!: How to Choose an Environmentally Friendly Garden Hose

Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the affects that every day household items can have on the environment. Let's face it, going "green" has become hip. Americans are increasingly looking for products that do not harm the environment.

Manufacturers are jumping on the trend towards environmentally friendly products in big way. In fact, even the standard tried and true garden hose is getting an extreme makeover these days.

Have decided to replace that old garden hose with an eco-friendly one? If so, here are few guidelines that will help you choose the right one.

Recycled Materials

A true earth friendly garden hose should be made from at least 50% recycled material, usually polyurethane or rubber, or a combination of both. Polyurethane hoses are generally much lighter than an all rubber hose. From an environmentally friendly perspective, the more recycled material in the hose you choose, the better.

Water Conservation

Water may one day very soon be Earth's most precious resource. The conservation is water is critical and hose manufacturers have stepped up to do their part. Eco-friendly hoses today use patented water restrictors that control pressure and help avoid soil erosion and puddling. A good hose will use at least 50% less water than a traditional garden hose.

Lighter and More Flexible

Recycled polyurethane is 2-3 times lighter than all rubber hoses. Look for a light hose that still contains a UV protective coating. Without it, the hose could become cracked much easier after exposure to direct sunlight. This will also prevent the hose from kinking as well.

Drinking Safety

Everyone who has taken a drink for a garden hose has probably has this thought: "just how safe is this water after traveling from the spigot to the other end?". With today's eco-friendly hoses, this is no longer a concern. As with other products bearing the name, "green" garden hoses use non-toxic substances and are completely safe to drink from.

Environmentally safe hoses come in all sizes and lengths. Next time you go to replace your old hose, consider purchasing one that is not only easier to use, but better for the environment as well.