Thursday, September 20, 2007
International Car Free Day
September 22nd is International Car Free Day, a relatively new holiday which raises awareness about environnmental hazards of car use, and encourages people to bike, walk, take public transportation, or use other sustainable methods. Car Free Day started in Paris in 1998 as "In Town Without My Car!" day. Now over one thousand cities worldwide are celebrating Car Free Days. Some cities offer free public transporation on these days, or free/cheap bike rentals. Won't you participate in your city? -- Deb
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Filter vs. iodine
I am beginning the pack out for Autumn Boundary Waters canoe trip and find myself pondering water purifying methods. Typically I bring a water filter. I like the water filter because it is an efficient way to get drinking water immediately, especially in the BWCA where water is abundant. I love my Pur [now Katadyn] Scout - it is easy to use, pretty quick to fill a quart water bottle, and the water tastes like, well...water.
The problem with most filters, however, is that they so often get clogged or something doesn't work with the mechanics. And then you are out of luck. In the BWCA, in particular, there is a fine sediment that clogs filters even when the lake looks incredibly clean. Eventually the pumping action is not so easy, nor fast. We always carry a replacement filter, but these are expensive and never last as long as you think they should, especially with a big group.
A decent alternative is iodine. I haven't actually used iodine as my dominant source of water purification in years, mostly because you need to let your water set for 20-30 minutes before it is potable and because it tastes, well...like iodine. In addition some people are allergic to iodine. Some people aren't bothered by the taste, and adding Gatorade or lemonade powder really helps (though you have to wait the 20-30 minutes before adding this). It certainly is an inexpensive option as well.
As I sit here and add up the cost of the replacement filters, and the anxiety if a filter breaks, as well as a few other factors, I am beginning to think that iodine is not such a bad group solution to purifying water. The answer will be that i will bring both. But what would you choose if you had the option? -- Deb
The problem with most filters, however, is that they so often get clogged or something doesn't work with the mechanics. And then you are out of luck. In the BWCA, in particular, there is a fine sediment that clogs filters even when the lake looks incredibly clean. Eventually the pumping action is not so easy, nor fast. We always carry a replacement filter, but these are expensive and never last as long as you think they should, especially with a big group.
A decent alternative is iodine. I haven't actually used iodine as my dominant source of water purification in years, mostly because you need to let your water set for 20-30 minutes before it is potable and because it tastes, well...like iodine. In addition some people are allergic to iodine. Some people aren't bothered by the taste, and adding Gatorade or lemonade powder really helps (though you have to wait the 20-30 minutes before adding this). It certainly is an inexpensive option as well.
As I sit here and add up the cost of the replacement filters, and the anxiety if a filter breaks, as well as a few other factors, I am beginning to think that iodine is not such a bad group solution to purifying water. The answer will be that i will bring both. But what would you choose if you had the option? -- Deb
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