water

How to Keep Your Pets Cool During a Heat Wave

Amanda Meadows — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 09:00:05 +0000

Summer is here and the weather is hot. Those of us with pets get worried about keeping them from overheating, especially while we're at work. Here's how to keep your pets safe, healthy, and comfortably cool during a heat wave.

1. Prioritize hydration

During the rest of the year, just two or three water bowl changes is enough. But during the hot months, you'll not only want to refill regularly, but you should also consider adding bowls with cold water throughout the house, especially if you live in a large home. This will offer your pets easy access to hydration when the high temps make them sluggish.

2. Learn to spot heatstroke

One of the most important things to know is how to spot the signs of heatstroke in an animal. Are they panting or drooling a lot? Are their gums red? Get them a damp cloth, some cold water, and get them to a vet as soon as possible, as heatstroke can be deadly.

3. Create shade

Keeping the hot rays of light from shining down on your pet will help prevent them from overheating. It will also keep your indoor temperature down. Try closing the blinds and your curtains when the sun is out, especially when you are about to leave the house. Also ensure you have set up a shady area in your yard for outside time.

4. Trim, but don't shave

Worried all their fur is making them uncomfortably hot? Well, remember that dogs and cats have a special layer of insulating fur that not only keeps them warm during winter months and harsh weather, but also protects them from excess sun exposure and superficial injuries. Take them to the groomer to give them a cute summer haircut, but do not shave all the way to the skin. (See also: 6 Money Lessons You Can Learn From Your Pets)

5. Keep the A/C and fans running

You don't need to keep the A/C on for the entire house. Keep your pet's favorite spot cool with a portable air conditioning unit or simply a fan to keep the air circulating, so your beloved furry companion isn't languishing under sweaty, stagnant air.

6. Apply a damp cloth

If you notice your pet might be overheating, a fast way to get them cooled off is by applying a cool, damp cloth to their body, face, and paws. You might need to do this a handful of times throughout a hot day, but your pet will experience some instant relief.

7. Keep them indoors

Outdoor time is important for dogs, but make sure that when it's above 90 degrees, that they have plenty of time indoors. If you need to leave your dog in the yard while you're away, make sure you've set up a shady area with lots of water where they can rest.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Meadows of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Ways Climate Change Could Affect Your Money

Andrea Karim — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 09:00:05 +0000

As our planet steadily warms and the climate changes, one thing is for certain — it is incredibly hard to predict what the long-term future holds.

There is a ton of data that shows Earth's climate is warming, but the change is occurring so rapidly that the existing data doesn't necessarily provide scientists with a way to make 100 percent accurate predictions. Plus, we can hardly get weather predictions right for the next week, so imagine trying to make accurate predictions for decades into the future.

All of that said, there are six predictions that we can generally make regarding the future of our planet and our money.

1. Water will cost more

Water is, hands down, our most precious resource on this planet. Scientists predict that potable water may become increasingly rare in the next 50 years — at least, based on our current climate models and methods for collecting and storing water. At least half the world's population relies on groundwater for personal consumption (with urban demand expected to grow by 55 percent by 2050, according to National Geographic), and groundwater is supplied by precipitation.

Global warming is expected to increase downpours, so one might expect that our groundwater supply should be in good shape. However, that's not the case. Groundwater builds up slowly over time, through melting snowpack and steady precipitation. If climate forecast models are accurate, then it's possible that the next 100 years will see northern hemisphere snowfall amounts decline dramatically (between 10 percent and 30 percent, according to National Geographic). Increased precipitation, when it comes in the form of monsoon-like deluges that are too voluminous to be absorbed, simply causes flooding.

In addition, warmer global temperatures will contribute to problems with water quality, according to both the Union of Concerned Scientists and Physicians for Social Responsibility. Rising seawater in low-lying coastal areas can contaminate freshwater reserves. In areas of drought, on the other hand, concentrations of freshwater contaminants are expected to increase, which can lead to potential health concerns for humans.

Precipitation deluges can also cost municipalities millions if excess stormwater floods damage sewage treatment plants (as happened in Seattle in February 2017). This can lead to a costly backup — or in the case of the Seattle treatment plant, millions of gallons of raw sewage pouring into Puget Sound. All of this makes it extremely likely that the cost of potable water will get much higher in the next 50 years or so.

2. Energy will cost more

North America has enjoyed a boom in cheap oil and natural gas in recent years, thanks to fracking, a means of extracting oil and gas from rock shale using pressurized water. But as climate change causes freshwater supplies to dwindle and water costs to rise, expect to see either a falloff in fracking-related production of fossil fuels or a drop in demand.

Other means of power generation may come under threat, too. Many of the country's rivers may actually see less water flow due to shifting precipitation patterns and accelerated evaporation rates. Less water flowing in our rivers will mean less water to power hydroelectric dams. Did you know that water is used to cool coal and nuclear power plants, too? Without access to that water, power brownouts are a possibility in many areas, especially during times of peak power usage.

Fortunately, advancements in green technologies like solar and wind energy production (coupled with new efforts to manufacture batteries for home storage of electricity) promise possible relief. These technologies, along with microgrids — local energy grids that can disconnect from main power grids and run autonomously — can also help alleviate problems that arise from the aging of the already hopelessly outdated U.S. utilities infrastructure.

3. Food may cost a lot more

A warming climate is a mixed blessing when it comes to food production. Warmer weather and higher levels of carbon dioxide can mean happier crops and larger yields, but that's assuming that new diseases and pests don't also thrive on the warming conditions. Because the cost of food depends on so much more than crop yields, it's very difficult to say how food prices may rise in the future.

According to National Geographic, some crops' yields will increase, while others may see a significant drop. Among the predictions scientists are making:

Corn yield may decline by as much as 20 percent in the Midwestern United States, and 16 percent in Brazil. And if the cost of corn and other basic cereals rises along with the cost of water, the cost of meat production will also rise.
Potato farmers in northern Europe may expect an increase in production, whereas farms farther south will become increasingly drought-prone.
West and East Africa may support more industrial agriculture, but China and India are expected to experience massive losses of arable land.

