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Bottled Water Ranked: See Which Brands Are the Best

Bottled water is a handy and portable method to stay hydrated on the go, but with so many brands to choose from, it can be challenging to know which ones to choose. To determine which ranked among the best, we evaluated all the leading water brands and examined their sources. The following is a ranking of bottled water companies, from worst to best:

Worst: Aquafina

Owned by PepsiCo, Aquafina is a brand of bottled water. Many people don’t know that Aquafina obtains its water from the same municipal water supply as tap water, despite the fact that it is widely accessible and reasonably priced. As a result, Aquafina ranks at the bottom of this list because it is basically just tap water that has been filtered and packaged.

Worst: Dasani

Coca-Cola owns the bottled water brand Dasani as well. Similar to Aquafina, Dasani obtains its water from the public water system and treats it with a special mineral mixture to make it taste more “pure.” Drinking Dasani does not necessarily make it any healthier than drinking tap water, and some individuals have even complained about an odd aftertaste.

Worst: Crystal Geyser

A brand of bottled water called Crystal Geyser gets its water from natural springs and aquifers. While this may appear to be a positive benefit, Crystal Geyser has already generated controversy since some of its water sources have been found to contain arsenic. The environmentally unfriendly packaging that Crystal Geyser uses, which is comprised of non-recyclable plastic, has also drawn criticism.

Worst: Nestle Pure Life

Nestle Pure Life is a brand of bottled water that sources its water from both municipal sources and natural springs. While Nestle Pure Life does use some filtration and purification processes to treat its water, it has faced criticism for its environmental impact, as well as for its association with Nestle, a company that has a history of unethical business practices.

Mixed Reviews: Mountain Valley

A spring in Arkansas is the source of the Mountain Valley brand of spring water. The majority of the time, it is of high quality and is packaged in robust, reusable glass bottles. It is, however, somewhat pricey and might not be available to everyone. Mountain Valley has a taste that some individuals believe to be a little earthy, which may not be too everyone’s taste.

Mixed Reviews: Deer Park

A variety of American springs are used to produce the Deer Park brand of spring water. Although it is frequently packaged in single-use plastic bottles, which might be bad for the environment, it is normally of acceptable quality. The business has additionally drawn criticism in the past for using water from Californian regions that are experiencing a drought.

Mixed Reviews: Ice Mountain

A brand of bottled water called Ice Mountain uses spring water that has been cleaned and is found in the Midwest. For those seeking a cool, hydrating beverage, Ice Mountain water is a popular option because of its crisp, clear flavor. Belinda Chang, a water sommelier, ranked Ice Mountain as one of the most neutral-tasting water brands she has ever tried. However, she did not like the aftertaste, noting it tasted ‘mineral and pipe-like’

Mixed Reviews: Icelandic Glacial

A high-end brand of bottled water from Iceland’s Spring is called Icelandic Glacial water. It has a clean, refreshing flavor and is renowned for its high pH level and minimal mineral content. In addition, Icelandic Glacial is touted as coming from a sustainable source thanks to the company’s involvement in carbon offsetting and renewable energy projects. Overall, individuals like the sustainability, cool packaging and taste of Icelandic, however, some noted that when warm, it has a bitter taste.

Mixed Reviews: SmartWater

The Coca-Cola Company owns the filtered water brand SmartWater. It is produced utilizing a secret method that incorporates vapor distillation, which clears the water of pollutants and toxins. Additionally enhanced with electrolytes, SmartWater is said by some to taste more reviving.

Mixed Reviews: Core Hydration

Core Hydration is a brand of purified water that is specifically formulated to have a pH level of 7.4, which is similar to the pH level of the human body. This is intended to make it more easily absorbed by the body and more hydrating than other types of water. Core Hydration is also treated with an electro-alkaline process that adds minerals back into the water to enhance its taste. Reviewers liked it best really cold.

Mixed Reviews: LifeWtr

PepsiCo owns the premium bottled water brand LifeWtr. Reverse osmosis is used to purify it, and minerals are added for flavor. LifeWtr is renowned for its artsy packaging, which showcases a variety of works from up-and-coming designers. The taste is pretty neutral.

Best: Boxed Water

Boxed Water is a brand of filtered water that comes in paper-based cartons as opposed to plastic ones. Because the cartons are created from a renewable resource and can be recycled, the company hopes to offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional bottled water. Reverse osmosis is used to purify Boxed Water. The taste is refreshing and clean with no fillers or minerals added.

