#bottled water industry growth

[bottlewatersblog]

The Future of Bottled Water: Market Forecast and Growth Opportunities in 2024

The bottled water industry continues to grow robustly, driven by rising consumer awareness about health, an increasing preference for convenience, and a growing distrust of tap water quality in many regions. As we look toward 2024 and beyond, the bottled water market is expected to see substantial growth, shaped by several key trends and factors. This article delves into the latest market forecasts, providing detailed insights for market research firms and industry stakeholders.

Market Overview

The global bottled water market was valued at approximately USD 230 billion in 2022, with expectations to surpass USD 310 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 6.5% during the forecast period. The demand is driven by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the perceived health benefits of bottled water over sugary beverages.

Key Drivers of Market Growth

Health and Wellness Trends: Consumers are increasingly shifting towards healthier beverage options. Bottled water is perceived as a healthier alternative to carbonated drinks and juices laden with sugars and artificial additives.

Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes: Rapid urbanization and the busy lifestyles of urban dwellers are driving the demand for convenient and portable hydration solutions. Bottled water fits perfectly into this fast-paced lifestyle.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability: While plastic pollution remains a significant concern, the industry is witnessing a shift towards sustainable practices. Eco-friendly packaging, such as biodegradable bottles and increased recycling efforts, are gaining traction, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in water purification and bottling technologies are improving the quality and shelf-life of bottled water. Enhanced filtration systems and mineral additions are becoming common, catering to premium segments.

Regional Insights

North America: The North American bottled water market is expected to maintain steady growth, driven by high per capita consumption and strong health consciousness among consumers. The U.S. remains the largest market in this region.

Europe: Europe shows a mature market with moderate growth, heavily influenced by environmental regulations and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Countries like Germany and France are leading in both consumption and innovation in eco-friendly packaging.

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the fastest growth. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing awareness about health and hygiene are key factors. China and India are the major growth drivers in this region.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa: These regions are also witnessing significant growth due to improving economic conditions and a growing middle class. Bottled water is often seen as a safer alternative to local tap water.

Market Segmentation

The bottled water market can be segmented based on product type, distribution channel, and packaging type.

By Product Type:

Still Water: Dominates the market due to its widespread availability and affordability.

Sparkling Water: Gaining popularity, particularly among younger consumers and those seeking an alternative to sugary carbonated drinks.

Functional Water: Includes added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, catering to health-conscious consumers.

By Distribution Channel:

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Remain the largest sales channels, offering a wide variety of brands and types.

Convenience Stores: Important for on-the-go purchases.

Online Retail: Rapidly growing, especially post-pandemic, with consumers preferring the convenience of home delivery.

By Packaging Type:

Plastic Bottles: Continue to dominate despite environmental concerns. However, there is a notable shift towards recycled and biodegradable plastics.

Glass Bottles: Seen as premium and eco-friendly, gaining popularity among high-end consumers.

Cans: Emerging as a sustainable alternative, especially for sparkling water.

Competitive Landscape

The bottled water market is highly competitive, with numerous global and regional players. Key players include Nestlé Waters, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Danone, and Keurig Dr Pepper. These companies are focusing on expanding their product portfolios, improving sustainability practices, and enhancing distribution networks to maintain and grow their market share.

Future Outlook

The future of the bottled water market looks promising, with sustained growth expected across all regions. Key trends likely to shape the market include:

Sustainability Initiatives: Companies will continue to innovate in eco-friendly packaging and sustainable production processes to meet consumer demand and regulatory requirements.

Premiumization: The demand for premium and functional bottled water is set to rise, driven by health-conscious and affluent consumers.

Technological Innovations: Advanced filtration technologies and smart packaging solutions (e.g., packaging that tracks hydration levels) will become more prevalent.

Emerging Markets: Significant growth opportunities exist in emerging markets where bottled water consumption is still on the rise.

Mergers and Acquisitions: Industry consolidation through mergers and acquisitions will continue as companies seek to expand their market presence and leverage synergies.

Conclusion

The bottled water market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, driven by health trends, urbanization, and technological advancements. Market research firms should closely monitor these dynamics to provide actionable insights for businesses operating in or entering the bottled water industry. Sustainability and innovation will be key differentiators for companies aiming to capture a larger share of this lucrative market.

[priyankap0018]

Charting Growth Trajectories: Bottled Water Market Revenue and Growth Rate

The bottled water market trends continues to witness significant growth, driven by increasing health consciousness and the convenience factor. Consumers are gravitating towards enhanced hydration options, such as flavored and functional waters, while sustainability concerns are fostering demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Premiumization and innovation remain key trends shaping the market landscape.

[futuretonext]

The UAE Bottled Water Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during the forecast period, i.e., 2021-26. The growth of the market is likely to be driven primarily by the rapidly mounting focus of the UAE government on economic diversification. It, in turn, is leading to massive infrastructural developments to cater to the increasing number of tourists & travelers in the country and propelling the demand for different types of bottled water for excellent hospitality services.

[party-hearses]

pairing: dieter bravo x gn!reader (no use of y/n, no reader descriptions)

rating: explicit, 18+ MDNI

wordcount: 600

summary: you (kind of) write dieter a letter.

warnings/tags: ANGST, mention of drugs and alcohol. i think that's all but please lmk if i forgot anything!

a/n: this is for @beskarandblasters phoebe bridgers/boygenius drabble challenge! and who would have guessed that not only is it the first thing i've written in almost 6 months, but that 600 words still took me far too long to complete. beta’d by the best bro in the entire world @bastardmandennis but she’s perfect so all mistakes are my own. comment and reblogs are appreciated if you enjoy!

You watch, tongue between your teeth, as Dieter’s chest shallowly rises and falls from his crumpled place on the couch. 

Sunglasses still perched on the bridge of his nose, matted green robe tied loosely around his middle. 

The color of stomach bile, of envy, of resentment.

Crushed cans and empty liquor bottles litter the room like confetti — a party you’re no longer invited to, a celebration you’ve all but been cast out of. The light of the moon, too-full and too-round, bounces off the shimmering glass, casting brilliant beams of light across the angles of Dieter’s sleeping face. 

I love you, I don’t know why. 

A seedling planted at the base of your spine the moment you first pressed your lips to his, the growth nurtured by passing joints back and forth under the liminal space between late night and early morning, ‘I’m sorry’s murmured into the damp skin at the nape of your neck. 

Watering the sprouts of something that feels too much like exhaustion, until they stretch to a length that feels too much like suffocating. 

It was always going to end this way. 

Dieter — too charming, too personable, too manic, too much. Held hostage to his own impulses, all he knew how to do was put his teeth to your throat and take. Consume.

He stirs under the light of the moon, hands searching for something, anything, to ground him, the raucous shouts and clinking glasses of the party gone, now. The infinite emptiness of the room swallowing him whole, now. 

In another universe, you might have stayed to grasp his hand, to whisper i’m still here against his trembling fingertips. 

Are you still here? 

In another universe, he might have never taken you back to his trailer to pick you apart at the seams in the first place, to make you blush and squirm and whimper under the searing muscle of his tongue.

The possibilities filter past your eyes, a View-Master slide of every wouldbecouldbeshouldbe superimposed over the Dieter in this universe. The Dieter who wrapped the same tongue around the black hole of selfish, teeth scraping each letter into the tender flesh of your palm. 

Just another wannabe ingenue, chewed up and spit out by the fame machine, with nothing to show but a blossoming cocaine addiction and too much credit card debt. 

And what choice did either of you have, really, when you saw him on a pedestal and he saw you as an equal. A matching desperation to be seen, to be taken seriously in an industry that you didn’t take seriously. 

I know you, I know you, I know you on the back of every breath of sticky smoke exhaled over the twinkling view of the city from the rooftop. I know you, I know you, I know you. 

It was always going to end this way. 

His unruly brown waves are matted to his forehead, sweat-damp skin glistening like you’re looking at him through the lens of a kaleidoscope. 

You wonder how bad the hangover will be, how much his hands will shake as he rolls the first joint of the day, how long it will take him to notice. 

It can’t even be called a letter, really. A scrap of paper, what might have been a receipt at one point in time. Faded, sticky, oil-stained, now. Folded in half and tossed to rest on his chest, still rising and falling rhythmically. 

The loopy scrawl of your handwriting, weariness evident in every stroke that connects those four words. 