As the climate continues warming, Americans may see a serious shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables, causing price hikes. California produces the vast majority of the fresh produce eaten in the United States, including citrus fruit, artichokes, broccoli, nuts, plums, and tomatoes. The state's vast farmlands are expected to suffer from more frequent droughts and heat waves as the climate continues warming.

Seafood is also likely to become rarer and pricier as rising carbon dioxide levels cause oceans to acidify and harm or kill off species like salmon.

4. Flood prone real estate may lose value

Temperamental weather is one thing, but the warming atmosphere and oceans are also giving rise to more intense and numerous hurricanes and other ocean-centered storms.

The tempests, combined with rising sea levels, are expected to devalue coastal property significantly over the next 50 to 100 years. According to the National Ocean Service, in 2010, 39 percent of the U.S. population lived in counties directly on the shoreline, with another 8 percent expected to join them by 2020. Consumers who own properties right up against the coast face not only physical dangers from rising sea levels, but also increasing costs, particularly for homeowners and flood insurance. You can expect to see premiums and deductibles rise in areas affected by climate change-related flooding.

It has taken some time for the U.S. real estate world to react to the predictions about climate change, perhaps because North America hasn't experienced as much climate change-related damage as initially predicted (or perhaps because 60 percent of Americans don't believe that climate change will affect them personally, according to research from Yale University's Program on Climate Change Communication). However, changes are taking place. New York Times data shows home sales have dropped about 7.6 percent in high-risk flood areas of Miami-Dade County, even though home sales have increased 2.6 percent nationally.

5. Homeownership will cost more

Real estate agents like to say that there are three factors to consider when buying a home: location, location, location. Well, it's more true now than ever. While homeowners previously considered issues like neighborhood safety, the quality of the local school district, or local amenities, now homebuyers will also have to factor in issues like: Will my home be swept away in a freak flood? Are forest fires becoming a possibility in this area? The answers could point to significant dangers or at the very least, higher costs.

Buying a home in an area that is negatively affected by climate change will affect more than your mortgage options and your insurance: You may also pay a fee just to live dangerously. Homes built in unincorporated fire-prone areas, for instance, may be charged an annual fee to help pay for firefighting efforts. This has already been proposed in Washington State.

6. Health care costs will continue to grow

Anyone who has been to Beijing or Bangkok knows how terrible air pollution can affect your health. From asthma to emphysema, a more polluted atmosphere (which is currently a huge contributor to our warming climate) can mean a host of new health issues.

Warmer weather, combined with higher levels of carbon dioxide, can also cause plants to vigorously produce more pollen — meaning worsening symptoms for people with allergies.

And a wetter, warmer climate encourages the spread of insects like mosquitoes, which carry deadly diseases. Speaking of insects, the bark beetle that is killing off vast swathes of forest in the Western United States and Canada is creating so much dead wood that it's contributing to larger, deadlier forest fires in the dry summer months. Those, in turn, further hurt asthmatics and people with other pulmonary issues.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Solving the World's Problems Could Win You Millions

Paul Michael — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 10:30:35 +0000

How are your problem-solving abilities? Do you regularly come up with ingenious ways to make life better? Are you and your close friends the kind of people who, when they put their minds together, can accomplish anything?

If you're nodding yes to all these questions, you could well bag a huge prize (some are $1 million or more) for solving one of these super hard problems.

1. The Water Abundance Challenge ($1.5 Million Grand Prize)

Can you create water from thin air? That's the problem put before you on this challenge, which has a massive jackpot prize of $1.5 million. The reasons behind the competition are scary. Half of the global population lives in areas where water tables are rapidly falling, and by 2025, it is estimated that 1.8 billion people will live in areas affected by water scarcity.

However, there is a solution. Well, a possible one. There are over three quadrillion gallons of untapped water in the Earth's atmosphere. That's enough water to meet the needs of every person on the planet for a whole year, if someone can figure out a way to extract the water from the air in an energy efficient way. And that's the real challenge. The solution must extract a minimum of 2,000 liters of water from the atmosphere per day, using 100% renewable energy, at a cost of no more that two cents per liter.

Clean water, from the atmosphere, using renewable energy, with minimal costs. That's quite the challenge, and the reason the prize pot is so big. Registration closes on March 15, 2017, so if you have the chops to take this problem on, get your entry in as soon as possible.

2. NASA 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge ($1.1 Million and $1.4 Million Prizes)

This problem centers around making a 3D printed habitat for a NASA astronaut. If you've seen the movie The Martian, you'll know how important a dependable, lightweight living environment is to a NASA crew member. The advent of 3D printing has led to a whole new direction for innovation in this area. And now you could be a part of it.

The big hurdle you will have to get over is raw materials. Rather than bringing them on the mission (which adds weight and cost to the project), the idea here is to "print" a habitat using the local indigenous materials, or recycled materials. As you can imagine, if the habitat is to be based on the moon, or Mars, that does not leave you with a lot of options.

Phase 1 of this contest is already over, but you can still register for Phases 2 and 3 of the challenge. Each brings a substantial prize to the winning design.

Phase 2, known as the Structural Member Competition, focuses on material technologies needed to create and build the habitat. Phase 3 is the actual printing and building of the scaled habitat design. Both offer over $1 million to the winner, so if this kind of engineering problem is your thing, you should get started ASAP.

3. Wearable Alcohol Biosensor ($200,000 First Prize)

Alcoholism, and alcohol-related problems, are a major cause for concern in the United States. A report published in 2014 showed that the top 10% of alcohol drinkers consume an average of 74 drinks every week (that's more than 10 drinks per day). That's over two bottles of wine every day, or three 24-can cases of beer per week.

Knowing the severity of the problem, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism wants to help Americans get off their booze addiction. So, they have issued a challenge, with a top prize of $200,000.