Best: Ethos 

The Starbucks Corporation owns the bottled water brand Ethos. Reverse osmosis is used to purify it once it is extracted from natural springs. The Ethos Water Fund, which aids clean water programs in underdeveloped nations, receives a share of the sales proceeds from Ethos water. It’s a water you can feel good about drinking.

Best: Fiji Water

A single artesian aquifer in the Fiji Islands is the source of the bottled water brand Fiji Water. The water acquires a distinct and energizing flavor as a result of naturally filtering through layers of volcanic rock. Additionally, Fiji Water is dedicated to sustainability and has carried out several environmental projects, such as using recycled materials in its packaging and safeguarding regional ecosystems.

Overall, while all of these bottled water brands can be hydrating, it is important to consider the source of the water and the environmental impact of the brand before making a purchase. Fiji Water is the best option on this list, as it is sourced from a natural and sustainable source, and the company has a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

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Kissimmee River Restoration Project A Thriving Success

Kelly Taylor

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Florida’s Kissimmee River was once an ecological disaster, but now it’s been transformed into a thriving ecosystem. In the mid-20th century, the river was turned into a straight canal to control flooding and improve navigation, but this destroyed much of the natural habitat and disrupted the river’s natural flow. However, after decades of restoration efforts, the Kissimmee River has been returned to its former glory, with plants and wildlife flourishing in the restored habitat.

The restoration of the Kissimmee River began in the 1990s, with the goal of returning the river to its natural, winding state. The canal was filled in, and the river was allowed to meander through its floodplain once again. This restored the natural flow of the river and created a more diverse habitat for plants and animals.

Today, the Kissimmee River is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Waterfowl, raptors, fish, and mammals have all returned to the restored habitat in abundance. The river is now a popular destination for birdwatchers and other wildlife enthusiasts, who come to see the many species that call the river home.

One of the most significant impacts of the restoration of the Kissimmee River has been on the fish populations. Before the restoration, the straight canal prevented the natural flow of nutrients and water, which caused a decline in fish populations. However, now that the river’s natural flow has been restored, fish populations have rebounded. In fact, the river is now known for its large bass and catfish populations, which attract anglers from around the world.

The restoration of the Kissimmee River has also had a positive impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The river’s meandering flow helps to filter and clean the water, which benefits not only the wildlife in the river but also the surrounding wetlands and estuaries. The restored river also helps to prevent erosion and flooding, which can have a significant impact on nearby communities.

The success of the Kissimmee River restoration project serves as an inspiration for other restoration efforts around the world. It shows that with dedication and effort, damaged ecosystems can be restored to their former glory. The restoration of the Kissimmee River was a massive undertaking, but the benefits to the environment and local communities have been well worth the effort.

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Seaweed Plastic Wrap Is A Promising Alternative

Shannon Jackson

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Plastic is an ever-present part of our modern lives. It is used in almost everything, from packaging to electronics, and even in clothing. However, the environmental impact of plastic is becoming increasingly apparent, with its ability to persist in the environment for centuries, causing harm to wildlife and ecosystems. As a result, researchers are looking for alternatives to traditional plastic, and one of the most promising is seaweed-based plastic wrap.

Seaweed-based plastic wrap is made from an invasive seaweed known as Sargassum, which is abundant in the oceans around the world. The seaweed is harvested, cleaned, and processed to create a thin film that is similar in texture to plastic wrap. Unlike traditional plastic, seaweed-based plastic wrap is fully compostable, breaking down in just a few weeks when placed in a composting bin.

This is a significant improvement over traditional plastic, which can take centuries to break down, and often ends up in the ocean, causing harm to marine life. Seaweed-based plastic wrap also has the added benefit of being heat-resistant, which means it can be used for hot food and beverages without melting or releasing harmful chemicals.

The process of creating seaweed-based plastic wrap is also more sustainable than traditional plastic. The seaweed used to make the wrap is an invasive species that grows rapidly and can be harvested without damaging the environment. The seaweed also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it a carbon-negative material.

In addition to its potential as a sustainable food packaging material, seaweed-based plastic wrap has other possible applications. It can be used in the medical industry as a wound dressing, and in agriculture as a biodegradable mulch.

The development of seaweed-based plastic wrap is a promising step towards a more sustainable future. With the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of plastic, finding alternatives is more important than ever. While seaweed-based plastic wrap is still in the early stages of development, it is an exciting and innovative solution that could have a significant impact on reducing the amount of plastic waste in our environment.

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Vaccine For Bees Could Offer Glimmer of Hope To Declining Bee Populations

Kevin Wells

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In recent years, the world has been grappling with the alarming decline of bee populations. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating crops and contributing to the ecosystem, making their survival critical to our food supply and environment. Unfortunately, diseases, parasites, and climate change have been devastating bee populations, and many beekeepers are losing up to 50-70% of their colonies due to disease. However, a new development could be a game-changer in the fight to save bees.