You don’t know me. 

It was always going to end this way.

[mariacallous]

Kim Kardashian’s newest range of products, launched in late 2022—post SKIMS shapewear, post SKKN facewear—is a menacing set of raw concrete forms for storing bathroom products: a gray tissue box, Q-tip tin, wastebasket. Dry, brutal, and mysterious, the items look like you hired one of Gary Larson’s cavemen to decorate your vanity with found objects.

“Having the concrete material and monochromatic design are important for my mental wellness,” Kim said in a recent interview with Architectural Digest. Concrete … for wellness? I imagine her removing her shoes and socks and planting her feet on the gritty sidewalk, grounding herself on the concrete slab, gathering power from the sprawling gray. Kim abandoning her activated charcoal and turning to powdered concrete to treat her gut problems and ensure clearer skin. Jade egg? No, concrete egg. Wellness concrete!

Concrete does not, objectively, promote wellness. It is responsible for 8 percent of the world’s C02 emissions. Concrete dust ruins the lungs of those who inhale it regularly. Concrete cityscapes exacerbate flooding and degrade joggers’ joints. Thanks to a reliance on concrete for construction, the world is running out of certain types of sand. Other high-end brands have sold home products made of concrete, like Comme des Garçons’ concrete-clad perfume bottles, but these usually use the material for its brutal and rough-hewn qualities, not to promote wellness. Kim is an alchemist though. She has taken a material that is undeniably a product of industrial modernity, imbued with a century’s worth of architectural and ideological baggage, and reconfigured it as healthy, intimate, and integral to self-care.

Always ahead of the curve, Kim may have hit on something the rest of us are just coming around to. The idea that we might stop—stop producing plastic, stop building cement megastructures—seems out of the question. Decades of activism, policy work, and think tank-ery have done little to stem the tide of globalized capitalism and the torrents of plastic water bottles, polyester blend clothing, and Squishmallows that discharge from its perpetual motion machines. Blowing up a pipeline or fomenting revolution requires networks of solidarity and logistical capability that most people can’t imagine acquiring. Meanwhile, the microplastics are already in our blood.

What’s left is the alternative that Kim and her concrete line seem to offer: that we can learn how to metaphorically (or literally) digest the toxic brutality of the built environment and transform it into something else—or let it transform us. “I’m just putting little pieces of fibreglass into my cereal to get my body used to it,” tweets one nihilistic wiseass. We’re entering our metabolic era.

Nonhuman systems offer metaphors to help us comprehend and describe our own existence, and structures of behavior we might mimic to cope with intolerable conditions. Over the past decade, you may have noticed mushrooms and fungi embraced as the objects of this kind of attention. The fungal imaginary is powerful because it envisions a world where endless growth is possible, and might even be environmentally beneficial. We can build anything as long as we make it out of mushrooms. Houses, bridges, burgers, clamshell packages for said burgers. Fungi also offer a powerful, nonhuman other we can turn to for inspiration: Mushrooms can grow at the end of the world, form vast underground networks, and offer mystic insight.

More recently, though, metabolic metaphors and processes are emerging alongside, and sometimes overtaking, fungi’s place in the cultural ether. At the more practical end, digestive processes are cropping up as popular solutions to all kinds of crises: compost, vermiculture, bacteria to digest just about anything, biohacks for your gut microbiome. Elsewhere, the metaphor of metabolism is called on to describe the way people process emotions and build feedback loops, and the growth of cities.

Unlike the fungal model, the metabolic imaginary lets us envision a world in which we can get rid of anything. If the drive for endless growth has led to a world too full of bullshit and toxicity, perhaps we can chew it all up and digest it without harm, engineer bacteria to metabolize it, or transfigure it into something new and strange. There is no big other in metabolism, no consciousness to commune with or learn from. Where the fungal era has been about venerating unknowable nonhuman maybe-intelligence and believing that hope can be dredged from ruin, the metabolic era is about submission, subsumption by the great enzyme, the desire for transformative annihilation. Metabolism is an impulse that makes sense at the end of the usable world. If we’ve exhausted our current ways of being and the planet’s existing materials, we must embrace radical breakdown.

One version of creative, apocalyptic metabolism is on vivid display in David Cronenberg’s most recent film, Crimes of the Future. Set in a near future in which environmental degradation and unspecified climate events have led to generalized decay and deterioration, Crimes of the Future imagines what might happen to human digestion. In the film, a sector of the population is evolving to successfully digest and receive nourishment from plastic. At the beginning, we see a young boy crouched in a bathroom taking bites out of a plastic trash bin like he’s compelled by an insatiable craving. Later, we learn of a whole underground organization of plastic eaters who undergo surgery and other interventions in the hopes of spurring their bodies to better metabolize plastic and other pollutants.

In this world, it’s too late for a cleanup. Toxicity is endemic, and the plastic eaters consider the best path forward to be evolving human biology to flourish in the aftermath. The film captures something essential about our zeitgeist in its oscillation between anxiety about how to metabolize everything toxic we’ve created and desire to experience the bodily and social transformation that might accompany this perverse new digestion.

This scenario is only a half step away from our current reality. Efforts are well underway to metabolize the plastic that suffuses our environment. Scientists have found multiple strains of microbes and bacteria that have evolved to digest plastic. Comamonas testosteroni can metabolize complex waste from plants and plastics. Ideonella sakaiensis enzymatically breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET). With each new study of microbial plastic-phagy comes a spate of hopeful, if hyperbolic, news articles: “a potential breakthrough for recycling,” “This discovery … could help solve one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems.” People love the idea that we can digest our way out of this mess. The jury is still out on whether it’s possible to operationalize plastic-eating bacteria at scale. There is some movement on this front. Carbios, a well-funded French company developing enzymes that break down plastic, recently announced funding and investment for the world’s first PET “biorecycling” plant, for instance. But many scientists are skeptical about the idea that microbial digestion is a viable solution to the problem of oceanic or terrestrial pollution. For now, plastic digestion at scale remains a pipe dream.

The metabolic turn isn’t just about learning to digest toxicity. It also plays out in fantasies—both desirous and anxious—about being digested. In times of stress, it’s a relief to imagine being crushed and consumed by some other metabolic system. “Why Does Everyone Want Their Crush to Run Them Over?” asked The Cut a few years ago. Being pulverized by your crush is a dream of being relieved of your own agency, destroyed and reconfigured, freed from the pain of consciousness so that you can be reshaped for someone else’s uses. A version of this obliterating impulse is made more explicit in vore, the erotic desire to be swallowed or devoured whole (or, conversely, to swallow or devour another), which is often expressed in role-play or illustrations. In vore, the process of digestion is imagined as a relationship between devoured and devourer—a desire for the kind of intense intimacy only possible when one is literally consumed by another.

Only a short jump from vore is the transhumanist fantasy of having your brain uploaded into the cloud, outrunning death by being absorbed into another system and transformed into bits and bytes. Ray Kurzweil famously advocated for brain uploads to achieve technological immortality, estimating in The Singularity Is Near that “the end of the 2030s is a conservative projection for successful uploading.” Russian entrepreneur Dmitry Itskov’s now mostly defunct 2045 Initiative aimed “to create technologies enabling the transfer of an individual’s personality to a more advanced non-biological carrier, and extending life, including to the point of immortality.” The desire to be consumed and immortalized by technology reveals a belief that your consciousness is uniquely important and your own creation is uniquely powerful. It’s no surprise technologists like Kurzweil lust to be dissolved by their own machines.

Similarly, some of the recent hype around generative AI reveals a conflicting set of responses to metabolic machinery. Large language models and image generators are enormous digestive systems that ingest and transform the raw materials of cultural output and behavioral data on behalf of voracious corporate interests. They suck down the sprawling detritus of human effort and swallow it into the great black box stomach of the AI system, which converts it into something uncanny and instant and profitable. As with transhumanism, some may find this extremely exciting, the emergent opportunity to create the world’s biggest digestive tract, and hence the world’s biggest (and most profitable) collective intelligence. For others, the idea that their labor and creativity is nothing but grist for the generative mill owned and controlled by unaccountable companies is a cause for great anxiety. It’s harder to be optimistic about the future of technological digestion if you’re forced to be an unwilling participant in a voracious process of corporate metabolism.