You are being tasked to create the prototype of a sleek, unobtrusive, noninvasive, wearable, real-time blood alcohol monitor. Imagine a smartwatch that gives you an instant read of your blood alcohol content, or perhaps some kind of digital patch or piece of jewelry. This would become a self-monitoring device that people can use to chart their alcohol use, and something the local doctor can use as a reliable indicator of alcohol use (and abuse).

If you have something in mind, get over to this site before May 15, 2017 and submit your prototype. You could win a lot of money, and save a lot of lives.

4. Women's Safety Challenge ($1 Million Grand Prize)

The statistics behind this challenge are terrifying. Globally, one in three women have faced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Geographically, it can be much worse in some areas. In New Delhi, a 2012 study revealed that 92% of women experience some form of sexual violence in public spaces. And despite the growth of technology, including smartphones and wearables, the statistics are not changing. Although most of us carry a communication device, it's not helping the problem.

The challenge here is to use modern technology that will help keep women and communities safe. How can devices like smartphones, coupled with a community of people ready to help, create a network that protects women from the dangers of society? The winning solution will autonomously and inconspicuously trigger an emergency alert, transmitting information to a network of responders, all within 90 seconds and at an annual cost of U.S. $40 or less.

This is something that can have a real impact on your own community, and the world. You can read more about the challenge, and the prize.

5. The Medical Treatment Free Time Challenge ($20,000 Top Prize)

Hopefully, you never have to be the beneficiary of the solution to this challenge. It is based around the amount of time that some people have to spend basically sitting idle while they receive medical treatments. A typical example of this would be kidney dialysis, which requires patients to sit still for around four hours, three times per week. But as the challenge states, this is for anyone receiving medical treatment that has free time to spare while undergoing the procedure.

Instead of reading a book, listening to music, or watching TV, what could the patient do that is more beneficial to his or her recovery? Could this time be better spent doing something that actively helps in the treatment itself, or something that works to better the attitude and outlook of the patient?

If these questions are already getting your mind to work overtime, take a look at the details. You will have to register for free, but it could be well worth it for you, and the people your solution helps.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Affordable Travel Items That You Shouldn't Leave Home Without

Amanda Gokee — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 11:00:07 +0000

Your travel budget can easily get busted just from buying things for your trip. That said, there are certain things you just shouldn't leave home without. If you pack a few smart items that will give you the most bang for your buck, you can enjoy your trip with the right stuff on hand — and enough money left in your budget for your actual trip.

1. Memory Cards

Chances are if you're going on a trip, you're going to want to bring your camera. Running out of space on your memory cards can be a big bummer when you're on the go and just about to capture the perfect shot. You'll burn through memory especially fast if you're taking videos, so it's better to go prepared and have at least one high capacity SD memory card, plus one extra, just in case.

2. Travel Cubes

Travel cubes are an easy way to pack your bag. These little compartments let you pack and unpack everything with ease. You can group your clothes, toiletries, and shoes all separately, so you don't have to worry about emptying your entire bag just to find one item buried at the bottom. They work well for backpacks, too.

3. Universal Plug Adapters

A universal adapter is a packing essential if you're planning to travel to foreign countries, because outlets fit different sized plugs depending on where in the world you are. Some countries even use two different sized plugs.

4. Luggage Scale

When you're packing your bags for a trip, a few extra pounds make a big difference. If you show up at the airport with a bag over the airline's allowed weight limit, you could be charged up to hundreds of dollars in overweight bag fees.

With a handy and portable luggage scale, you never have to worry about guesstimating how much your bag weighs. You can know for sure.

5. TSA Master Lock

It's a good precaution to lock your bag shut. Of course, if you're flying you'll need a lock approved by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. The proper TSA lock will ensure you get through security checkpoints.

6. Leather Passport Case

You know you need to bring your passport when you're traveling, and it's smart to get a case to protect it from wear and tear. Get a leather case that blocks the rare thief armed with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader from scanning personal information on the RFID chip in your passport.

7. Travel Bottles

We're all attached to our specific brand of products. Get the proper sized travel bottles and fill them up before your trip.

8. Solar Panel Charger

Solar panel technology is still growing, so it's interesting to see the gear that's now being aimed at travelers. If you're going camping off the grid, a solar panel rechargeable battery could be a great way to charge your phone and other electronics you can't do without.

9. Water Filtration Systems

Depending on what type of trip you're going on, having a way to purify your water may not only save you from buying bottled water, but it could also get you out of a tough situation. Water filtration systems are particularly useful if you're planning on doing any overnight hiking and you want to be sure you're drinking water that's safe for human consumption.

Happy shopping and happy travels.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Eat These 6 Foods to Stay Healthy While Traveling

Amanda Gokee — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 10:00:17 +0000

Traveling often means eating foods that are outside of your normal routine, which can be a fun part of any cultural experience. Yet it can also pose a very real challenge when trying to stay healthy. If you're not paying attention, it can be easy to lose track of what you're eating and how much you're eating.

But staying healthy in a foreign place doesn't have to be complicated. Here are six foods (and a drink) you can usually find that will help you stay energized and healthy even when you're away from home.

1. Seasonal Produce

Eating foods that are fresh and locally grown can go a long way toward keeping you healthy on the road. Anything that hasn't been processed and changed from its original form shouldn't have a lot of empty calories or bad-for-you ingredients. Experiment with exotic fruits and vegetables that you can't find back home. It might not be what you're used to, but local fruits and veggies will give you the fiber and vitamins your body needs to function properly.

2. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of those trendy superfoods you've surely been hearing about. It's a species of flowering plant in the mint family native to Mexico. Historically, it was a staple of the Mayan and Aztec diets. You can find chia seeds throughout South America.

Chia seeds are low calorie, but packed with energy, protein, and antioxidants. Plus, chia seeds are full of fiber to help you feel full for longer and aid digestion when you're trying lots of new foods.

3. Healthy Grains

There is a wide variety of grains that are extremely beneficial to your health. Look for whole grains when you choose your bread or pasta. Quinoa is full of fiber and protein. Tabbouleh is very common in the Middle East. You may also find couscous, oats, or amaranth, depending on where you go.