A biotech company has created the world’s first vaccine for honeybees, offering hope for the survival of bee populations. The vaccine works by vaccinating the queen bee, who then passes on the immunity to millions of offspring that make up the colony. This breakthrough could revolutionize the fight against American foulbrood disease, a bacterial infection that has been decimating bee populations.

American foulbrood disease is a severe bacterial disease that affects honeybee larvae, causing them to die rapidly and emit a foul odor. When a colony is infected, all equipment and infected bees must be burned and buried, making the disease a significant threat to the beekeeping industry. The vaccine could help prevent the spread of the disease by providing colonies with immunity to the bacteria.

The vaccine is still in the early stages of development and requires further testing, but it has already shown promising results in trials. If successful, the vaccine could be a game-changer in the fight to save bees and protect our food supply. Bees are responsible for pollinating a third of the food produced in the United States, and their role in the ecosystem is worth an estimated $15 billion annually.

The decline of bee populations has become a global concern, and scientists and beekeepers have been working tirelessly to find solutions. The development of the bee vaccine could be a significant step forward in protecting these essential creatures. With the vaccine, beekeepers can help reduce the impact of diseases on their colonies and keep their bees healthy and thriving.

The creation of a vaccine for honeybees offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against the decline of bee populations. While the vaccine is not a silver bullet, it could be an essential tool in reducing the impact of diseases on bee populations. As research continues, we can only hope that this development will lead to a brighter future for bees and the important role they play in our ecosystem.

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Stranded Californian Cows Are Airdropped Hay Bales

Shannon Jackson

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In recent weeks, California has been hit with an unexpected amount of snowfall, causing chaos and disruption for many local farmers and ranchers. Springtime is typically a joyous season for these individuals, as it marks the start of calving season and the abundant growth of grass to feed the newborns. However, this year’s snowfall has left over seven feet of snow covering the grass, causing cows to become stranded and starving for weeks.

As the situation worsened, authorities in Humboldt County came together to create Operation Hay Drop, an emergency response plan aimed at delivering bales of hay to hungry and stranded cattle. This effort echoes a similar operation that was conducted in 1989 when cows were stranded by snow.

The process for Operation Hay Drop begins with authorities identifying the approximate location of stranded herds. Pilots then fly out, scanning the snowy terrain for any signs of life, essentially searching for tracks in the snow. Once located, bales of hay are airdropped in the general area where the cows are, and the pilots then quickly take off. Amazingly, the cows start coming out from under the trees and heading towards the hay almost immediately, a testament to the success of the operation.

As of today, Operation Hay Drop has helped over 2500 cows, providing them with the necessary sustenance to survive until the snow melts and grass starts to grow again. This has been a vital operation in ensuring the well-being of local farmers and ranchers and their livelihoods. Without this intervention, the situation would have been dire, with many cows perishing due to starvation.

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214 Year Old Clam Found On Florida Beach

Renee Yates

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In a remarkable discovery, a man from Florida found a giant clam that has been estimated to be 214 years old. The enormous and old clam was found on Alligator Point, a beach located on the Gulf of Mexico. Blaine Parker, a local resident, was taking a stroll on the beach when he stumbled upon the clam, which turned out to be a rare quahog clam.

Quahog clams are a species of hard-shell clams that are commonly found in the waters along the East Coast of the United States, ranging from Canada to Florida. They are usually between 2.8 to 4.3 inches in size, making the clam found by Parker an exceptionally large specimen. The clam was six inches long and weighed 2.6 pounds, which is almost twice the average weight of a quahog clam.

Quahog clams are known for their concentric growth rings that can be used to estimate their age. The clam that Parker found had a staggering 214 rings, making it one of the oldest clams ever found. To put this in perspective, the clam was born in the same year as Abraham Lincoln, which is a remarkable fact that has captured the attention of many people.

Given the age and rarity of the clam, Parker and his family decided to name it the “Abrer-clam Lincoln” as a nod to its historical significance. The discovery of this clam has generated a lot of interest from scientists and researchers, who are studying it to learn more about the history of the Gulf of Mexico and the environment in which the clam lived.

The discovery of the Abrer-clam Lincoln is not only significant from a scientific perspective but also highlights the importance of preserving the natural habitats of these creatures. Clams like the quahog play an essential role in the ecosystem of our oceans, and their decline can have a significant impact on the food chain and the overall health of our oceans.

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