Archive for the ‘General’Category

Solar Powered Water Desalination – Portable

solar-powered-oven-fresh-water

IMAGE CREDIT: www.gizmag.com

Concerned about the lack of fresh drinking water in the developing world, designer Gabriele Diamanti began working on a solution to desalinate water that would be readily available to households. His solution is nothing short of remarkable. Meet the Eliodomestico which, according to gizmag.com, operates like an “upside down coffee percolator.”

eliodomestico-concept-design

IMAGE CREDIT: www.gizmag.com

The design of the Eliodomestico consists largely of two ceramic pieces that sit on top of each other. Inside the top piece is a black container that salt water is poured into. The sun will then heat the container, turning the salt water into steam. When the pressure builds, the steam is forced down a tube into a container in the lower piece. Once inside, it condenses against the lid and collects in the basin of the container. The bottom of the container is designed to be carried on the head, which is a common practice in developing countries.

Perhaps the most remarkable part is its simplicity. The Eliodomestico, which collects about five liters of fresh water per day, would cost an estimated $50 to build with no operating costs.

With this invention, those in the developing world will be able to desalinate their own water instead of having to rely on centralized desalination plants.

This innovative design received special mention at the Well-Tech Award 2012 and was the pro winner of the Core77 Design Awards 2012 in the social impact category.

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11 2012

Share Your Review with Us. It’s Easy as 1-2-3

Have you purchased from us before? We want to know what you think. Reviewing a product is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these 3 easy steps and share your review with us.

1.Go to the end of the product description under the product you purchased and find “product reviews.” The box will look like this:

2. Fill out the short form below:

3. Hit “send” and you’re done!

We want to offer you only the best products on the market. Share your product review with us and help us serve you better.

04

10 2012

National Comic Book Day: Superheroes Unite!

National Comic Book Day

IMAGE CREDIT: www.wallpaperswide.com

Superman, Batman, Spiderman and Iron Man are comic book superheroes who we have become equated with over the years. From blockbuster movies to games and comic books, these heroes protect the world from threats no normal human can overcome. We got to thinking, if we could assemble a team of heroes with the coolest water and air based powers, who would be on it? In honor of National Comic Book Day, here are our members of the FiltersFast Fab 5:

Aquaman: The obvious choice. He lives under water in the kingdom of Atlantis and has telepathic abilities to communicate with marine life. He can also breathe under water and swim at incredibly high speeds giving Michael Phelps a run for his Olympic golds.

The Flash: He may not have water or air powers per say, but he can move, think and react at superhuman speeds. He can also vibrate through walls and run on water. That alone is enough to warrant inclusion on this team.

Storm: No good superhero team is complete without the female heroine. She can make it rain one minute or terribly windy the next all before settling on a nice sunny day. Who doesn’t wish we could control the weather especially when it ruins our outdoor plans?

Superman: The quintessential superhero who can literally do it all. He can fly through air, inhale and exhale huge volumes of air with tremendous force and see all 7 oceans of the earth before we even eat breakfast.

The Water Guardian: He’s a newbie compared to the other veterans, but if you’ve been playing The Water Guardian (if you haven’t, shame on you) then you know all about him. He’s on a quest to stop waterborne contaminates from polluting the water supply with nothing but a sword and a water purification tablet. Cryptosporidium better watch his back.

If you haven’t in a while, pick up a comic book of your favorite super hero and experience the joys of reading these imaginative stories. Who is your favorite super hero? Let us know in the comments below.

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09 2012

Patriot Day 2012: A Tribute to Our Nation’s Emergency Responders

Patriots Day On this day 11 years ago, our nation was forever changed. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 left our nation reeling and many afraid. It was during this time when we realized who the true heroes were. The brave men and women, who selflessly laid down their lives to help those trapped in the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, showed us what heroism really is. Revered qualities such as bravery, courage and selflessness were front and center as we watched these brave men and women lay down their lives for strangers.

What the EMS, Fire Department and Police Officers did that day was not just a part of their job, they went beyond the call of duty. They made a decision that saving lives and preserving what this country stands for is more important than anything else. Let us never forget that this is what they do every day. Every time they put on the badge, their firefighters gear or take off in the ambulance, they are doing more than just their job; they are saving lives and facing challenges that many of us do not/would not face.

We will be remiss if we let this day go by without saying those two simple words that can mean so much: Thank You! Thank you for your bravery, sacrifice and your willingness to stand up and face insurmountable odds every day. All of you are the real heroes in this country and we greatly appreciate you. For those who lost their lives on that horrible day or may have lost loved ones, we stand with you on this day of remembrance. We will never forget.

