drinking water within an arm’s reach. This way, you can drink water anytime even while you’re sitting and glued on the computer screen. For many office workers, they don’t notice that hours have passed already sitting there in one place. Hours might also pass before they get a chance to go to the drinking fountain or water cooler.

That’s where a water bottle can help. If it’s filled with water, employees can easily reach out and drink anytime. It becomes even easier if it’s always in their view while they’re working. They can take a few sip every now and then. This prevents dehydration and will help keep them sharp all through the office hours.

If you choose to bring a water bottle, make sure it’s reliable and stylish. The material should be sturdy (such as stainless steel) so you can count on it for months and years. The overall container should also be stylish because you will be bringing it with you and everyone will see it. This way, you can bring it easily and wherever you’re going (even during events and conferences).

Physical wellbeing can improve productivity

A healthy mind goes with a healthy body. If our bodies stay hydrated, it’s more likely that we can perform at our best. Both our minds and bodies will function properly and we can focus more on the task at hand.

A reliable drinking fountain or a stainless water bottle can help with that. It’s a small investment but the rewards will be worth it. In addition, the employees’ health is prioritised as well.