Kim’s wellness concrete and Crimes of the Future highlight the ambivalence of digestive politics. If the environment is inescapably suffused with pollutants emitted by the biggest and worst companies on earth, then learning to digest this toxicity is a sensible coping mechanism. Of course, there are creative and aesthetic possibilities within the process of toxic digestion—minimalist home goods in Kim’s case, strange new forms of sex and performance art in Cronenberg’s film. We can eke pleasure and art from all kinds of wretched situations—and we should. As Boots Riley put it in a recent interview, “Culture is what we do to make our survival normal.” Still, these visions of metabolism leave us stuck absorbing the excretions of a system that hates us. We have sprawling digestive capabilities. What might it look like to embrace our role as part of a massive and massively weird ecological and metabolic system, and to experiment with the creative and expressive potential of digestion?

Nothing is more natural or strange than metabolism. It happens on many scales, around us and within us, via processes that involve human bodies and microbes and other flora and fauna. I move through the world, digesting it as I go—material entering the mouth hole at one end, exiting the anus at the other—and in between my body does the work of processing, sorting, excreting. I am also here to be digested—built cell by cell inside another’s body and extruded into the world, only to exit back into the earth via a final hole (the grave, the furnace, the mouth of the bear) where I provide fodder for the next stomach. What a trip, what a pleasure.

Digesting with and on behalf of the earth’s ur-metabolic system means wanting more than to function as the unhappy stomach that processes capitalism’s excesses. Embracing digestion as a tool and a metaphor can help us to not only accommodate the horrors of the existing system, but to dissolve it and break it down until it no longer exists in its current form. Some ideas for earth-first digestion are already familiar, thanks to proponents of the circular economy: recapturing waste streams from one process to become inputs for another, designing to ensure reusability. However, ideally digestion wouldn’t just be mobilized to enable human industry and profit. I’m also interested in more creative and psychedelic experiences of metabolism, like collaboration with enzymes, embrace of rot, and joyful submission to the knowledge that humans are just one digestive node of the material world, rather than its apex.

Metabolism can be framed through the lens of mutual aid. While the mainstream medical industry is now catching up, biohackers and anarchist IBS sufferers alike have been experimenting with DIY fecal transplants for years, trading advice and healthy poop samples in the interests of helping each other digest better. It can also be seen as a kind of collective destruction, where communities decide a system or an infrastructure that causes them harm should no longer exist and work together to metabolize it, dissolve it, and perhaps transform its constituent matter into something entirely new. Outside of human-centered processes, composting and rot provide inspiration for rich and generative multispecies metabolism, like worms and microbes working with chemical heat and leafy greens to produce rich and unrecognizable loam. If we’re brave enough, we can even look forward to our own bodies being digested. It’s hard to know what that experience will be like, but let’s try to imagine. Space travel is uncertain, and the singularity is a mirage, so why not stay here, nestled into the cool damp ground. There is much to learn from becoming compost for the original stomach.

[sewagetreatmentplant01]

Netsol Water: The Best Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer in Delhi

Along with the growth of Delhi the demand for pure, safe water for industrial applications keeps on increasing. Presently, there is a zeal to have water treatment systems of high capacities particularly from hotels and restaurants, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. Netsol Water sensed this growing need and positioned itself to meet that challenge head-on. Netsol Water is one of the best Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer in Delhi, providing advance solutions for waste water.

Netsol Water specializes in the ingenuity and excellence of commercial RO plants in its manufacturing. Over time, the company grew to be the preferred business partner for various businesses based around Delhi and other cities. Their high-tech facilities, comprising of experienced engineers, strive day and night to design, manufacture, and install top of the line RO systems that set the benchmark standard for their performance and reliability.

 

Advanced Technology for Exceptional Performance

A successful base by Netsol Water is about unwavering commitment to advanced water purification technology. Their industrial RO plants feature:

1. Advanced membrane technology: Netsol Water uses high-quality, long-lasting membranes that effectively remove impurities and ensure maximum water production.

2. Energy-efficient pumps: With energy-saving pumps, Netsol Water systems help cut out operational expenditure without jeopardizing its performance.

3. Automation of monitoring and control: Smart sensors and control systems result in optimal running conditions and alarm operators to anything that goes wrong in real time.

4. Pre-treatment as well as post-treatment: Custom filtration stages prior to the RO process and after the RO process, results in improved quality of water besides increasing system life span

5. Space Saving design: Compact modular design allows for easy accessibility, even in the installations of narrower spaces.

Real business benefits from these technological advantages involve higher-grade water purity, reduced energy consumption, and reduced maintenance.

Tailored Solutions to Every Industry

Commercial water purification cannot be a single-type solution. Netsol Water understands this through the diverse quality requirements of different sectors and specific limitations in operations. Accordingly, they are offering the consumers a wide range of customized RO plant solutions to meet the unique needs of various sectors as discussed below:

- Hospitality: Hotels and resorts rely on the water from Netsol Water's RO plants to provide clean, great-tasting water for consumption, cooking, and amenities.

- Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics rely on Netsol Water to provide ultrapure water for critical medical applications as well as patient care.

- Food and Beverage: From bottling plants to commercial kitchens, Netsol Water systems ensure consistent water quality for production and food preparation.

-Manufacturing: Strong RO plants by Netsol Water are the only support industrial facilities have to deliver their process water needs and environmental compliance.

-Pharmaceuticals: High-purity water systems by Netsol Water are needed for pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facilities.

Working closely with clients to understand their unique challenges, Netsol Water develops custom RO solutions that optimize performance and cost-effectiveness for every application.

Unmatched Quality and Reliability

Commercial RO plants may look to describe water purification industries, but Netsol Water has established a good name in all this by offering long-lasting commercial RO plants. Quality is reflected in the strict selection of materials and strict quality control in each and every aspect of operations. Here are some examples:

- High-grade components and materials are used only in Netsol Water's RO systems.

- Strict testing and inspection are conducted on every plant before leaving the factory.

- Comprehensive warranty coverage: Netsol Water offers among the best warranty terms within the industry, indicating the quality of their equipment.

- Thorough installation and commissioning: All technicians are well-qualified and expertly trained to ensure proper installation and optimal operation from the first day.

- Extensive after-sales response: A dedicated service team is geared up to meet all your requirements, answer any questions, and arrange maintenance.

This quality-centric approach towards fulfilling the needs of companies and multiple establishments within Delhi has helped Netsol Water win the hearts of thousands of businesses and, ultimately, to be positioned as the number one manufacturer of the commercial RO plant in the city.

Core Sustainability 

The water treatment solutions at Netsol Water keep up with the environmental-friendly concepts driven by the increasing environmental awareness. Their commercial RO plants embrace only those practices from this notion that generate less amount of waste and consume lesser quantities of resources.

A. Advance Technology: With the advanced membrane technology and system design, the recovery rate allows for a maximum amount of pure water production with minimal reject water.

B. Recycling options: Netsol Water offers a reclamation or reuse solution for the rejected water from the process that can help to increase efficiency further by avoiding waste.

C. Chemical-free operation: Most of the RO systems developed by Netsol Water are operated based on physical filtration processes that help minimize the use of harsh chemicals used in the treatment process.

D. Optimization of Energy: Smart control devices and energy recovery devices offer the minimum consumption of power without letting a single drop in performance.

Businesses in Delhi can choose a commercial RO plant from Netsol Water to purify their water exactly as they emphasize more concern towards the environment.

 

Customer Success Stories

Indeed, the hallmark of excellence in case of Netsol Water is simply found in the happy and satisfied experiences of its customers. Business houses in Delhi have come across various types of expertise from the company while excellent RO plant solutions. Five-star hotel in central Delhi had 30 percent of its operational expenses on water reduced through a Netsol Water commercial RO system that was installed.

- A leader in the nation's pharmaceutical manufacturing industry saw a dramatic improvement in the quality and uniformity of products using the high-purity water treatment solution from Netsol Water.

- A huge food processing facility also achieves 100% compliance to strict regulatory standards through a custom-built RO plant designed by Netsol Water.

These stories and so many more tell the tale of the impact which commercial RO plants have made in business success tales in the city.

 

Looking to the Future

With the constant growing trend and development, the same is with Netsol Water, as the advancement takes place. The company has always been a forerunner in water purification technology and continues the innovation and improvement of commercial RO plant offerings. According to research and development, Netsol Water will soon launch more high-tech and efficient solutions for water treatment in the near future.

