You know that whole concept of ‘paying it forward', where you pass a good turn on to someone else that needs it rather than the person that did you the favour? Well an American idea that's embraced that concept is now making its way over to the UK.

In New York, a scheme called TapIt has been hugely successful on lots of levels, so we here at destinationsmart are more than happy that it's arrived in Manchester. TapIt lets New Yorkers fill their own water bottle using tap water from restaurants and cafes that have signed up to the scheme for free. There's even a smartphone app that lets you find your nearest participating TapIt location.

The UK version of TapIt is called GiveMeTap and works in much the same way, although consumers initially need to buy a GiveMeTap branded aluminium bottle for free refilling.

Even though both the TapIt and GiveMeTap schemes are brilliant for making sure we all stay hydrated, they're also great for cutting waste from plastic drinks bottles. And you know how much the philosophy of the smart car is all about cutting out what's unnecessary and wasteful and just leaving the bits we need.

Of course, we're pleased to report that there's an even more serious message behind the TapIt and GiveMeTap schemes. The brains behind the UK version is Ghanaian entrepreneur and Manchester University graduate Edwin Broni-Mensah, who's dedicated to raising awareness of the global water shortage issue. His idea to charge for the reusable bottle - which costs a very reasonable £7 - allows over 70% of the profits to be pumped into independent water projects in the developing countries where they're most needed.

GiveMeTap is already gaining loads of fans because it's a terrific scheme for everyone that gets behind it - it's a smashing project for companies, a brilliant way for individuals to do their bit and it saves lots of plastic from being turned into rubbish. Drink it in!

To find out more about GiveMeTap, click here.

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