Why and How To Make Your Own Soda

Have you ever thought about the cost of buying soda from the supermarket? Every year we spend hundreds of millions of dollars on cans and bottles that we then need to spend millions more to dispose of. Wouldn't it be easier if we could make our own soda at home? Not only would this help our bank balance but it would also reduce the load on the environment. Luckily it's very simple to do this. Sodas are made by a process called carbonation which is what adds the fizzy bubbles to your drink.

What You Need

At its simplest carbonating water requires a seltzer bottle which can hold a couple of liters of water. You will also need a charger that contains pressurized CO2. Put the two together and you end up with sparkling water. Of course this just gives you access to plain fizzy water but what if you want a more interesting drink? That's when it's time to consider a machine that is made specifically for the purpose of carbonating drinks.

A Home Carbonation Machine

There are many companies that make these machines such as Everpure and Sodastream. One of the advantages is that you can have access to a wide range of flavors and basically customize your own soda. These usually include diet flavors and caffeine free flavors and you can also get them without artificial sweeteners and with less sugar, sodium and carbohydrates than the carbonated drinks you buy at the supermarket. In addition, a home soda maker requires no plumbing or electricity -- and you never run out of the drinks you love the most.

The Perfect Blend

One of the great things about carbonating your own drinks is the ability to choose just the amount of fizz or flavor you want. Never again will you have a drink that is too flat or that tastes a little bit bland. You can experiment until you find the perfect mix or check out the multiple home carbonation flavor recipes available online. Some home carbonation machines also have water filters available so that you can get your water is pure as possible.

Finally, going back to the environmental benefits, home carbonation machines make a difference because you can reuse the bottles and the CO2 canisters. Instead of having to send cans or bottles off for recycling, all you do is exchange CO2 canisters to be refilled and use the bottles whenever you need a drink for up to 2 years. That's a much longer shelf life than the average soda can or bottle. So, not only do you get your perfect drink, but you can do your bit for the environment too.

Sharon Hurley Hall writes for Eden Springs, the UK’s No.1 supplier for water cooler hire. Eden Springs provides certified carbon neutral water - the first in the UK to do so. Eden Springs is currently offering Sodastream soda makers with hire contracts.

Ten Fantastic Restaurants You Could Own

As time progresses, some people can begin to feel that their lives have begun to stagnate. In these instances, new and exciting opportunities – especially in the world of business – are a great way to help you find new direction. One great way to embrace change and development is to own a restaurant. Here is a list of ten fantastic restaurants which you could own:

1. French Attraction

As the centre of high-class cuisine, France is the perfect location for anyone committed to starting their own restaurant. Great restaurant opportunities include top-class restaurant establishments within the Dordogne region of Southern France. One such example comes complete with thirty seven acres of beautiful landscape and is priced at around €2,000,000 (just over £1,750,000).

2. Californian Dream

Sun and glamour await restaurateurs who embrace the Californian dream. With great venues available on Sunset Boulevard, situated within West Hollywood, there are a great business opportunities to be enjoyed. One example includes a 5,000 square foot property, which was established in 1947 and offers fine dining.

3. Spanish Variety

If you are interested in something a bit more varied then this type of venture could be the perfect opportunity. A new complex in the Spanish island Menorca has six themed restaurants for sale and plans for further development. Priced at nearly €5,000,000 (just under £4,500,000), these units comply with EU regulations and are constructed primarily from English sourced materials.

4. English Retreat

Restaurants don’t have to be situated on land and floating venues are a great way to offer a unique dining experience. This great Thames based floating venue costs £2,600,000 and supports a capacity of 1,000 people. It has two separate dining areas and additional bars.

5. Australian Sunshine

The Australian city of Sydney is a bustling hive of activity. With a great establishment situated within the Blue Mountains on sale for over £2,600,000, there is a real opportunity for an ambitious young restauranter. This particular property seats up to 150 guests in a 325 square metre venue that has won multiple awards in the past.

6. Thai Paradise

The bustling city of Bangkok is home to a number of great restaurants all of which provide great opportunities for budding businessmen and women. A great establishment just outside of the busy centre is currently on the market for just over £300,000. An idyllic and peaceful location, this is perfect for a unique dining venture.

7. Mexican Flavour

Mexico is well known for its sensational food, combining sharp flavours with bright colours for excellent cuisine. With a commercial property on the market in Quintana Roo for just over £350,000, this would be the ideal location for a restaurant or bar.

8. Italian Flair

Italy is the home of amazing food and culinary expertise. The Northwest region of Liguria offers great venues for restaurant development, and one such establishment is currently on the market for just under £1,500,000. A 16th Century Florentine building, the property has a 250 square metre terrace with views of the spectacular mountainous landscape surrounding it.

9. Alaskan Serenity

Alaska has great restaurant venues available such as the one situated alongside the Sterling Airstrip. Currently styled as a 1950s themed cafe, this property, costing just under450,000 US Dollars (under £300,000), comes complete with six acres of stunning views. Located near world class fishing rivers, this restaurant could be developed into a truly great establishment.

10. Canadian Class

Canada is a beautiful landscape and home to a number of thriving restaurants. The region of Ontario boasts an amazing opportunity for a budding restaurateur, with an award-winning restaurant for sale at a price of around £1,100,000. The property has been established for nineteen years and has an indoor seating capacity of 180, with an additional 54 seats in the outdoor patio.

Rachel is a business blogger currently on the lookout for restaurants for sale.