Between the 31st March and 2nd April, just a few days before Oxford and Cambridge head west along the Thames from Putney Bridge, 29 year old cancer survivor Sam Greatrex from Birmingham will arrive at Putney Bridge having rowed 100 miles from Oxford as a ‘warm-up’ for a record-breaking journey to travel around the world using only human power, an expedition entitled, ‘Lap the World’.

Sam will be a part of an 8 person crew and become only the fifth documented crew to complete this marathon, 35 mile a day row from Oxford to London which will require around 8 hours of rowing each day.

The challenge is preparation for the 18,000 miles of cycling and 14,000 nautical miles of rowing across the North Atlantic and South Pacific Sam will travel in circumnavigating the world.

Speaking of his challenge, Sam said: “As a great fan of the University boat race, it’s a fantastic opportunity to row along one of sports iconic courses. Crossing under Putney Bridge will be an incredible moment and to have the opportunity to help Macmillan and ensure that no one faces cancer alone while doing so is the main reason for the expedition.”

Sam sets off in his bid to break the current record for the fastest human powered circumnavigation in September and aims to raise £240,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through his worldwide challenge, a total of £10 for every mile of the circumference of earth, after the charity provided invaluable help when he was diagnosed with cancer in 1995, aged 10.

Sam will break a further 9 Guinness World Records during his round-the-world journey and despite training for 14,000 nautical miles of ocean rowing for two years, the river row from Oxford to Putney Bridge, London will be the first time that the adventurer has dipped an oar in water. 

Sam and the team will all be using their Water-to-Go bottles on their journey so they can drink straight out of the thames, keeping their boat light and their hydration levels topped up!

Follow Sam's amazing journey here >> www.laptheworld.com

---

Website // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Linkedin

Here at Water-to-Go we’re helping to build a brighter future by supporting WWF’s Earth Hour, a
spectacular and symbolic lights out event that focuses the world’s attention on our planet, and the need to protect it.

On March 29, at 8.30pm, we’ll be joining forces with thousands of businesses globally, as we show our support for our brilliant world. Earth Hour’s unique display of darkness has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of individuals coming together each year. 2013 saw a record-breaking 157 countries switch-off for the world’s biggest celebration under the stars.

Last year in the UK over 10 million people took part, sending out a united and symbolic message. 280 of the country’s most iconic landmarks including the London Eye and Big Ben joined forces with more than 1,200 businesses such as Sky, Paramount and IKEA to ensure hundreds of buildings switched off.

To celebrate Earth Hour 2014, we will be switching off all non-essential lights in all Water-to-Go buildings including the offices, warehouse and factory at 8.30pm on 29th March for the hour and encouraging our employees to do the same at home.

‘We are proud to take part in Earth Hour and our employees are excited to be involved with such a great and inspiring event. Everyone can make a difference to help protect our planet and we all have a key role to play,’ said Water-to-Go's Managing Director, Dave Shanks.

Shareen Brown, spokesperson for WWF-UK, said, “We’re thrilled that Water-to-Go will be taking part in Earth Hour this year and hope that they’ll inspire many others to get involved. Earth Hour is more than just an hour of darkness, it’s a chance for people to come together and send a global message about the need to protect our planet. It’s great to see so many businesses taking part and demonstrating their commitment to our planet. By taking one simple step to switch off, you’ll be joining millions of people from around the world in this special celebration.”

All of the money raised will go towards WWF’s vital conservation work in the Mara, Kenya, one of the most spectacular places on Earth and home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife including lions, cheetahs and African elephants. This incredible landscape is also central to national and local economies and directly supports the livelihoods of more than one million people. WWF is helping to create a brighter future for the Mara, from helping communities address human-wildlife conflict to providing local wildlife rangers with much needed equipment and training.

Everyone can sign up for WWF’s Earth Hour 2014. For more information and to sign up please visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour

---

How Water-to-Go Helps 'Save the Planet' // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Linkedin

Water in two households in Jersey have been tested and found to be too dangerous to drink, as it
contained bacteria including E. coli.

