PUR Water Filtration is partnering up with model Cindy Crawford to help promote the use of filtered tap water and reduce consumption of the bottled kind. The campaign, which is launching this May, is called “Thirsty for Change” and will include Crawford designing her own eco-chic reusable water bottle — with all proceeds from the sales going towards Children’s Safe Drinking Water; a program which is dedicated to providing safe drinking water to impoverished children around the world. Said Crawford,

“Like me, many moms today are concerned about the environment. We all want to live a little greener and do our part for the planet and for the health our families. The good news is that even small changes can make a huge impact on the environment. And that’s great news for my family because changes that fit easily into our hectic routine are the ones that are going to stick.

That’s why I would like to share some easy, green tips for other moms out there. They’ve worked in my house. I have learned that getting the whole family involved shows the kids that being eco-friendly can be fun!”

You can check out Cindy’s green tips after the fold. They include composting, buying local, low-flow toilets and ditching plastic bags.

Drink filtered tap water with a reusable water bottle

Over 38 billion plastic water bottles end up in landfills every year. By switching to water filtered by P?R Water Filtration and a reusable bottle, each person can prevent up to 3,200 plastic water bottles from ending up in a landfill every year. P?R is a healthy choice because it is certified to reduce more contaminants from tap water than any other brand on the market. In addition, drinking filtered tap water is about one-tenth the cost of supplying your family with bottled water for an entire year, which could save one person up to $600 annually.

Recycle and create a compost pile

Recycling and composting food diverted 82 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators in 2006. Turn your kids into recycling and composting experts by putting them in charge of your household’s efforts. It will teach them responsibility as well as sustainability.

Wash clothes with cold water and use concentrated detergent

Thirty-six percent of hot water use in households comes from laundering. By using cold water, you’ll cut back on your energy bill and consumption. Take it one step further by washing your clothes with concentrated detergent and you’ll cut back on plastic container waste as well.

Ditch the plastic bags

Over 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away every year. Next time you head to the grocery store or out on your errands, take canvas bags with you. There are a lot of stylish options out there now so you’ll be very “eco-chic!”

Buy local

Purchase food from local areas and help to cut back on gas emissions created by long transportation routes out-of-area fruits and vegetables must take to get to your local grocery. Your food will be fresher, taste better and the air will be cleaner.

Use an online phone directory

Call up your local phone company and ask to be taken off of their delivery route. Believe it or not, phone books make up almost 10% of waste at dump sites!

Throw an eco-chic party

Don’t throw out those old pants – throw a wardrobe-swapping party instead! At the beginning of every new season, invite your friends over and trade old clothes along with your stories. It’s fun, eco-chic at its best!

Go low-flow

Americans flush 4.8 billion gallons of water down the toilet every day. Take the easy step of filling a container with water and submerging it in your toilet tank. You’ll cut back on your water bill and prevent hundreds of dollars being flushed away along with that extra water!

Unplug your life

Forty percent of all electricity used in homes is for appliances that are turned off but still plugged in. Pull some cords on your way out the door next time and you’ll see a huge savings on that electric bill! Using surge protectors with numerous outlets is a great way to turn them all off at once.

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About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

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