One of the things that we can all do to reduce our individual carbon footprint and an idea that has been around for many years now for various reasons, is the installation of water filters and using glass or stainless steel, reusable drinking bottles. There are many debates that revolve around the use of and exploitation of large amounts of energy to produce products that are not only dangerous; they are having a very negative impact on our environment. It is possible to adjust certain aspects of our lifestyle in favour of smarter and cheaper methods to achieve the same results. We just have to know where to go to get this information.

When we install a home water filter and use a reusable water bottle (glass or stainless steel) we are each reducing the amount of pollution caused from the plastic waste, during the processing, transportation, and disposal of plastic bottles. It was recently estimated that the manufacturing process involved in producing plastic, releases more than 800,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, contributing a massive amount to global climate change. Reducing our dependence on bottled water, will almost certainly cut down on the amount of greenhouse gas being put into the atmosphere.

The manufacture of bottled water uses a lot of natural resources and energy. If we believe the official figures out of New York, we can believe that the amount of oil used to produce plastic water bottles, is the equivalent of 66 million gallons of gasoline, in that state alone! When you combine this with global research data conducted over a number of years, bottled water is no safer to drink that standard tap water, in most countries. Is the use and consumption of bottled a “fashion statement”. Are we funding the demise of the planet through the bottled water industry, simply because a few irresponsible people think it’s cool to drink it?

You be the judge, and decide for yourself whether or not you support the trend. Fashionable, destructive and harmful bottled water, or simple reusable bottles and water filters for a healthier planet.