rē•spin Your Hydration in the Name of Mother Earth 

Few things in this world connect all of us as humans. As individuals carving our unique paths in the world, our experiences and needs are unlikely to mirror anyone else’s. And finding our distinctive wants, desires, and necessities is essential for our well-being. But one of the rare unifying traits we all share is our need for nourishment and hydration. These fundamental processes support the positive evolutions of humans and Mother Earth. When it comes to our bodies, hydration is a matter of survival. 

Water helps our brain create hormones and neurotransmitters and regulates our body temperature. It also flushes out waste and toxins, delivers oxygen to every cell, and so much more. Our healthy lives start from the inside. Everything we consume—food, water, energy, media—affects us. The choices we make about what to consume create an impact that reaches far beyond our well-being. Eventually, what we eat, drink, and enjoy affects planet Earth. 

Last year, we partnered with Flow through a mindful collaboration rooted in the parallels of our shared core pillars. We looked to celebrate the power of water to nourish and strengthen our bodies from the inside out. It is a wellness-first beverage we can share with loved ones and a means of rē-plenishing not only our well-being but the Earth as well. When it comes to providing ecologically sound methods for nourishing our bodies, we will always look for ways that align with our desire to give back to the Earth in the same way we give to ourselves. 

Think about how many plastic beverage bottles are tossed on an annual basis. In America alone, 50 billion water bottles are purchased each year. Humans use 1.2 million plastic bottles each minute, yet 91% of that plastic is not recycled. Much of it still likely exists on this Earth today, as nearly every piece of plastic made exists in some form. Even when plastic goes to landfills, there are further consequences when it comes to harm done to the environment. The plastics will break down into small particles which can end up in our soil and waterways. When animals eat them, they can become part of our food chain, and we end up eating them as well.

Responsible purveyors have discovered new ways to source spring water sustainably. Flow—a company founded with sustainability at the core of its brand ethos—uses eco-conscious methods to package water. Their bottles are made from plant-based materials. The paperboard packs and plant-based caps made from sugar cane are 100% rē-cyclable and 70% rē-newable. These eco-friendly options keep us hydrated. They also help us experience the positive effects of water while minimizing our impact on Mother Earth.

This year, Flow is partnering with New York Road Runners to provide water at the New York City Half Marathon, the Brooklyn Half Marathon, and the New York City Marathon. Beyond supporting the runners with eco-conscious hydration, Flow’s presence offers an opportunity to educate people on how small, conscious decisions can create a positive environmental impact. By choosing eco-friendly packaging over conventional plastic, we can stay hydrated while leaving a minimal footprint on our Earth and the local environment. 

We need adequate hydration to keep our internal systems in harmony and support our body’s regular functions. While basic H20 will do, we’ve discovered new ways to rē-spin our hydration over the years. Optimizing our everyday water intake by adding supplements is how we can make drinking water a multi-tasking moment. Exploring the hydration-boosting benefits of water with a higher pH level—like Flow Alkaline Spring Water—is another way to get the most out of this vital life force.

pH level measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is—in this case, that substance is water. Measured using a scale of 0 to 14, a pH level of 0 or 1 is considered very acidic, whereas a pH of 13 or 14 is considered very alkaline. Drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7, but Alkaline waters like Flow (pH ±8.1) can have a pH of 8 or 9.

Collagen-infused water is another rē-spin on hydration that’s becoming more prevalent. This is mainly because it can prompt positive results when used as part of our wellness practice. Collagen, the most abundant protein in our body, makes up our connective tissue. It is the same kind of tissue that connects to other tissues within the body. It makes up our bones, cartilage, muscles, skin, and tendons. Collagen makes our tissues strong, resilient, and stretchy. Unfortunately, as we age, our body produces less of it. A decrease in collagen production can also be triggered by other factors. These include excessive sun exposure, lack of sleep and exercise, smoking, and excess alcohol consumption.

Over the years, collagen supplements have grown in popularity and their presence in skincare formulas. Beyond pills and powders, liquid collagen and collagen-infused beverages have emerged. These are targeted to support healthy hair, joints, nails, and skin. Products like Flow’s Collagen Infused Water, which includes 10 grams of collagen per serving, can help improve skin’s elasticity and firmness. It can also improve skin texture, combat the development of fine lines and wrinkles, promote cell rejuvenation, and aid in bone and joint health.

Small changes make a lasting impact

Modern advancements in science and technology can make it possible to rē-balance our own needs and well-being with the level of output placed on the world. This rē-balance requires mindful choices in our day-to-day lives, and becoming more conscious consumers is part of aligning our beliefs and actions. When we rē-examine the impact of our small decisions on Mother Earth, more conscious consumption begins to come naturally.