4. Chickpeas and Hummus

Chickpeas are relatively easy to find when you're traveling, all across the western world — in India, Africa, throughout the Middle East, and South America. They are very rich in fiber and especially delicious when whipped into a rich hummus dip that you can eat as a dip for vegetables, chips, or as an accompaniment to a salad.

5. Rice

Rice is an excellent carbohydrate that you can find in many parts of the world. But that's not the only reason it makes this list. Varieties of rice like wild rice and brown rice are complex carbohydrates, which helps you feel full longer.

Rice and beans is a very affordable meal that you'll find in many parts of the world and that's because together, these two form a complete protein.

6. Water

Okay, so maybe it doesn't technically qualify as a "food" per se, but drinking water during your travels is arguably the single most important thing you can do to keep your body healthy and your mind clear.

Dehydration is the cause of many of the most common problems that travelers face, like fatigue and headaches. Keeping your body hydrated will do wonders for your health. It can help you aid digestion and keep you feeling energized.

Pay attention to how much water you are drinking every day and bring a reusable water bottle on your trip so you can always have water with you.

By giving your body a balanced mix of healthy foods and plenty of water, you can help ensure that you are feeling good wherever your travels may take you.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Smart Water Bottles

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 09:30:05 +0000

Drinking more water can lead to clearer skin, better overall health, improved productivity and brain function, increased energy levels, and even weight loss. In fact, shifting from soda to water can save you thousands of empty calories each month. In order to build a healthy water drinking habit, it’s important to track your progress every day.

What Are Smart Water Bottles?

A smart water bottle is a reusable water bottle that can track your water intake and alert you if you need to drink more to hit your daily hydration goals. This is especially useful if you tend to forget to drink water throughout the day.

If you can remember to track when you fill up your water bottle, then something like the Thermos Nissan Intak Hydration Water Bottle with Meter should be enough. If you want something that can track your water intake and alert you when to drink water, then you’ll need a smart water bottle. (See also: The 5 Best Aluminum and Stainless Steel Water Bottles and The 5 Best Glass Water Bottles)

Top 5 Smart Water Bottles

Sportline HydraCoach Intelligent Water Bottle

The Sportline HydraCoach Intelligent Water Bottle is the world's first interactive water bottle to track your daily water intake, sip by sip. You can set a goal and it will track what you have consumed to ensure your daily hydration goals are met. It calculates your personal hydration needs, tracks your fluid consumption throughout the day, paces you, and motivates you to reach your goals. It is easy to set up and use right away. It is commonly recommended online and is backed by great reviews.

Currently $25.24 on Amazon

Thermos Hydration Bottle With Connected Smart Lid

The Thermos 24-oz Hydration Bottle with Connected Smart Lid displays the bottle’s fill level and temperature. It features a Hydration Calculator, which calculates a personalized daily hydration goal. It can also send custom smart reminders to keep you on track. The user-friendly smart lid can connect to your Fitbit account, so you can instantly see hydration stats each time a bottle of water is finished. The activity dashboard shows a chart and graph with daily, weekly, and monthly hydration progress, so you can always keep track. Simply plug it in with the micro USB charging port and pair with Bluetooth Smart wireless technology. It offers up to a 12-day battery life before needing to be recharged. It is available in two colors. It has outstanding reviews and is frequently recommended online by publications like PC Mag.

Currently $54.07 on Amazon

Moikit Cuptime2

The Moikit Cuptime2 is compatible with Fitbit, Jawbone, and Apple Health Kit. The BPA-free, eco-friendly, premium Tritan cup features a power brick and LED display. The improved sanitized antimicrobial material is durable, ergonomic, and less prone to fingerprints. It has a temperature sensor, which warns when water is too hot to drink and alerts you when it’s just right. The liquid measurement sensors offer a precise measurement of the liquid within the cup, both before and after you take a drink. Simply recharge it by placing it on the charging dock.

It collects detailed hydration analysis, offers personalized settings, suggests a healthy drinking plan, and offers Bluetooth connection, so you can easily track your personal water consumption data. You can set your hydration goals and it will remind you to drink water through the free app or through the cup, which will vibrate or beep to remind you to stay on track. This has outstanding online reviews and is commonly recommended for people looking for a hot and cold drink cup.

Currently $79.99 on Amazon

Homecube Intelligent Induction Drinking Cup

The Homecube 400-ML Intelligent Induction Drinking Cup is easy to use and features a real-time temperature display on the handle. If you can’t find the cup at night, simply tap the table or something nearby and the cup will light up to report its location. You can also touch any part of the cup and it will light up. The eco-friendly cup will also light up automatically after two hours to remind you to drink. It is available in various colors and has great online reviews.

Currently $19.99 on Amazon

H2OPal Hydration Tracker

The H2OPal Hydration Tracker is a thin device that attaches to the base of your water bottle and tracks your water intake automatically to remind you when you need to drink water. It uses accelerometer and weight sensors to monitor the water level in the bottle. The specialized sensor connects to your smartphone every time you drink to keep you motivated and on track with your daily goals and progress. It creates custom goals based on physical activity, weather, weight, and age. It's easy to set up, is energy efficient, has a sleek design, and comes with a user-friendly app, which automatically logs data. You can even be notified of hydration levels through push notifications on your smartphone. It is available in two different color combinations. It is frequently recommended online by publications like Gadget Flow.

Currently $91.98 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best smart water bottles. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Soda Alternatives That Won't Bust Your Wallet — Or Your Waistline

Ashley Eneriz — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 09:30:30 +0000

One thing that is hard to give up is soda — but for your health, and the health of your wallet, you really should try. Each time you go out to eat, a soda will add about $3 on your bill per person. In 2012, U.S. households spent $850 a year on soft drinks alone.

As far as health disadvantages, drinking soda regularly can increase belly fat, decrease bone strength, and can increase cavities and gum disease. Soda has been linked to diabetes, obesity, cancer, and high blood pressure. Not only are these health issues scary, but they are also very costly to manage. Don't think that switching to diet will help you out either, since diet soda can be even worse for you with its artificial sweeteners.