The fear is that the water has been contaminated by farmers spreading slurry on their fields.

Paul Troy first noticed brown water coming out of his tap last month. A week later the water had returned to it's normal colour, but not everything was as it seems. In an interview with the BBC Mr.Troy said:

"But when it was tested it turned out to have the E. coli bacteria in it, and the coliform bacteria, two types." "We had a phone call from the States analyst to say 'don't drink the water' and since then we've been drinking bottled water and using bottled water to brush our teeth.

 "It is like living in a third world country."

To find more about E.coli click here 

---

E.coli Facts // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Linkedin

It's been reported that over 500 towns/villages in France & Belgium have contaminated tap water due to
the bombs used in WW1.

The problem is so bad that babies drink nothing but bottled water and pregnant women are warned not to drink out of the tap.

Check out the shocking report below:-

No wonder sales for www.watertogo.fr are going through the roof! 

---

What We Filter Out // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Linkedin

A Ski Company has caused controversy by offering to pay fines for parents who take their kids out of
school during term time to go skiing.

MountainBase, who have advertised there deal on facebook, admits the deal encourages parents to break the law.

The company posted to facebook:

“Are Schools in the UK taking the PISTE! we think so? Especially with Record Snow levels across Morzine and yet more snow due to land in the next few days to provide excellent piste conditions. Book a week with children at MountainBase / Inferno we will if you receive a fine from your school / local authority pay the fine on copy of a receipt from yourselves. This is based on any booking in March/April except the free ski pass option.”

Earlier this week a report showed there has been a 70% increase in the number of parents fined for taking their children on holiday during term time.

Changes to the law were introduced last september. Each parent can be fined a maximum of £60 per student (£120 if not paid within seven days). Refusal to pay can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and up to 3 years in jail.

What do we think? Worth the risk, or save it for the holidays?!

---

Website // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Linkedin

The collapse of hotel booking specialist 'On Holiday Group' could affect up to 100,000 people! You may not recognise the name but the company is the largest 'bed bank' in the UK that a lot of online travel agents use so you may have you been affected but don't know.

A 'bed bank' company buys a huge number of hotel rooms in various resorts around the world and sells them to travel agents. Because they buy so many rooms they get a much better price, so travel agents use them because it's a lot easier and cost effective than going to hotels directly.

On Holiday Group have gone bust still owing hotels money for well over 100,000 rooms. What this could mean is that some people will have paid for their hotel/package through a travel agent but the hotel wouldn't of received their money!

If you've booked a holiday through a Travel agent it's advised to call and check to see if you have been affected.

---

Stay Safe on Holiday // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Linkedin

New rules are coming into action from the Nepalese Government for those climbing Mount Everest.
All who climb up the mountain MUST bring back at least 8kg of rubbish each on their way back down!

The new rule is set to start in the spring and will apply to anyone climbing higher then Everest Base Camp. 

The litter issue on Everest is not a new one. The government already enforces mountaineers & climbers to bring back all of their litter or they run the risk of losing their deposit (up to £2,600).  This new ruling will require everyone to bring back 8kg of rubbish (if they are in a group or not).

Tourism ministry official, Madhusudan Burlakoti has said "Our earlier efforts have not been very effective. This time, if climbers don't bring back garbage, we will take legal action and penalise them".

A Kathmandu artwork exhibition in 2012 showcased a variety of rubbish remains found on Everest including  gas cylinders, ropes, tents, glasses, cans, plastic and the remains of a helicopter. The 75 artworks were to highlight the environmental impact that alpine tourism has.

---

Environmental Effects of Bottled Water // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Linkedin

Get the taste and convenience of bottled water at a fraction of the costs; get water where you are certain of the quality by filtering it yourself; help reduce plastic waste and preserve natural resources by using a Water-to-Go reusable bottle and filter!