In such a case, for the best Commercial RO Plant Manufacturers in Delhi, the companies would look nowhere else other than Netsol Water. Netsol Water provides unmatched expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to customer satisfaction that makes it a go-to partner for all commercial water purification needs. In this regard, opting for Netsol Water will allow companies to have a reliable clean and safe supply of water while optimizing their operations and contributing to a more sustainable future.

While water scarcity and quality will remain an issue in the region, it is when such solutions as offered by Netsol Water are ready for presentation that the businesses in Delhi will find themselves leaving all their concerns about staying alive to the solutions that will come. The future city along with its industries now boasts cleaner, better water security with the commercial RO plants leading the way.

[hypaalicious]

Black Hair Care myths BUSTED!

Since I’m fighting off the plague and have nothing else better to do but lay here pitifully, I’ve decided to talk about hair again after my last two posts on shampoo types and curly hair care , only this time focusing on Black folks’ hair and the misinformation lots of us grew up on.

Now, because I know the gowrls like to tussle (and Mercury in Microbraids along with an eclipse is upon us), lemme just say this: if you’re absolutely happy with your hair care routine, then this post isn’t for you.

This post is only for people who are curious and want to evolve and simplify their hair care routines.

OKAY LEGGO:

The hair typing chart is garbage.

Everyone and they mama should be familiar with this chart. So many of us use it to determine what type of hair products to buy that work best for our hair type.

Unfortunately, the chart is pseudo-science.

All hair types need the same basic care (shampooing/conditioning at least every week), and products that claim to cater to a specific hair type is just a marketing tactic. This chart also promotes texturism; Oprah’s stylist literally made up the type 4 category to say that the only thing to do to tight curls is to straighten or loosen them. 🥲

Products can’t give you the kind of curls you want.

I touched on this a bit in my first hair post, but it bears repeating here: Curl “activators”, Shea butter, raw oil blends, creams, leave-in conditioners, texturizing shampoos… all of them are finessing you, beloveds. If your hair isn’t holding defined clumps of curls immediately after shampooing, then your hair is likely chronically dehydrated and needs to be detoxed.

We’re kinda raised to product chase because we’re told that the way our hair grows out of our heads is bad and needs to be fixed, and the $2.5 billion Black hair care industry is always eager to offer us placebos for our coin. We see someone with the hair texture and length we want and we immediately ask “what products do you use??” as if the answer is in a bottle when it’s really just genetics. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Greasing/oiling your scalp does not moisturize it, get rid of dandruff, or make your hair grow faster.

As a kid I remember my hairdresser using a fine toothed comb and “breaking up” the dandruff on my scalp before applying Sea Breeze to soothe it. Every single time, the dandruff came back worse. 😩 If I put oil on my scalp, it would take only a day before build up and large yellow flakes would rain out of my hair. But I thought because my scalp and my hair needed moisturizing that I couldn’t go without oils.

Well, I was right on one thing; my scalp and hair def needed moisture. But I wasn’t gonna get moisture from anything but water, and at the time I was avoiding water like the plague because I always had a fresh silk press or perm and I didn’t want my hair “reverting”.

If you have a scalp condition or chronic itchiness, you are very much making it worse by adding any of that to your head. The only solution is to wash your hair, loves. Yes, you may have to choose between looking “laid” and what’s actually good for your hair and scalp, but them’s the breaks.

The hair growth oils that line the shelves at Sally’s? Literally snake oil. Same goes for hair vitamins, biotin, MSM, rice water, JBCO, egg white/tea rinse/fruit or food products, African Black soap, rose water, etc. Nothing topical, save for specific medicated prescription drugs from a dermatologist, can make hair grow. Save ya money, hunny!

Co-washing and water-only washing doesn’t get your hair clean.

Conditioner is incapable of doing what shampoo does. You’re just gonna add layers of build up on your hair doing co-washes. Water-only cleansing is like never using soap in your laundry and expecting your clothes to be clean. 😬 Only putting shampoo on your scalp and carefully avoiding the length of your hair is the equivalent of white folks not washing their legs in the shower. Don’t do any of this.

I actually do not know where the myth started that Black folks hair is somehow too fragile to handle shampoo, a thing that is specifically formulated for hair. 😅 If shampoo is drying your hair out, you need to make sure you’re using the right kind of shampoo, not ditching shampoo altogether. If you need help, I touched on shampoo basics here!

Using a spray bottle to “refresh” your hair doesn’t do what you think it’s doing.

Tiny water droplets from a spray bottle only sit on the surface of your hair, even more so if your hair already has product in it. If your styles aren’t holding until your next wash, you may need to re-examine what you’re using, how you apply it, and how you set it. If you need to refresh a style or get moisture, nothing less than washing your hair will do.

Finger detangling or using a wide toothed comb or denman brush isn’t doing the job.

I know we’ve been raised to think that because our hair is tightly coiled, that we have to treat it with kid gloves. But we actually do more harm to our hair by not detangling correctly. Detangling is the act of getting shed hair out from your head so it doesn’t wrap up in your healthy hair and cause breakage. A wide toothed comb can’t do that, and neither can your fingers. A denman brush is ONLY supposed to be used to hold tension in the hair when blowdrying it straight. What you want is a Felicia Leatherwood brush and to use that bad boy in the shower right after putting conditioner on sopping wet hair, trust me.

Protective styles don’t exist.

Buns, braids, wigs… all of them look fantastic when done right and it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear them. But they are all just alternative styles; nothing is being protected. I know a lot of us love the low maintenance that having these styles provide, but I want us to examine why they are thought of as low maintenance: it’s because folks are less likely to wash their hair/detangle while having them.

Any style that discourages you from weekly hair washing cannot be protective. It instead promotes hair neglect. Yes, I know, it can cost thousands of dollars for those waist length box braids or sew in, but you paid for the labor that goes into those kinds of styles, not the ability to keep them in for as long as possible. Not touching your hair for weeks on end means you’ll have dehydrated hair with mad buildup to get rid of. And btw, that type of damage to the hair cannot be fixed in just one visit to the salon. For as many weeks as you go without washing your hair, you need that many weeks out of an alternative style with frequent washing to help it recover.

Dry hair is determined by its behavior, not how it feels.

This one has a lot of folks tripped out because logically, we should be able to just touch our strands and know that it needs moisture. Unfortunately, so many of us don’t know what our actual hair feels like without it being slathered in products, so the moment that we stop using them we think our hair is “dry” when it’s really just how our natural hair texture may feel. It’s def not easy in the beginning to let go of the familiarity a nicely oiled head of hair presents. 🥲

So, how do you know if you have dry hair? If it can’t hold a curl pattern without manipulation, is hydrophobic (if water doesn’t completely flatten hair to your scalp when you wash it, it’s not absorbing), is extremely difficult to detangle, breaks off easily, etc.

You don’t need to rinse your hair in cold water.

Only reason you should even consider it is if you have vivid color in your hair, but… lemme tell y’all sumn.

Years ago when I started dyeing my hair, it was typical for a permanent black hair dye to act like a semi-perm and wash almost completely out or turn grey in a few weeks. Now that I have a much better hair regimen that keeps my hair in the best health it can be, my semi-permanent fashion colors last for months until I decide to touch it up again. And I absolutely do not relish being cold in the shower, so I just use hot water.

The health of your hair matters more than any gimmicks or products you can use to fix a problem.

Long hair/shiny hair is not an indicator of health, it is an indicator of genetics.

I want DESPERATELY for us as a people to break the shackles of thinking that the only hair that matters is long and thick, or that someone who has long hair is an automatic authority on hair care.

If you want an idea of how long your hair can get, then look to your family. If your mom or dad don’t have hair touching their waist then it’s highly possible you were not blessed with the DNA to get your hair waist length either. And that’s okay! You aren’t any less valid. It will just save you a LOT of heartache to learn to embrace your hair the way it naturally is rather than to run around buying products and chasing haircare trends in hopes that a miracle will happen. Not to mention, I’ve seen a lot of folks with long hair but they ain’t had a trim in years and it absolutely shows. 😬

A lot of folks do not have shiny hair, that is once again due to genetics not hair health. Matte hair has a different surface texture and that’s absolutely fine! Only manufactured beauty standards glorify long and shiny hair.

Speaking of hair length…

Shrinkage is not your enemy.