Kicking your soda habit is the best thing to do for your health and wallet, but that is definitely easier said than done. Here are some frugal ways to satisfy your soda craving without risking your health.

1. Kombucha

If you have never had kombucha, then prepare yourself for a very strong drink. I could not take more than three sips of my first kombucha, but now I actually enjoy certain flavors, like Kevita's Mojita Lime Mint Coconut. Not only can kombucha satisfy your soda craving, but it can also aid in digestion because it is full of healthy bacteria. Kombucha is not the cheapest alternative to soda, unless you make your own. Buy a few when there is a coupon or when there is an iBotta offer.

2. Healthier, Homemade Sprite

You can make your own healthier soda by mixing sparkling water, a squeeze of lemon and lime juice, and stevia (or your favorite sweetener) to taste. In my opinion, it tastes very similar to Sprite, but much more refreshing. Obviously if you are drinking soda all day, every day, you will need to allow your taste buds time to adjust.

3. Other Healthy Soda Recipes

If Sprite is not your favorite soda, then here are a few other mixes to try:

Root beer: Mix sparkling water with a few drops of root beer extract (use organic if you want to avoid chemicals), and sweetener to taste.
Mountain Dew: Mix two cups of sparkling water with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of grated ginger, and sweetener to taste. If you enjoy this drink, try increasing the amount of apple cider vinegar over time to increase your health benefits. Apple cider vinegar can help prevent diabetes, lower cholesterol, and give you an extra energy boost.
Cherry-vanilla: Heat two cups of cherry juice with one vanilla bean (split the bean and scrape out the seeds and pod) and one cup of sweetener of your choice (use less for stevia extract).
Strawberry: Blend one cup of strawberries with ¼ cup of honey (or sweetener of your choice). Put two tablespoons of this mixture into a cup and pour sparkling water on top. Use frozen strawberries for a colder drink.

4. Juice and Seltzer

Another easy alternative to soda is mixing one part juice to two parts seltzer water. Use juices that are 100% juice. Pure pomegranate and cherry juice will give your soda an extra health boost.

5. Flavored Sparkling Water to Go

It is not always convenient to make your own soda, especially if you are traveling. Flavored sparkling water will give you the carbonation and sweetness you are craving. My favorite is the coconut flavored La Croix because when it is really cold, it reminds me of a Coke. Check the labels on sparkling water and make sure that the ingredients are only water and flavoring. Avoid any that have sugar or artificial sweeteners in them.

If you need a soda alternative that has caffeine, then the Bai waters are tasty and have as much caffeine as tea. Costco regularly has coupons for Bai water.

6. Green Tea

If you drink soda strictly for caffeine reasons, try going with unsweetened green tea. It will be a big switch on your taste buds at first, but the caffeine from green tea is a little gentler on the system compared to soda and coffee. Green tea is also full of antioxidants and can reduce your cancer risk. The easiest way to get green tea on the go is to pop a tea bag into a water bottle and let it sit for about 20–30 minutes.

7. Spruce Up Your Water

Perhaps you are continually reaching for soda to quench your thirst. Many people will avoid water because they find the taste boring. Try adding fresh cut up fruit or vegetables to make your water have more flavor. Some options to try are cucumbers, strawberries, lemon, lime, oranges, grapefruit, and mint. Mint water can help promote your digestion and reduce inflammation.

Tips to Kick the Soda Habit for Good

When you are trying to kick your soda habit, you don't want to just replace it with another bad habit. For example, if you use five cups of soda to get you through the day, then switching to five cups of coffee is not going to do anything for your budget or health.

The best thing to do is to try to change your taste buds and decrease your cravings. For example, if you drink three cups of soda a day, try replacing one cup with just plain water, and the other two cups with one of the healthier alternatives.

If you are used to having a big cup of soda always at your hand, then put ice water in the same type of cup. You will reach for the water out of habit, and it will take a few days to accept the water as a suitable substitute. Prepare yourself for a few days of withdrawal headaches, knowing that these get worse before they get better.

What are your favorite alternatives to soda?

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Tricks to Get You Drinking More Water

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:00:09 +0000

As we head into the summer months, hydration becomes a huge issue. In fact, up to 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, getting fewer than the recommended 8 to 10 cups per day. Are you one of them? If so, here are some simple ways to ensure you drink more H2O on the regular.

1. Drink First Thing

One of the easiest ways to add more water into your day is to grab a glass when you wake up. Establish this habit as part of your everyday routine, and you'll find yourself guzzling more often. I like to start my day with plain water — no ice — and a generous squeeze of lemon. Warm water absorbs into your system more readily and the lemon gives you a boost of antioxidants.

2. Carry a Bottle

Keeping your water close by is another sure way to get you drinking. Bottles come in all materials from BPA-free plastic to glass to stainless steel and beyond.

3. Use an App

Keeping a mental tally of how many glasses you down in a day can be hard. Use technology to help keep track! You can download Waterlogged for free like over a million people across the globe have done. You'll see charts and have the option to upgrade for reminders. Either way, tracking takes less than a minute out of your day.

4. Sip Before Meals

Try drinking a couple glasses of water before you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You won't just stay hydrated, you might also shed some extra pounds. In a 2010 study published by Obesity, individuals who drank two glasses of water before their meals ate less throughout the day. They lost more weight over a 12-week period than the control group.

5. Eat It

If you really hate sipping on a glass of water, try eating foods that are drowning in the stuff. Many fruits and veggies boast over 90% water content. Snack on watermelon, tomatoes, broccoli, grapefruit, cucumber, and more. You'll be getting more whole foods in your diet to boot.

6. Try Flavoring

There are so many ways you can flavor water — from store-bought pouches to recipes you'll find online. One of my favorites? This sweet watermelon water. Combine seedless watermelon with water in your blender. Sweeten with Stevia or your favorite substitute. Absolutely delicious.

