The Cost of Water – How to Eliminate Your Plastic Water Bottle Footprint

Some Interesting Comparisons of the Cost of Water Make It Clear Which Path to Choose

This is a Guest Post by Ben Bruzik, a founder of The Etching Bee

There are three basic essentials for human life: Food, Shelter, and Water. Of these three essentials, there are countless types of food and shelter, yet only one type of water. Water is indispensable and irreplaceable. Water is a key component to all life on this planet… so why are we so quick to disregard the clean water found in many of our homes, and moreover, so quick to favor water that costs us money and burdens the planet?

Producing and transporting bottled water expends 2000X more energy than distributing running water. This is not to mention the burden of plastic that is passed onto our Earth through our use of single-use bottles.

So why are we so quick to favor such costly water over the free water readily flowing through our faucets?

Water at Home

Many who habitually drink bottled water are concerned about the contents of tap water at home. Not all these concerns are invalid. Water may be subject to different factors that render it less-desirable for consumption, such as the water quality of an area and the plumbing quality of a building. Whether it’s taste, contents, or appearance, water may inherit different factors through its journey to your faucet.

As mentioned many times on EcoFriendlyLink, this is where home filters come into play. Home filters are as simple as filter pitchers or sink attachments. Filters are a great way to refresh the water that comes out of your faucet, filtering many of the minerals and contents that the water collects through its travels. Filters are very easy to obtain and can be purchased in the very locations you can buy bottled water in.

Almost immediately, this switch will also save you money. Even if you’re purchasing bottled water for .25c/each, they’ll still be 10X more expensive than drinking the same amount of water through filters purchased at the same stores!

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Water On-The-Go

At Las Vegas McCarran Airport, you can choose to purchase a $4.19 bottle of water, or to use the bottle-refill station/water fountain across the hallway for free endless water.

At fast food stops, such as Chipotle, you can choose to purchase a $2.60 bottle of water, or to use the soda fountain for free endless water.

At gas stations, such as 7/11, you can choose to purchase a $2.50 bottle of water, or to use the soda fountain for free endless water.

Water is endlessly available for free in many establishments, including those establishments that would sooner sell you a bottle of plastic! So how can you tap into this source? The answer is simple, by carrying a container to fill with water. Reusable bottles are great options for this, as are traveling mugs and some Tupperware. Whether you keep it in your car, in your bag, or carry it with you, actively having a container with you will allow you to refill your water whenever you please, ensuring you never have to pay for water when out in public!

The Simple Solution

You can combine these two methods, filters and refillable containers, and never pay ludicrous prices for water again. Simply fill your container before leaving your home, and refill it at running water sources such as bottle refill stations, water fountains, and soda fountains.

Good for you, good for your wallet, good for the planet. A simple switch that can completely eliminate your plastic water bottle footprint when fully utilized.

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Warm regards,

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