A general rule is that the only hair length that matters is how you regularly wear it.

My hair stays comfortably at the nape of my neck now that I wear my curls 100% of the time. If I pull it taut, then it’ll reach mid-back. But I don’t plan on straightening my hair ever again to show that mid-back length, so… 🤷🏽‍♀️ I have short hair because that is how it lays without manipulation. And that’s fine.

Shrinkage doesn’t scare me because it’s what healthy curly hair DOES. If my hair springs like a coil and retains shape, then I’m doing something right! I have always wanted long hair, I won’t deny that. But if I have to stretch my natural hair in any way in order to GET that long hair, it’s not worth it to me. I’ll just wear a wig for a hot min if I wanna whip my hair back and forth.

Air drying your hair isn’t better than diffusing it with a hair dryer.

Another thing we’ve been told is that heat damages our hair and that air drying is best. That’s not necessarily true.

DIRECT heat can damage your hair (flat irons, blow outs, pressing combs). INDIRECT heat (hooded dryers, a diffuser attachment on a handheld dryer) does not. In fact, diffused heat sets your wash and gos/twist outs way better than air drying. It cuts down on frizz and ensures your style will last through the week.

Also, it’s better to dry your hair completely rather than wait hours for it to air dry and then maybe sleep on wet hair. Fun fact: Leaving your hair wet for too long can cause mold to grow in your hair! 😱 And if you lay a wet head on a pillow, the bacteria transfers to your pillowcase and you continue to sleep in that until you wash the pillow!

You can’t “lock moisture in” your hair.

Water evaporates. It’s what it’s gonna do. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Putting leave ins or oils on your hair in hopes that water stays in your strands longer isn’t a thing, despite what a lot of us have been told. The only thing you’re gonna be left with is greasy, dehydrated hair if you don’t wash it weekly.

Avoiding getting a hair cut will not grant you healthy or long hair.

Hair grows an average of half an inch per month, regardless of race. The belief that “Black hair doesn’t grow” is rooted in anti-Blackness. 😅 If you’re not seeing growth, then it’s most likely that your hair is simply breaking off faster than the rate of growth, or you have an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed by a doctor.

I know I used to hate hairdressers who seemed “scissor happy” because I was always chasing length, so I would often only tell them to “dust” the ends if they do anything. Now, I will grab my clippers and cut inches off my hair in a heartbeat if my hair starts looking raggedy. Clinging on to scraggly hair because it takes “so long to grow” doesn’t do you any favors, trust me. 😭 Take better care of your hair and you will retain length a lot easier, and that includes getting quarterly haircuts.

Porosity does not matter.

How many of us did this whole “put a strand of hair in a cup of water and see if it floats or sinks”? Well, what if I told you that it means absolutely nothing for everyday hair care? 😭 Porosity isn’t even a static state, so many things can change it on a dime!

The only time porosity matters is if you are getting a color service and that is only for your stylist to determine. And you will never see a stylist worth their salt putting your hair in a cup of water to figure it out. Also, a lot of “low” porosity hair is just product build up.

Using home remedies to address hair loss concerns doesn’t work.

No, it doesn’t matter that your grandma did black tea rinses regularly to stop her hair from shedding. It doesn’t matter what women in India do with their hair, either. This may be a hard pill to swallow, but it’s perfectly okay to evolve past things that aren’t truly helpful even if it’s a Black culture staple.

Please don’t be afraid to go to a dermatologist. 🥺 There’s even a Black Dermatologist Directory to reference if you don’t wanna go to just anybody. Yeah, it may seem pricey, but Dermatologists have the training to cut through the guesswork, pinpoint what the problem is and save you a LOT of time and pain. You don’t wanna fuck around and make your hair loss WORSE by doing psuedo-chemistry in your kitchen.

“Do what works for you” doesn’t have the mileage you think it does.

When people don’t want to hear that their current hair practices aren’t really helping them, they default to “Well, it works for ME!” or “Everyone’s hair is different!”

Nobody’s hair is so different that it doesn’t need a weekly wash with shampoo. Nobody’s hair is the magical unicorn that grew 4 inches in a month because they used JBCO. Your hair is not “built different”, and believing that it is will lead you to spending money on things you don’t need. Doing what works for you only comes after you have nailed the basics of healthy hair care, and it only varies in like… if you prefer to use styling foam to set your wash n go as opposed to gel. Or using one brand’s shampoo over another. Not “my hair likes butters and oils and staying in protective styles for months on end and is doing just fine, and you telling me otherwise is anti-Black”.

If you have unexamined hatred of your natural hair texture, then nothing in this long-ass post will hit for you. If a large part of your identity as a Black person is rooted in product chasing, protective styles and taking an entire business day to wash your hair, then a lot of this will offend you. I’m really sorry for that, and I am not here to argue with anybody. I’ll just tell you “if you like it, I love it” and go on about my business.

For everyone else, I really hope this post helps to shed some light on hair care and set you on a better journey that gives you more time and more confidence in your styles! 🥹

[rabbitcruiser]

World Coconut Day

Discover the tropical taste and versatility of this round, hairy fruit with a hard shell. From coconut water to oil, there's so much to love about them!

A popular fruit consumed around the world, the coconut is healthy and tasty, and it grows in tropical regions. World Coconut Day celebrates everything that has to do with this delicious and nutritious fruit!

History of World Coconut Day

Coconuts are a food that humans have found sustenance in for at least 2,000 years. Probably native to Indonesia, the name coconut translates to “walnut from India”. While coconuts would have traveled throughout the Indian subcontinent and even to Africa in the early years, they didn’t make it to Europe until some time around the 16th century.

It is likely that coconuts were introduced to Europeans through the Maritime Silk Road, which connected the East with the West. Marco Polo may have been one of the many travelers and explorers who would have brought coconuts back with them.

When the Asia Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) was founded in 1969, it was created in an attempt to help support and promote the tropical countries that are high in growing, producing, selling and exporting coconuts. Located in Jakarta, Indonesia, this group stays connected with the production and export of coconuts. Sharing scientific expertise and coordinating activities within the industry, the members of the APCC are responsible for the growth of more than 90% of the coconuts produced and sold all over the globe.

Founded in 2009, World Coconut Day was started by the Asia and Pacific Coconut Community to promote the activities of coconut growers while raising awareness about the fruit for those outside of the growing community.

The celebration of World Coconut Day offers plenty of opportunities for this important product of the Asia-Pacific region to enter into the forefront of conversation of people around the world!

World Coconut Day Timeline

1st Century BC

Coconuts are present in Indian subcontinent 

Historical records from Sri Lanka show that coconuts existed before this time.

16th Century

Coconuts are introduced to Europe 

Arriving as many exotic foods did, through the Maritime Silk Road, Europeans were exposed to coconuts through traders like Marco Polo.

1946

Almond Joy candy bar hits the scene 

This candy bar combines the sweetness of shredded coconut with an almond and then covers it in delicious milk chocolate.

2004

Vita Coco introduces coconut water 

Offering a delicious and nutritious beverage, Vita Coco begins a trend of bottling coconut water and making it commercially available.

2009

World Coconut Day is first celebrated 

Started by the Asia-Pacific Coconut Community, World Coconut Day aims to raise awareness and bring harmony to the growth and distribution of coconuts.

How to Celebrate World Coconut Day

Getting involved with World Coconut Day is easy – all it takes is tasting and enjoying this delicious fruit. Consider some of these ideas to celebrate the day:

Enjoy Eating a Coconut

Some people who haven’t grown up around this delicious fruit might be intimidated by its brown, hairy shell. But once it is broken into and the creamy white flesh is exposed, it is a fragrant delight to behold.

First, start by poking a hole in the coconut at the end near the ‘eye’, where the shell is the thinnest. Use a screwdriver or hammer with a clean nail to make the hole. This will allow for the water of the coconut to be drained.

Pro Tip: Strain the coconut water through a cheesecloth and into a cup, and then drink it up!

Once the juice has been drained out of the coconut, one of the easiest ways to break open the fruit is by using a handsaw to cut it in half. Other people might want to simply put it into a sturdy bag and bang it against a stone or concrete until it breaks. This method is a bit messy, but it works.

Once the coconut is open, remove the meat from the shell and enjoy eating it fresh!