7. Infuse It

You can also purchase an inexpensive water infusion pitcher to keep in your fridge. Pop in different fruits and let the flavors mingle. I love using sliced cucumbers to replicate my favorite spa water at home. But anything from citrus to berries to stone fruits will do. You can even refill it a few times without having to replace the fruit (just make sure it's within a couple days).

8. Use Ice Cubes

Put lots of ice into your beverages throughout the day. After all, ice is just frozen water. Right? By cooling down your juice or soda, you'll also sneak several ounces down the hatch without even thinking about it. Who knows, eventually you might skip the other drinks and go straight for the pure stuff.

9. Get a Filter

Sometimes your tap water's taste can be less than appealing. And despite what you might think, bottled water isn't always the answer. Try using water filters at your tap or filter pitchers in your refrigerator. They can take out many impurities and improve the taste of your tap water. Bottled water can cost up to a whopping 10,000 times more per gallon anyway, so save your pennies.

10. Banish Sugary Beverages

I have a policy at home where I only drink water (or wine). I've decided that I'll save all other drinks for dining out or special occasions. This is a wonderful method to try if you're hooked on soda or other high caloric beverages. You'll drink more healthy water and also trim your waistline with all those calories you'll save.

How do you get more water in your day?

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Bottled or Tap: The Right Choice for Water May Surprise You

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 16 May 2014 08:12:43 +0000

Did you know that bottled water sales have more than tripled over the last 10 years? It's true! Annually, this business as a whole pulls in a staggering $11 billion a year. On... water. The most perplexing part: "Tap water [from regulated public versus private sources, for the purpose of this article] and bottled water are generally comparable in terms of safety." (See also: Bottled Water Hype)

So, then, why are so many of us choosing to literally pour our dollars down the drain? Here are some things to consider before you take your next sip.

1. Taste Differences

Well, just because water is safe to drink doesn't necessarily mean it tastes the best. Plus, as discerning consumers, we're all about options.

If you drink water from taps across the country, you'll definitely notice a difference. Some spouts are generally taste-neutral while others are laced with a hint of chlorine (sometimes even an overpowering flavor, as chlorination is one popular method used to purify water for drinking). From there, the taste may differ depending on mineral content or a number of other factors. (See also: The Best Eco-Friendly Water Bottles)

Thing is, bottled water, too, has its own different production processes. And as a result, bottled water will also produce a range of pleasing or pungent flavors and notes, making it just as difficult to identify in blindfolded taste tests. Looking beyond the pretty packaging, you might not be able to tell your favorite brand from your tap. So, if safety and taste aren't really pulling you in either direction — the dollars and cents should.

2. Money Matters

How much money are we talking about? One estimate I encountered: Bottled water costs 240 to over 10,000 times more per gallon than tap water. Once you pick your jaw off the floor (I had to!) and let that set in, the choice between the two seems much easier. Plus, if you consider that some bottled waters might actually just be tap water in disguise — you're being up-charged considerably. (See also: 25 Things To Do With Reusable Water Bottles)

That's right: "25% (to as much as 40%) of the bottled waters consumed in the U.S. come from municipal water supplies." That sounds just plain criminal to me (or, alternatively, like an incredibly lucrative business idea). So far, tap water is winning with regard to safety, taste, and dollars. If you choose to save your pennies by drinking from your own tap, then next question becomes: To filter or not to filter?

3. Trickle Down

Well, that's where this whole issue gets particularly slippery. In an informal study conducted at the offices of Mother Jones, staff members actually voted San Francisco tap water — which is sourced from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park — straight out of the tap better than its filtered counterpart. However, we can't all enjoy such pristine sources.

In fact, a 2009 analysis conducted by the Environmental Working Group found 315 pollutants, including freaky stuff like arsenic, hiding in EPA-approved taps across the country. What's even more difficult is that water within the same area can vary in safety from home to home due to pipe age, material, and other pesky factors.

What to Do?

If you're confused, you're in good company. It seems there's no clear-cut answer to what is truly the best choice for our bodies. Though, what we can all agree upon is that bottled water surely comes at a premium and may very well not be worth the added cost.

The best advice I've found is to familiarize yourself with common contaminants and to have your tap water tested. If you choose to filter, there are various techniques, though not one will clear out all possible impurities. Also important: "A home water filter won't protect you from water that has been declared unsafe" by municipalities during natural disasters like floods. And generally, you can avoid consuming lead from tap water by using "cold tap for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula and to let the water run for a minute before using it."

Do you drink bottled water? If not, do you filter your tap water?

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Stuff We Love: A Lifefactory Reusable Glass Water Bottle

Elizabeth Lang — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 10:00:04 +0000

Since high school I’ve carried a water bottle with me just about everywhere. Through my early work years Nalgene was the bottle of choice — until it was revealed that there was the hormone altering chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in them. At that time I switched to stainless steel reusable bottles, which I loved because I felt that they were the safest option for a chemical free water bottle. While stainless bottles are great, water can get a metallic taste if left in the bottle for too long. So, I made the switch to glass water bottles — and got a Lifefactory glass bottle about a year ago.

Why I Own a Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle

I own the glass water bottle because I don't want any chemicals in my water. And the best way to avoid chemicals in your water is to use a reusable bottle that doesn’t leach chemicals like BPA into it. After using stainless steel water bottles for a while I decided I wanted to try a glass water bottle instead. I looked up reviews on Amazon and the very best rated bottle was the Lifefactory bottle. People were huge fans of the design and silicone sleeve. I have been using it for almost a year now, and it’s great.

What's Great About It

There are multiple things that I love about my Lifefactory bottle. First it doesn't contain BPA phthalates or any other chemicals. Second, the silicone cover prevents slipping and prevents it from breaking if I drop it. Third, there are good lid options. And finally, I have great tasting water.