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09 2012

Commemorating Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which was initially called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are varying stories to its actual beginnings, with dozens of towns and cities laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. Regardless of where it all started, the spirit of it remains the same. The American freedoms that we enjoy today all came with a price. A price that far too many paid with their lives. So the team here at Filters Fast would like to extend a very special thank you to all of our military servicemen and women. You all are truly heroes who deserve this great day of honor. The courage shown by these heroes are second to none, and for that all of you deserve a salute! For everyone who may be attending a cookout this Memorial Day, remember to practice safety first such as never leaving your food unattended on the grill for too long and to use general common sense at the festivities.

Let’s not forget to take time out to support our veterans and fallen soldiers to show them how much we truly appreciate them.

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05 2012

The Water Cycle: From Evaporation to Precipitation

Every day around the world, there is a cycle that is continuously going. It happens all the time, yet most of us aren’t aware of it. It’s the water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle and it is very vital to life here on Earth. The water cycle describes the movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth. At various stages in the cycle, water can change states from a solid to a liquid and even to a gas. But what exactly are the stages of the water cycle? What do these stages do? 

Generally, there are 10 stages to the water cycle that range from evaporation to precipitation. They are as follows:

  1. Evaporation: This is the change of water from a liquid to a gas. On average, around 47 inches is evaporated into the atmosphere from the ocean each year.
  1. Transpiration: This is the evaporation of liquid water from plants and trees into the Earth’s atmosphere. Nearly all water that enters the roots transpires into the atmosphere.
  2. Sublimation: This is the process where ice and snow (a solid) changes into a gas without moving through the liquid phase.
  3. Condensation: This is the process where water changes back into a liquid. This is when we begin to first see clouds.
  4. Transportation: This is the movement of solid, liquid and gaseous water throughout the atmosphere. Without this movement, all of the water evaporated over the ocean would not precipitate over land.
  5. Precipitation: This is water that falls to the earth. Most precipitation falls as rain but includes snow, sleet, drizzle and hail. On average, about 39 inches of rain, snow and sleet fall each year around the world.
  6. Deposition: This is the reverse of stage 3. Water vapor (a gas) changes into ice (a solid) without going through the liquid phase. This is most often seen on clear and cold nights when frost forms on the ground.
  7. Infiltration: This is the movement of water into the ground from the surface. Percolation is movement of water past the soil going deep into the groundwater.
  8. Surface flow : This is the river, lake, and stream transport of water to the oceans. The water may return to the surface in springs or eventually seep into the oceans.
  9. Plant uptake: This is water taken from the groundwater flow and soil moisture. Only 1% of water that a plant draws up is used by the plant. The remaining 99% is passed back into the atmosphere.

Water is a vital part here on Earth, and on World Water Day this Thursday, let’s not forget the importance of clean drinking water for you and your loved ones. At Filters Fast, we offer a variety of water products to help ensure you of clean drinking water. From the Zero Water Cooler Bottle Filtration System to the Everpure Water Filtration System, Filters Fast knows the importance of clean, drinking water for you and your family.

(IMAGE CREDIT: http://www.srh.weather.gov)

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03 2012

It’s Time to Spring Forward

Image Credit: habitsforahappyhome.wordpress.com

It’s time to spring forward! Daylight Savings Time begins March 11 and ends the first Sunday in November. So you know what that means right? It’s time to set those clocks ahead one hour, and lose that all too important hour of sleep. On March 11, the clocks are moved ahead one hour from 2am standard time to 3am daylight savings time (or DST). Interestingly, not all places in the U.S. will participate in Daylight Savings Time. Hawaii and parts of Arizona will not observe DST, while around the world, countries like China will also not participate.

This is also a good time to remind ourselves to do maintenance around the home. Changing batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are a must and can prevent some very serious situations down the road. Also remember to change filters, such as the filters in furnaces and HVAC systems, as well as water filters.

We have offered yearly maintenance suggestions in our November 3, November 1 and  October 24 blogs, but they bare repeating and remembering. Doing your yearly maintenance can save you a lot of time, money and heartache.   Filters Fast offers a wide selection of furnace filters and air conditioning filters for your home. We also offer water filters for your water purification system, refrigerator, and ice maker.

So as you are setting those clocks ahead, remember to put your maintenance on your “to-do list”. You’ll be glad you did.

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03 2012

Get the Perfect Cup of Hot Chocolate!