Cook or Bake with Coconut

One way to enjoy National Coconut Day without having to go to the trouble of cracking open the fruit is by purchasing the coconut in bags that are shredded or chipped. These are often pre-sweetened and ready to be used in recipes. Since the fruit is a tropical one, and the day falls at the end of the summer, many recipes are cool and refreshing.

Consider cooking or baking with some of these recipe ideas to celebrate the day:

Coconut Cream Pie. This classic pie contains coconut flakes or chips, coconut milk, heavy cream and eggs, and is topped with mounds of sweet whipped cream.

Coconut Ice Cream. This refreshing dessert is so simple, all it needs is 6 ingredients: whipping cream, sugar, vanilla, milk, salt and, of course, shredded coconut.

Coconut Milk Pudding. This delicious recipe is similar to the consistency of flan, but is made with coconut milk, gelatin, mango, butter, grated coconut, condensed milk and other simple ingredients.

Coconut Rice Pudding. A special blend of coconut milk and rice, this dessert is delicious when served with a homemade rhubarb compote or jam. The coconut and rhubarb flavors just meld together on the tongue!

Drink a Piña Colada

A classic tropical drink, the piña colada contains delicious ingredients like pineapple juice, coconut cream, rum, lime juice and ice, all blended together into a delicious frozen beverage. Throw the ingredients in a blender at home and mix it up. Garnish with a drink umbrella and skewer with red cherries for a vibrant presentation.

Try Out Some Coconut Water

A fairly new product on the market, bottled coconut water can be found in many places around the world now. Coconut water is actually the juice or liquid that comes from young coconut plants. Some brands of coconut water that might be worth trying out in celebration of National Coconut Day include Vita Coco, ZICO, Naked Coconut Water, and C2O.

Listen to Some Coconut Themed Music

One fun way to enjoy National Coconut Day is to enjoy a few songs that were written around the theme of coconuts. Try out some of these ideas to get started making a tropical playlist just for this day:

Coconut by Harry Nillson (1971). Probably the most famous song about coconuts, the lyrics are “put de lime in de coconut and drink ‘em both togedder”.

Cocoanut Woman by Harry Belafonte (1957). Released on his album called “Belafante sings of the Caribbean”, this song is about a lady on the island who is selling coconut water.

Coconut Telegraph by Jimmy Buffet (1981). Appearing as the title song on the album of the same name, this song speaks of a Tuesday on the island when information and gossip is exchanged.

I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts by Merv Griffin (1950). With lyrics that make a story out of a coconut toss at a fair, this song is a silly and playful classic from a bygone era.

World Coconut Day FAQs

Is coconut a fruit?

Even though it has the word “nut” in the name, coconut is a fibrous, one-seeded fruit that falls into the drupe, or stone fruit family.

Is coconut oil good for you?

Yes. Coconut oil has a variety of nutrients that are healthy when consumed by humans, including fatty acids, healthy cholesterol, ketones and more.

Do coconuts grow on palm trees?

While coconuts do grow on a certain type of palm tree, not all palm trees are coconut trees.

Is coconut water good for you?

Coconut water offers many healthy benefits, including electrolytes, magnesium, potassium, antioxidants and more.

Should coconut oil be refrigerated?

Coconut oil is long-lasting, up to two years, and does not need to be refrigerated.

Source

[dogsuffrage]

POPPIN MORE BOTTLES TONIGHT

"James G. Watt, who as President Ronald Reagan’s first Interior secretary tilted environmental policies sharply toward commercial exploitation, touching off a national debate over the development or preservation of America’s public lands and resources, died on May 27 in Arizona. He was 85.

His son, Eric Watt, confirmed his death in a text message but declined to cite a cause.

After taking office in 1981, Mr. Watt was asked at a hearing of the House Interior Committee if he favored preserving wilderness areas for future generations. He had been picked by Reagan from a Denver legal foundation that had often challenged the rules and policies of the department he now headed. Critics called him a fox in the hen house.

Mr. Watt’s response startled some committee members, but seemed to explain his intention to ease restrictions on the use of millions of acres of public lands. “I do not know how many future generations we can count on before the Lord returns,” he said.

The remark was revealing. Mr. Watt, a born-again Christian and a lifelong Republican, saw himself as a servant of God and prayed with colleagues at work. But it raised questions over whether he would be motivated by conservative political judgments or religious convictions, or both.

It also hinted at a side of Mr. Watt that was not apparent at first: a verbal propensity to shoot himself in the foot. In unguarded moments over a 33-month tenure, he suggested that liberals were un-American and that the popular Beach Boys rock band was unwholesome. He likened his critics to Nazis and Bolsheviks, and insulted Black people, women, Jews and handicapped people.

In one of his first official pronouncements, Mr. Watt declared that Interior Department policies over years had swung too far toward conservation under the influence of “environmental extremists,” and away from the development of public resources that he said was needed for economic growth and national security.

He soon transferred control of many of the resources to private industry, restoring what he regarded as a proper balance to the nation’s patrimony. He opened most of the Outer Continental Shelf — nearly all of America’s coastal waters — to drilling leases by oil and gas companies. He widened access to coal on federal lands, and eased restrictions on strip-mining, which scarred landscapes and was cheaper than cutting deep mine shafts.

He increased industry access to wilderness areas for drilling, mineral mining and lumbering; gave private owners of hotels, restaurants and shops wider rights in national parks; curtailed the program to protect endangered species; cut funds to acquire land for national and state parks; and added money to build roads, bridges, hotels and other man-made structures in the parks."

[beardedmrbean]

The data is part of a report by FEDIAF (the European Pet Food Industry Federation), which includes international companies such as Mars, Inc.

5.1% is the annual growth in the number of families in Europe that keep pets, according to the latest FEDIAF report for 2023, part of which is Mars, Inc. The total number of households with four-legged friends is 91 million. This is 46% of families on the Old Continent, according to data from the European Federation. In the leading position in Bulgaria among pets are cats, which are 815,000, followed by dogs, which are 750,000.

Considering this information and at the height of summer, the experts at Mars, Inc. have prepared a list of some useful tips for the owners of four-legged friends who do not want to part with them during their summer vacation. The tips include all the most important things that carers need to think about before departure. Starting with choosing a suitable destination, to providing a balanced diet for pets to feel as comfortable as possible during new and unknown adventures for them.

5 Tips for Traveling with Pets from Mars, Inc.:

1. Destination: Before planning a holiday with your pet, it is important to research the destination - what is the climate like, are there enough activities to do with your pets, is there access to a vet nearby. For example, if you are headed to the sea, check in advance if there are any nearby beaches where pets can walk freely.

2. Transportation Check the conditions for traveling with animals on your chosen transport. Prepare the necessary medical documentation if necessary and make sure your four-legged friend's passport is in order. In case you will be traveling by car, make sure that the animal feels comfortable. If it has no experience being transported in a car, it is advisable to do a few sightseeing tours of the city so that the pet gets used to it before the trip.

3. Accommodation More and more hotels and guest houses are now accepting pets, but it is important to check their pet conditions, additional fees and possible restrictions to avoid unwanted inconveniences upon arrival.

4. Food It is possible that changing the familiar atmosphere can be stressful for pets. To avoid additional stress for your furry friend, be prepared with plenty of food and treats that your pet already knows and loves. Products such as Whiskas, Pedigree, Perfect Fit, Sheba, Dreamies, Cesar and other well-known brands from the Mars, Inc. portfolio. are perfect for the occasion. The wide selection of nutritious and environmentally-friendly packaged food produced from sustainable sources contains everything you need to keep your pets happy and healthy. Also, make sure you provide them with enough water in the summer heat. It is recommended that you also bring a portable pet bowl or bottle. To make sure your pet feels good and adapts to the new environment. Try to stick to the meal, walk, and rest schedule you're used to at home.

5. Have fun This is also the most important of all tips. Vacationing with pets is a perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories and strengthen your bond with them even more. Knowing the temperament and moods of your pet, do not be afraid to improvise and get as many positive emotions and fun moments as possible from your joint adventures.

[priyankap0018]

Bottled Water Market Size: Past, Present, and Future Perspectives

The bottled water market offers a diverse range of purified, mineral, flavored, and enhanced water options catering to varying consumer preferences for hydration. With growing health consciousness and convenience demands, it continues to thrive globally, driven by factors such as portability, sustainability initiatives, and innovative packaging designs.

[pbandjesse]

Jess just got back to her house. I am really glad she came. And today was a lot of fun!