It Has an Amazing Non-Slip Silicone Cover

I love the silicone slipcover — it is probably the bottle’s greatest feature. When you're carrying the bottle the silicone does a great job of preventing the bottle from slipping from your hand. Even if the bottle does tip over, the silicone protects the bottle from breaking. I have dropped the bottle numerous times, and it has yet to scratch. (Contrast this to my extremely dented stainless steel water bottles.)

I use the Lifefactory glass bottle mostly at my office, and I found with other water bottles condensation would build up on the bottle and drip onto my desk and on papers. It created quite a mess. The nonslip silicone cover does a good job of preventing a lot of the condensation buildup.

The Caps and Lids Are Amazing

Lifeactory now makes multiple lids for their water bottles. I have the flip cap, which has a narrow mouth spout for easy drinking. It is made of silicone with polypropylene. There's a handle, which makes it really easy to carry around. The only challenge with the flip is that it is not completely leakproof. I have never tested it, but based on the structure I would not put the bottle filled with water In my purse with my phone or computer. (It seals pretty well, but it just seems like it could detach easily.) There is also a new straw for the Lifefactory bottle, which I haven't yet tried, but I think this would be a good option for if you take the bottle exercising.

It Makes for Great Tasting Water

The best reason to switch from a plastic or stainless bottle to a glass bottle is that the water always taste great. What does it taste like? It tastes just how water should taste — like water.

What It Compares To

The Lifefactory glass water bottle is one of very few glass water bottles currently on the market. Another option I looked at when considering buying a glass bottle was a six-pack of Aquasana glass water bottles. However, these water bottles did not have the silicone sleeve or an easy-to-drink-from spout. Also, the Aquasauna bottles are 18 ounces instead of 22 ounces.

There are now two other options similar to the Lifefactory bottle on the market — the Takeya classic water bottle with the silicone sleeve and Ello glass water bottle. Based on the reviews, it appears that people prefer Lifefactory for better caps and lids, but some people prefer the Takeya’s design.

Who It Is Best For

The Lifefactory glass water bottle is best for people who are looking for a reusable water bottle and would keep the bottle primarily in one place. For example, if you're looking to have a water bottle just at your office or just at your house or mostly in your car I would highly recommend the Lifefactory glass water bottle. I would be a little hesitant to carry the glass water bottle with me on a hiking trip because of the added weight.

How It Could Be Better

The only improvement I would make with my Lifefactory bottle is if I could have both the flip cap for easy drinking but a regular lid for storage if I wanted to take my bottle from place to place and ensure that it wouldn't leak.

Bottom Line Recommendation

The Lifefactory glass water bottle is best for anyone looking for a safe and healthy water bottle that is unlikely to break and is easy to drink from.

Where to Get Yours

Amazon carries the Lifefactory bottle for about $21.
Diapers.com is currently offering a great deal on select colors for just $16.
Williams-Sonoma currently has the bottle for $20.

Get Yours Today!

This article is from Elizabeth Lang of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Slash Your Water Bill

Ashley Jacobs — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:00:31 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on ways to slash your water bill, saving at the farmer's market, and ways to make money.

Best Money Tips: Steps to Living a Life You Love

Ashley Jacobs — Thu, 30 May 2013 10:00:31 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some fantastic articles on living a life you love, conserving bathroom water, and carving more time out of your day.

How Water Can Save You $977 a Year

Paul Michael — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:00:06 +0000

Most of us eat out at least once a week. In fact, renowned culinary experts Zagat recently announced that although we are dining out less as a nation (due to the poor economy) we are still eating out an average of 3.1 times per week. That's the average of course, some of us are eating out daily. (See also: A Cheapskate's Guide to Eating Out)

And when we eat out, be it at a fast food restaurant or something more refined, we drink soda. Oh, how we drink soda. As a nation, we can't get enough of it. According to Dr. Oz:

53 million Americans drink at least one soda a day, and we spent $70 billion last year on soda.

That got me thinking. How much would we save, on average, if we substituted tap water (not bottled, please) for soda every time we ate out. Every restaurant, fast food or otherwise, has given me free water with my meal when I ask for it. And remember, I'm not talking about substituting every single soda we drink — just the ones that accompany the meals we eat away from home.

First, let's review the numbers we're dealing with.

We already know that we eat out 3.1 times per week. Now take the average family size, which according to 2009 US Census data is 3.19 people. And, as we're playing with averages, what's the median cost of a soda?

Well, the cost of soda is obviously going to change depending on where you live and where you eat. A glass of soda at a high end restaurant in New York is not going to be the meager $1 McDonald's charges (although that's still a huge mark-up). I've paid almost $5 for a glass of Coke in a trendy gastro-pub. But I did some digging and found out that there is generally a recommended price for a 20oz soda with free refills. That price is $1.75 plus tax. So, let's round that up to $1.90.

Here's the math:

We eat out 3.1 times per week.
3.19 people make up the average family.
With 52 weeks in a year, that makes roughly 514 glasses of soda every year for an average family.
514 x $1.90 = $977!

What could you do with an extra $977 a year?

Right now, you could buy a really nice laptop, a whole new wardrobe, or it could go towards a vacation for your family. And all for substituting water for soda only when you eat out. It's not like you're giving it up entirely. Think it over.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Ways to Save Water, Energy, Money, and the World in One Afternoon

G.E. Miller — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:00:06 +0000

Ambitious title for sure, but not that far off when you look at the facts surrounding freshwater. According to water.org, 884 million people (one in eight in the world) lack access to a safe water supply. Less than 1% of the world's fresh water (or about 0.007% of all water on earth) is readily accessible for direct human use. Furthermore, an American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than the typical person living in a developing country slum uses in a whole day.

All environmental guilt issues aside, saving water is not only good for the planet, it can be a highly efficient way to cut your water and energy bills (energy to heat the water). Here are the top 5 ways that you can cut your water use today. (See also: 7 Ways to Lower Water Heater Costs)

1. Install a Low Flow Showerhead

If you take anything at all from this post, let it be this: get a low flow shower head TODAY. One 10-minute shower with an older shower head uses 55 gallons (5.5 gallons per minute) on average. Most shower heads made before 1992 have a 5.5 gpm flow. The newer, high efficiency Energy Star models use less than half that (2.5 gpm).

