Just Say NoóTo Bottled Water
Last week's green tip discussed the increased use of plastic disposable water bottles and the negative effects of using these bottles. To recap, first of all, they are another item to dispose when we are disposing too much stuff already. Millions of polluting bottles fill our landfills daily. Even when recycled, plastics can only be recycled a limited number of times and eventually make their way to the landfill and break down into toxic pieces. At some point, these toxins make their way into our water systems, natural and man-made. Plus, if you store your bottled water too long, the plastic breaks down and makes your drinking water toxic.
In order to soften the negative environmental and human health impacts from using disposable plastic water bottles, it is important to make attempts to stop using the disposable water bottles–just say NO. So, what can one do in order to have clean drinking water at home, at work and on the go without using the plastic disposable bottles?
There are many options for at home, office and industry water filtration systems. Prices, styles, and sizes vary greatly so you can tailor your purchase to your specific needs and desires. There are countertop, under-the-sink or freestanding types. Some systems give you the option of rental or purchase. Water purification systems will reduce microscopic impurities and chemical elements. The various ways that these systems will clean your water is through the following processes: Ion exchange, UV Technology, Carbon Absorption, Dealkalization, Filters.
One option is to check out the filling water stations at your local grocery store. Glacier Mountain (1-800-714-7981) and Lewellan's (1-800-654-8870) offer bulk bottled water delivered to your office or home. If you would like to use your own water and not be concerned with carting water containers to and from the store or water delivery, then visit the following web sites to learn about the different types of home, office, industrial water purification systems.
www.waterfiltercomparison.com –this site lists information and price comparisons for the top 10 home filter systems. Surprisingly, the prices are very reasonable. Ranges are from $24.95 (Brita Filter) to $420 (Amway). Several are in the $125-$150 range (you will make this cost back in no time when you STOP buying bottled water).
www.PurificWaterSystems.com , www.culligan.com , www.purwater.com , www.kinetico.com , www.puritec.com , www.spectrapure.com , www.exquinox-products.com , www.Vivian-stlouis.com
Once you rent or purchase and install your water filtration system you can use it for cooking, coffee/tea, baby formula, steam irons, houseplants in addition to drinking water.
If you're not convinced that you should stop buying plastic bottled water, then these final words should change your mind. Bottled water is over priced. Over 95% of the cost is the bottle, label, and lid. Home filtration systems offer higher quality water at a fraction of the cost and more convenience. The average person consumes 3.5 gallons of water per week. This costs about $28.71 per week in bottled water. You will pay for your at home filtration system in a short time. You are saving money, the environment and your health, so just say "no".
Gwen Corbett, owner of Bear's Den Cottages (green lodging)
Helping Individuals and Businesses to Go Green
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LLC