Photo Courtesy of myrecipes.com

The cold month of February is the perfect time for couples to cuddle up under blankets by the fire. Valentine’s Day also falls in February, so it is no stretch that this month is also known as Chocolate Lover’s Month. Even donut and coffee chain Dunkin’ Donuts is celebrating by introducing new donuts such as the Chocolate Chip Bagel Twist and Reverse Boston Kreme. Dunkin’ Donuts is also featuring heart shaped donuts for you and your sweetheart!

When it comes to chocolate, I usually prefer to eat it rather than drink it. However, every once in a while, a good cup of hot chocolate does just the trick. Nothing feels better than wrapping my hands around a warm cup of hot chocolate after being outside in the snow and wind. The following products will help get you that perfect cup every time:

Everpure EverHot Hot Water System with Chrome Faucet

                This complete undersink hot water system will provide you and your family with the highest quality water possible.  This system comes complete with a chrome faucet and can be installed under any sink. This system is also ideal for commercial applications. The maximum temperature of the Everpure EverHot is 190 degrees Fahrenheit, but can easily be adjusted lower. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate as well as soup, oatmeal, pasta and more!

Everpure Solaria Instant Hot Water Dispenser

                This under sink hot water system will instantly provide you with hot water up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. This hot water dispenser is also ideal for commercial applications. If you want to quickly and easily make a cup of tea or hot chocolate, than the Solaria Instant Hot Water Dispenser is for you!

Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle

                Need something to take that delicious hot chocolate with you on the road? The Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle can store up to 12 ounces of hot liquid including soup, stew and hot drinks.  This canteen is dishwasher safe and is made from food-grade stainless steel. This insulated bottle is the perfect accessory for a romantic stroll through the park on a cold night!

So whether you prefer to eat or drink your chocolate this month, get out there and celebrate Chocolate Lover’s Month!

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02 2012

Filters Fast Goes Red for National Wear Red Day

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of American women? In order to raise awareness for heart disease and prevention, today has been deemed National Wear Red Day. Along with the American Heart Association, companies and individuals across the United States will be showing off their red. Here at Filters Fast, many of us came into work ready to paint the town red in our coordinated outfits.

Meet some of the members of the Filters Fast Marketing, Accounting, Purchasing and HR departments:

 Some of our awesome customer service team also participated:

Finally, Jennifer represented the Filters Fast Local Service team:

 So get out there and don your favorite red sweater, shirt, or dress today and raise awareness about heart disease!

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02 2012

What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?

New year2011 is quickly drawing to a close, which means that 2012 is right around the corner. With the start of a new year we often think about what personal improvements we can implement to make our lives better or to leave a stronger footprint on the world. Have you thought about what resolutions you’d like to make? If you’re unsure, then USA.gov has listed several of the most common New Year’s Resolutions, which include:

Drink Less Alcohol; Eat Healthy Food; Get a Better Education; Get a Better Job; Get Fit; Lose Weight; Manage Debt; Manage Stress; Quit Smoking; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle; Save Money; Take a Trip; Volunteer to Help Others

At Filters Fast, we can help you get started on achieving your New Year’s Resolutions.

Vapur Anti Bottle Water BottleGetting fit and losing weight is one of the most popular resolutions and with repeated trips to the gym you’ll need to make sure you stay hydrated. That’s why you’ll need the Vapur Anti Bottle Water Bottle – Blue 16 oz., a reusable Vapur water bottle that features a revolutionary space-saving design. Vapur water bottles are extremely flexible and almost entirely collapsible. They are designed to fit where ordinary water bottles do not, and when empty they will easily fit in your pocket, backpack, purse, briefcase, etc.

Filters Fast MERV 8 Odor Killer Odor FilteQuitting smoking is a difficult and rewarding task, so you want to make sure you remove all temptation and all remnants of the smell. That’s why we recommend the Filters Fast MERV 8 Odor Killer Odor Filter 6 Pack, which is the perfect replacement air filter to eliminate smoke odors, cigarette odors, pet odors, gases and other contaminants from your indoor air. While many standard activated carbon odor filters or charcoal odor filters remove odors from your air, the Odor Killer uses Gray Matter, an activated granular carbon material impregnated between two sheets of MERV 8 filter media.

Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle

Eating healthy food is sometimes difficult when you’re busy or always on-the-go, but the Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle – 12 oz. makes things much easier. The Klean Kanteen 12 oz bottle features a wide mouth to accommodate ice cubes, soup, stew, fruit, and much more, while the extra insulation helps to keep your drink cold or your food warm – it insulates hot beverages and food for up to 6 hours as well as cold beverages up to 24 hours. Now you’ll always have the option of carrying healthier items.

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12 2011