Energy star showerheads will run you about $35, on average. It only takes two minutes to take off an old showerhead and put a new one. That two minutes and $35 investment would save a family of four 27,500 gallons of water and about $260 in energy costs per year (not to mention the water costs).

That's right, a $35 investment would net you $225 in year one and $260 every year thereafter. That's a 640% return on investment within just one year! Plus the residual effect of feeling better about yourself for saving water.

2. Reconsider Hand Dish Washing

If you've switched to hand dish washing from a dishwasher, you may be doing more harm than good. Today's energy efficient dishwashers can do the job on just a few gallons of water. An energy efficient dishwasher can save you at least $30 per year on energy alone (vs. heated dish water) and roughly the same in water costs.

There are actually 11 dishwashers on the market right now that use less than 2 gallons per cycle! How many of us use more than that hand washing dishes? I'm guilty. Bosch has the most efficient dishwashers. Check out the Energy Star dishwasher site to sort by water and energy usage per cycle.

3. Fix that Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can waste 2,500 gallons of water per year. If it's hot water, this could cost you $39 annually. Even if it's not hot water, 2,500 gallons is a whole lot of wasted water to have on your conscience. Here's an eHow video on how to fix a leaky faucet.

4. Dig Out the Grass

I live in Michigan, which has a humid and moderate climate, and my grass is green for about 2 months out of the year unless it is watered constantly. In more arid climates, the efficiency is likely worse. That's why when we re-landscaped last year, we ripped out two-thirds of the grass in our front yard and put in a garden.

It takes a ton of water to keep your grass green, not to mention the inevitable sidewalk and driveway runoff that keeps nothing green. The irony is that constantly watering your grass can do it more harm than good. Grass goes brown in hot weather for a reason — it is going dormant to protect itself from the sun.

There are plenty of ground coverings that look great without requiring much, if any, water. Depending on your climate, take a serious look at sedum, pachysandra, myrtle, creeping lily turf, or good ole' wood chips, rocks, and ornamental grasses. They tend to look much better than dormant, dead, or weed-ridden grass.

5. Fix Your Leaky Toilet and Make Sure It Has a 1.6 gpf

Your toilet might be leaking, and you don't even know it. If you hear any noises when not in use or have to jiggle the handle, you most likely have a leak. Not sure? Put dye tablets in your tank and wait an hour. If you see any dye in the bowl, you have a silent leak on your hands. It's usually an easy fix to take care of.

Better yet, why not replace your old toilet? It can be done for about $100. Back in 1994, the U.S. government mandated that toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) vs. the standard 7 gpf. That's a huge difference!

The average person flushes a toilet 2,500 times per year. That equals 17,500 gallons of water with a pre-1994 toilet, but only 4,000 with a low-flow toilet. That's a savings of about $60 annually. If you have a remnant pre-1994 toilet that is anything above 1.6 gpf, you are flushing your money down the crapper.

Interested in More?

Check out G.E.'s Green Matters category on 20somethingfinance.com, where he discusses the economics of a motor scooter vs. a car, electric vehicles, energy savings, and how to fund your retirement through commuting.

Guest Post Blurb:

This is a guest post by G.E. Miller. G.E. is the creator of 20 Something Finance, a personal finance blog that focuses on lifestyle, career, investing, and other money topics geared towards young professionals.

This article is from G.E. Miller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Conserve Water by Harvesting Rain or Snow

Xin Lu — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:00:20 +0000

When I was young many families in my town in China had a large jug or tank in the courtyard that collected rain water. In my family the water is usually used to water plants or raise goldfish. Some families also used the water to wash their clothes or toilets. In some areas the water is also used for drinking after boiling or other treatment. Recently rainwater harvesting is becoming more popular in America and states such as Arizona and New Mexico are adopting laws that mandate rainwater harvesting for new buildings. Here are some tips on how you can harvest rain or snow and conserve water.

The simplest way to collect rainwater is to just put large containers outside on the roof or in the yard. This is basically what we did in China. However, you would need a large surface area to collect enough usable water. Another simple method to collect rainwater is to use some rain barrels. These large barrels with a spigot are commercially available. They collect the rain water that come from a roof's rain gutter or downspout and multiple barrels can be linked for more water storage. If you are the do-it-yourself type, here is a great video from HGTV on how to make your own rain barrel.

In areas with snow, it is possible to harvest quite a bit of water every winter by simply saving snow in large tanks or barrels. Once the snow melts you will have a good amount of water stored up. This is fairly simple to do as long as you have space for the containers. If you have to shovel snow out of your driveway anyway then it does not hurt to save some of it for later use.

If you do start to collect rain or snow as a water supply then you should have some covering on these large containers so that pets and kids will not fall into them. Also, you should check with your locality to see the legality of collecting and using rainwater. Apparently in Utah and Washington State, it is illegal to collect water from the roof unless the owner of the roof also owns the water rights on the ground. In Colorado rainwater collection was just recently legalized. In Portland you would need a permit for the indoor use of rainwater.

Generally, you should not drink the water you collect because there are various forms of pollution and dirt as rain falls onto various surfaces. It is possible to set up a treatment system that cleanses the water to make it drinkable, but the systems could be costly. The most economic use of collected water is probably gardening since plants thrive on rain anyway. The collected water can also used for the following purposes:

Washing vehicles or buildings
Flushing or washing toilets
Mopping the floor
Laundry
Recharge the aquifer by redirecting water from storm drains

Drinkable water is actually a very precious resource and Americans often waste it because it just does not seem very expensive. Having your own rainwater supply will probably not cut your water bills significantly unless you invest in a full treatment system and stop using municipal water all together. Even if you do not go to that extreme, using stored rainwater is great for the environment and would definitely help in times of drought when water usage restrictions are in place.

More resources:

The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting

Harvesting, Storing, and Treating Rainwater for Domestic Indoor Use

This article is from Xin Lu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: