Bottled drinking water has always been a popular choice with many people. It’s convenient and handy. However, recently, people have started considering its environmental impact – which makes sense!
With plastic waste collecting in masses in oceans and landfills, it’s crucial to consider alternative options to drinking bottled water.
This article explores the best alternatives, so you can always have a choice, including the option to produce your own filtered water right at home.
Let’s not waste any more time and get started!
Contents
Use Reusable Water Bottles
Investing in reusable water bottles is a smart way to reduce your use of single-use plastic bottles. In fact, it’s one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to help the environment.
Generally, there are lots of different types of reusable water bottles, including stainless steel bottles or mugs to BPA-free plastic.
The cool thing is that reusable water bottles are easy-to-clean, durable, and… reusable, making them a super eco-friendly choice.
Moreover, many businesses and public locations offer water refill stations, enabling you to fill up your bottle on the go. In other words, reusable bottles are well-recommended and can help us decrease our environmental footprint.
Using a Filtering Pitcher
Another cool alternative to bottled water is the filtering pitcher.
Water filter pitchers are really great because thanks to their carbon filter they can remove impurities from tap water, providing a cost-effective and convenient way to enjoy clean drinking water. Many use them for drinking, cooking or even watering plants.
As expected, filter pitchers come in a variation of sizes and colors, so you can choose the one that fits your unique needs and requirements.
Install a Water Filtration System
People looking for a more permanent solution to their bottled water problem should consider installing an actual water filtration system at home.
In fact, a reverse osmosis system is a well-known (and recommended) option that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities from water, including sediment, chemicals, and lead.
Not only is the result clean, pure water that is completely safe for drinking and cooking, a whole house reverse osmosis system also protects your water-using appliances and plumbing.
And even if the initial installation cost can be high, having a water filtration system at home can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to purchase bottled water ever again. Perfect, right?
Use Boxed Water
As a relatively new option that has become more popular over the last few years, boxed water might be exactly what you need. It’s not perfect, though.
It does help reduce our environmental footprint. Instead of plastic bottles, boxed water comes in a carton form made from sustainable materials that are easy to recycle (think of milk or wine boxes).
What’s left is the carbon footprint of producing and transporting the boxed water. But to be fair, producing reusable water bottles and home water filters uses resources and release carbon, too.
Go for a Portable Water Filter
People who enjoy outdoor activities like camping or hiking should opt for a portable water filter.
Why? It can be a lifesaver! These compact filters are easy to carry and allow you to purify water from streams and other natural sources. They usually get rid of microbial contaminants making the water potable.
Microbial contamination is when viruses, parasites, bacteria or chemicals are introduced to water unintentionally. This becomes a problem as humans can then be exposed to these microbial contaminants if they come in contact or consume the infected water.
Portable filters are available in various styles, including straw filters, pump filters, and gravity filters, to name a few.
Again, portable water filters are really aimed at people with highly active lifestyles, so they are not Average Joe’s choice.
Consider a Home Delivery Service
Another alternative to bottled water is a home delivery service. It’s similar to the boxed water option.
Such services are convenient and deliver large jugs of filtered water directly to your home (i.e., small tanks), eliminating the need to purchase and transport single-use plastic bottles, and cover all your water needs.
The thing with this option is that it can be more expensive. Nevertheless, it’s still a good choice for people who value convenience and want to be more environmentally friendly in terms of plastic consumption.
Why Invest in Alternatives to Bottled Water?
Simply because you help the environment.
Plastic bottles take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up in landfills or oceans, where they harm wildlife and contribute to global pollution.
So, when you choose a reusable water bottle or another of the above options, you help reduce the amount of plastic waste that piles up in the environment, plus ensure a clean and safe world for everyone to enjoy.
High Quality of Drinking Water
The thing is bottled water is presented as being completely pure and natural. However, this is wrong because it contains impurities and chemicals that come from the plastic bottle itself. Plus, some bottled waters are sourced from tap water without any additional treatment. So if the tap water source wasn’t clean to begin with…
Fortunately, a reverse osmosis system can remove impurities like arsenic, lead, and fluoride, and deliver clean and safe drinking water for you and your family.
Average Cost of a Reverse Osmosis System
The initial cost of a home filtration system may be higher than purchasing water bottles. Yet, it will become more cost-effective and worth the initial investment over time.
Regarding how much an under sink reverse osmosis system costs, the price can range from $200.00 to $400.00 or more, depending on the type of system you choose.
What Else to Do
Now, if something’s certain, even though the alternatives to bottled water are a safe step in the right direction, there are still other ways to decrease your environmental footprint.
For example, you can:
- Reduce your energy at home by turning off the lights when you aren’t using them
- Recycle
- Buying locally sourced food
Sure, small changes don’t make the difference at once, but they do add up. And by making conscious choices, all of us can contribute to a more sustainable and green future.
Conclusion
In the end, some of the best alternatives to bottled water include:
- Reusable water bottles
- Filtering pitchers
- Water filtration systems
- Boxed water
- Portable filters
- Home delivery services
As we have discussed above, each alternative has its own pros, so take the time and consider the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Let’s all make a conscious effort to reduce our reliance on and use of plastic water bottles to help protect the environment, as well as make a positive impact on our beautiful planet.