The issue of water saving - and the concerns that go along with it - has been highlighted by efforts undertaken at the Tour de France this year.

As cyclists race through the Pyrenees throughout July, any who are seen to discard plastic water bottles by the side of the road have been told they will be condemned by the event's organisers.

While many households and businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of water saving - both in terms of conserving the precious resource and reducing carbon emissions associated with its processing and delivery - the packaging of bottled water adds a third environmental hazard.

Tour de France organisers are now looking to eliminate this, encouraging cyclists to carry their empty bottle to the end of the stage or hand it to their support team.

Other initiatives in place at this year's event include the use of paper which meets green standards and digital guides for spectators where possible, rather than printed versions.