KNYSNA NEWS - As many South Africans brace themselves for the holidays they don't remember to stay well hydrated whether in the car en route as well as when on the beach, hiking in the mountains or game viewing.

This is the message from South African National Bottled Water Association CEO, Charlotte Metcalf, who pointed out that water — in all its forms — is a vital component of the human diet. And, particularly when temperatures reach their summer highs, South Africans should make certain they are never far away from a tap, a fridge containing a jug of water, a water cooler or a bottle of water.

“Sensible travellers and holiday makers will ensure their suitcases contain sun screens and hats to protect them and their families from the summer sun, and water to slake their thirst and fend off dehydration,” she said.

“And, when if they can’t get to a tap – as many travellers and holidaymakers can’t when they’re enjoying their December break – bottled water is the best packaged beverage option for the environment, as it has the lightest environmental footprint of all packaged beverages.” (Source: http://www.bieroundtable.com/bier-presents-carbon-footprint.html)

The importance of adequate hydration to maintain good health and well-being was restated by internationally renowned scientists at a scientific symposium held alongside the 12th European Nutrition Conference FENS in Berlin in October this year.

Organised by the EFBW (European Federation of Bottled Waters), the 'Hydration and its importance for daily life and health' symposium shared the latest research in the field of water and hydration. According to recent studies presented by EFBW's guest speakers, Europeans are not drinking enough and even mild dehydration may significantly impact mood and sensations. Last but not least, drinking a sufficient amount of water can also help to prevent chronic kidney disease.

“Like the planet we inhabit, our bodies comprise mostly water – the brain is 85% water, our blood is 90% water, and the liver, one of our most vital organs, is 96% water. Water — in all its forms — is therefore a vital component of our diet, as this recent symposium stressed. It is also the healthiest beverage option for societies plagued by diseases such as obesity and diabetes”, she said.

Metcalf said bottled water does not compete against tap water for share of mouth in South Africa but is offered as a healthy beverage alternative. It competes against other beverages such as cold drinks and flavoured milks on the shelves of supermarkets, forecourt convenience stores and cafés,” she said.

She said that, if in December, your water comes packaged as bottled water and not in a re-usable container, SANBWA would urge you to recycle as the bottle’s impact on the environment can be reduced immediately by 25% when you do so.

SANBWA’s recycling tips include:
• Set up a holding area for your recyclables in your car – it could be a packet or a box in your boot.
• Bring it home. When you’re out and about and empty a plastic container (water, iced tea, colddrink, sunscreen etc), bring it home for recycling if there are no recycling options around you.
• If there is a recycling bin nearby, make certain it is for plastic, and not glass or paper. And make certain that you deposit the container securely in the bin.
• Keep the cap on. Make sure to not throw the cap in separately as it may get lost in the transportation process and become litter.