I slept alright. I did not want to be awake when my alarm went off but I knew Jess was in the other room waiting.

So I forced myself up. I got washed up and dressed and felt really pretty in my reception dress. I just love the way this dress fits.

We chilled on the couch once I was dressed and I tried to shake off how tired I was. I kept spacing out. Jess was ready to go though so we headed out to go to Golden West.

We got to Hamden right before 9. We parked around the corner, between two other Subaru Crosstreks which I thought was hilarious. We checked the free library and a cicada landed on me! First one I've seen this year! Jess ran away and yelled at me for touching it. But cicadas are just dumb puppies.

Breakfast was good! Jess got tacos and I got a quesadilla. I didn't like my potatoes but that was alright. I would eat half of mine and saved the rest for later. It was just nice to talk and sit together and day dream about things we hope for. My stomach was hurting a bit but I was still having fun. Jess got a latte to go and I got a cup for my diet coke.

And then we were off. To second chance.

We didn't end up buying anything but I had a blast looking. Even though it was stupid hot in there, despite their industrial fans, it was sweaty and my upset stomach wasn't helped. But there was fun stuff to see. Jess was slightly discouraged because she didn't find anything she loved but I also think that because it's real, she bought a house, it feels like there is to much pressure so it's hard to pick anything. It was still fun to look.

Once we decided we were entirely to hot we headed out. It was drizzling and that felt nice.

I decided we would go to value village.

Jess found a book right away and I found someone I used to work with at the science center. I chatted with her for a few minutes. And tried to find some dear america books but no luck. I did find a yellow shirt dress and a leather tool belt holder. Which I guessed was for an electrician and I was correct when I googled it later!

We left there and we're giggling and just having a great time. We had one more chore, getting my replacement yarn.

So we drove further into Glen Burnie to go to Michaels. Where I was able to get the black yarn and another ball of the speckled white which I had wanted. And with the coupon I had I also got some clearance items (more rainbow loom rubber bands, some hot glue sticks) and the elastic I wanted for the price of just the yarn so it's like I got it for free. Amazing.

Jess got two mugs for her new kitchen and got a giant glass pumpkin drink dispenser. Which was super cool and I'm excited to see how she uses it.

We went next door to Marshalls next. Jess would get a cute piece of Tupperware. I did not get anything but I enjoyed looking. I wanted to buy another water bottle but I did not. Growth.

We headed back to the apartment after that. Moved the stuff Jess got to her car and we brought my stuff inside. I was happy to be back in the AC. It was so stupid humid outside.

We had leftovers for lunch. And Jess showed me more of her Pinterest. I worked on figuring out how to attach the elastic I got to my doc sandals so they would have a back and it took some trial and error but it worked and I was so round of myself. I may add another strap but I really think this will help with the pain on the top of my feet.

I would also work on some knitting. And then Jess fell asleep for a little while. I left her to sleep until 330. Which was when she said she wanted to get on the road. And once she was awake she was surprised she had slept. I walked her to the car. Big hugs. And a promise that the next time I'll see her it'll be at her new house??! I'm so proud of her.

I went back upstairs. I worked on knitting. I enjoyed the ac. And not long after Jess left, James came home.

I was very happy to see them. They were being very silly. We talked for a while. I shared some things from today. And eventually James decided to go for a walk.

While they were gone I took a shower. I washed my hair twice and it was very good. But I still felt sweaty after. It took me a while to find a good temperature. And I would start working on some other projects. Trying out some sewn faces on some bears. Which I for sure don't have a handle on but I'm trying. I need a smaller embroidery hoop I think. And James would come home and would help me unpack my market box so I could refresh it and take out any old papers or things. And I fixed the part of my sign for messed up. I also moved the stickers into their new display and I'm very pleased.

James would make me nachos for dinner. And they would have their own quesadillas. It was just a chill evening.

James went to paint their nails and I kept working in the studio. I started a new knitted loom idea. I'm gonna finish the squares for my one blanket hopefully this week or next. And then I have to decide on the pattern because I'm not in love with the checked. I want it to be funkier. So maybe it'll be sections. We will see.

Now I am in bed. And ready to sleep. I am not sure if I will stay at camp tomorrow but I probably will. I am looking forward to my projects. And it's going to be a good week. I've decided.

Sleep well everyone. Take care of yourself!!

[sammusbird]

From the first article: “In a paper due to be published later this year, Ren’s team estimates ChatGPT gulps up 500 milliliters of water (close to what’s in a 16-ounce water bottle) every time you ask it a series of between 5 to 50 prompts or questions. The range varies depending on where its servers are located and the season. The estimate includes indirect water usage that the companies don’t measure — such as to cool power plants that supply the data centers with electricity.” It’s also more worried about what AI can do (for example, in Microsoft’s 2019 partnering with Exxonmobile for finding fracting sites, and in serving fast fashion ads to those most likely to be convinced to buy) than the tech’s own affect on the environment.

The second article goes further along that point, encouraging more environmental awareness in the AI industry, specifically that “avoiding climate harm … should be part of the value system”. The thing that stood out to me most here was that the training of smaller models is less energy-consuming. I cannot find the arxiv article now (https://arxiv.org/list/cs.AI/recent shows today’s published articles in AI), but we have found that small LLMs working together have similar processing power to large LLMs like Chat GPT. It is possible to optimise for minimum environmental harm.

The third article I very very strongly recommend reading in full. In trying to find the best parts I nearly copy/pasted the whole thing! There’s numbers on AI’s electricity usage (worrying) and water usage (also worrying). But it’s always better to know.

I’m going to add an article here which I felt really addressed the specific environmental impact of the water being removed. Interestingly, it finds “The growth of ChatGPT and similar AI models has been hailed as “the new Google.” But while a single Google search requires half a millilitre of water in energy, ChatGPT consumes 500 millilitres of water for every five to 50 prompts.”. One of the first two articles mentioned databases as using around 1% of the Earth’s energy, and I was beginning to get skittish about search engines! Thankfully, they seem fine. However, (this article is the first I’ve seen to bring this up) the water pollution caused by mining to get the materials for computer chips is having a serious effect. Have you ever seen a creek downstream of a heavy metals mine?

https://theconversation.com/ais-excessive-water-consumption-threatens-to-drown-out-its-environmental-contributions-225854

When it comes to “just chat prompts have the energy requirement of a small country” from the tweets, one of the articles mentioned Chat GPT being estimated to use as much as Ukraine and the Netherlands? Our knowledge of its electricity usage is vague, so I’m not sure how reliable that factoid is, similar to when the article I’m linking below says AI could use 4-6 times the amount of water as Denmark in 2027. That is a difficult prediction to verify.

However, this article also answered a burning question for me. Why don’t AI computers just reuse the same water for cooling? Answer: It evaporates. Hm.

https://www.newsweek.com/why-ai-so-thirsty-data-centers-use-massive-amounts-water-1882374

[canadiancrystallinee]

How to Start a Water Bottle Business in India

Starting a water bottle business in India is a promising venture with potential for growth, given the increasing demand for safe drinking water. This guide will walk you through the steps, challenges, and strategies you need to successfully launch a water bottle business in India.

Why Start a Water Bottle Business in India?

The Growing Demand for Packaged Water

India’s population growth and urbanization are driving a substantial increase in demand for bottled water. People are becoming more conscious of water quality and prefer bottled water for convenience, especially in metropolitan areas.

Health and Wellness Trends

Awareness of health and wellness has led to a rise in demand for clean drinking water. As a result, the bottled water industry continues to expand, providing an excellent business opportunity.

Low Initial Investment Opportunities

Compared to other businesses, setting up a water bottling plant can start with a relatively low investment, making it feasible for first-time entrepreneurs.

Market Research and Business Plan

Identifying Your Target Market

Understanding your customer base is crucial. Are you targeting urban consumers, rural areas, or specific commercial clients like hotels and offices?

Analyzing the Competition

Conduct a competitive analysis to identify major players and niche opportunities in the market. This helps you understand pricing, customer preferences, and potential gaps.

Setting Business Goals and Financial Projections

Draft a business plan outlining your objectives, financial projections, and growth strategies. Set realistic goals and estimate costs for production, marketing, and distribution.

Choosing a Business Model

Retail vs. Wholesale Models

Decide if you want to sell directly to consumers or partner with retailers and distributors. Retail models require more customer engagement, while wholesale models often yield larger but less frequent orders.

In-house Bottling vs. Contract Manufacturing

With in-house bottling, you control the entire process, but it requires more investment. Contract manufacturing can save costs but may reduce control over product quality.

Legal Requirements and Certifications

Registering Your Business

Registering your business as a legal entity (such as an LLP, private limited company, or sole proprietorship) is the first step. It’s essential for accessing loans, insurance, and certain business certifications.

FSSAI Certification

An FSSAI license is required for food and beverage businesses in India to ensure your water meets safety standards. It’s a mandatory certificate that signals your compliance with food safety norms.

BIS Certification

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification ensures the quality of your water bottles, including the materials and water quality standards.

Additional Permits and Licenses

Check with local authorities for any additional permits, such as environmental clearance, to ensure your bottling plant adheres to government regulations.

Location and Infrastructure

Choosing the Right Location

Choose a location with easy access to your target market and suppliers. Proximity to distribution points reduces transportation costs and enhances product accessibility.

Facility Requirements for Bottling

Your bottling plant should have facilities for purification, bottling, and packaging. Design a layout that supports smooth workflow and compliance with health and safety standards.

Infrastructure for Storage and Transportation

Invest in storage for raw materials and finished products, as well as vehicles or partnerships for product distribution.

Equipment and Machinery

Essential Bottling Equipment

Key machinery includes filling, capping, and labeling machines. Choose machinery that aligns with your production volume and budget.

Water Purification Systems

Install a reliable purification system that meets regulatory standards to ensure water quality. Common methods include reverse osmosis, UV treatment, and ozonation.

Quality Control and Testing Machinery

Quality control ensures your water meets health and safety standards. Invest in testing equipment to monitor water purity, pH levels, and more.

Sourcing Water and Raw Materials

Selecting a Reliable Water Source

A stable water source is vital for production continuity. Ensure your water source complies with regulatory standards and does not deplete local resources.

Packaging Materials (Bottles, Caps, Labels)

Choose durable and eco-friendly materials to improve product appeal and sustainability. Build partnerships with suppliers to ensure a steady supply.

Water Purification and Filtration Process

Common Purification Methods

Effective methods include filtration, reverse osmosis, UV treatment, and mineral adjustment. Choose a combination that best suits your water source and desired product quality.

Maintaining Water Quality Standards

Regularly test your water to maintain consistent quality, as substandard products can harm your brand and lead to regulatory penalties.

Branding and Marketing Strategy

Naming and Logo Design

Your brand name and logo should reflect your mission. Focus on simplicity, cleanliness, and trustworthiness to resonate with customers.

Packaging and Labeling

Label your bottles with essential details like mineral content, source, and certification logos. Visually appealing and informative packaging enhances your brand’s visibility.

Marketing Channels (Digital, Offline)

Leverage digital marketing, social media, and search engine optimization to reach customers online. Offline strategies can include partnerships with retailers, hoardings, and in-store promotions.

Distribution and Sales Channels

Retail Outlets and Supermarkets

Securing placement in retail stores and supermarkets increases your product’s visibility and accessibility to consumers.

Online Platforms

List your products on e-commerce sites and food delivery apps. An online presence expands reach and offers convenience to customers.

Building Partnerships with Distributors

Distributors help expand your reach and manage logistics, especially in areas beyond your direct distribution network.

Pricing Strategy

Competitive Pricing Models

Analyze competitors’ pricing and consider production costs to set a price that attracts customers while ensuring profitability.

Wholesale vs. Retail Pricing

Offer bulk discounts to wholesalers or retailers for larger orders. Retail prices can be set slightly higher to maximize per-unit profit.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Regulatory Challenges

Complying with various regulations can be complex. Stay updated on changes in industry regulations and maintain documentation for all certifications.

Competition from Big Brands

Smaller brands often struggle against established brands. Differentiate by focusing on quality, branding, and targeted marketing to create a unique selling point.

Managing Operational Costs

Monitor expenses carefully and optimize production processes to maintain profitability without compromising on quality.

Sustainability in Water Bottling

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Consider using recycled and biodegradable materials. Eco-friendly packaging not only helps the environment but also appeals to a growing base of eco-conscious customers.

Water Conservation Practices

Implement sustainable practices, such as reusing water where possible and minimizing waste, to conserve resources and reduce operational costs.

Why Choose Canadian Crystalline for Your Mineral Water Plant?

At Canadian Crystalline, we’re proud to be a global leader as a mineral water plant manufacturer, bringing decades of expertise, unmatched quality to the water bottling industry. Our end-to-end solutions cover everything from water purification and bottling to advanced filtration and packaging systems, customized to meet each client’s specific needs.

What Sets Us Apart?

Industry Expertise: With extensive experience in water treatment and bottling, Canadian Crystalline offers solutions backed by proven expertise and innovation.

Advanced Technology: We use the latest technology to ensure efficient and sustainable production, reducing waste and optimizing energy use.

Quality and Compliance: Our systems are built to meet and exceed industry standards, including FSSAI, BIS, and international certifications, so you’re assured of safe, high-quality water production.

Complete Customization: We design and build plants tailored to your unique requirements, whether you’re a small startup or an established brand looking to scale.

Choose Canadian Crystalline to start or upgrade your water bottling business with a trusted partner committed to excellence and customer success. Let’s help you make your mark in the booming mineral water industry!

[nickgerlich]

Bubbles Up

I’ve seen stranger things—both the Netflix series and assorted odds and ends through the years—but this one has me scratching my head. Soft drinks had been all but written off by analysts as well as the companies that make them, and now they are enjoying a resurgence.

Never mind all those concerns people once had about consuming too many sugary drinks, as well as fears over artificial sweeteners being carcinogenic, it seems that sodas—or pops if you are from the upper Midwest—are now being viewed through a different lens: They are a cheap indulgence. Soft drink sales are up 1.3% since this time last year.

That does not necessarily mean that soft drinks are cheap, because they too have been affected by inflation. Whereas it was once possible not long ago to buy three 12-packs for $10, it’s more like about $18 these days for the same quantity. Yet compared to other beverages, they are relatively inexpensive, especially if you look at adult beverages.

And if you read far enough into my source material today, you will see that much of this increase is attributed to young people, a cohort that is shunning alcohol in big ways. Oddly, though, soft drink consumption runs counter to young adult trends toward healthier lifestyles.

Oh well, just when you think you have something figured out, consumers surprise you with a curve ball.

Things had gotten so bad that in 2015, per capita consumption of soft drinks fell to their lowest level since 1986. This caused Coca-Cola and Pepsi to start looking for other ways to make money in the beverage industry, like flavored waters, energy drinks, and virtually anything wet that could be bottled or canned. It was a smart response.

Earlier this year, though, another big change happened: Dr Pepper toppled Pepsi Cola to become the Number Two soft drink in the US. Pepsi still has more sales overall because of its many varieties and brands, but taken at the specific brand level, DP is crushing it.

Zero-sugar beverages are providing the biggest growth in the sector, even though there is growing evidence of the harmful effects of artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame. Some fear it is carcinogenic, just like there were concerns over Saccharine and Cyclamates decades ago. The lack of calories may be just enough to over-rule other concerns.

The recent emphasis on odd flavor rollouts, including the Coca-Cola Creations series that brought us the Coca-Cola Zero and Oreo collab, is also playing a role. Consumers are willing to try anything once, and even if you don’t buy it again, all that tire kicking and sipping adds up. If something truly sticks, like Creamy Coconut Dr Pepper, it might be retained for the long haul.

Novelty sells pretty good on its own, but sometimes it becomes normalized and earns its place on the shelf.

Me, I am not a soda drinker. Well, aside from a very occasional Jack and Coke, or a Moscow Mule. Those are pretty good. But there once was a time in which I drank a lot of them. I also knew they were an incredible jolt of energy when out on long bike rides or in races. It is no surprise that when you watch pro cycling on TV, you see the domestique of the team handing up little 200ml cans of Coca Cola to his teammates. Caffeine and sugar? That’s rocket fuel.

While soft drink makers are no doubt happy about the turn of events, what remains to be seen is if it is a passing fad, or one that will linger a while. For the time being, though, they are all raising toasts of the bubbly. Their bubbly.

Dr “Things Go Better With” Gerlich

Audio Blog