The start of a new year usually involves a flurry of resolutions that, if we’re being honest, often involve expensive gym memberships we’ll forget by March or "green juices" that taste suspiciously like lawn clippings. But as we move into 2026, there is one shift that is remarkably easy to make, light on the wallet, and incredibly kind to our sun-drenched continent: mastering sustainable hydration in Australia.

We’ve all seen the statistics, and we’ve all seen the plastic bottles bobbing in our beautiful harbours or tucked into the dunes at our local beaches. If you’ve decided that this is the year you finally break up with single-use plastic, you aren't just doing the planet a favour; you’re upgrading your own health and reclaiming your kitchen benchtop from the clutter of supermarket multipacks.

The True Cost of That “Convenient” Plastic Bottle

In Australia, we are lucky to have some of the most beautiful natural environments on earth, but our thirst for bottled water is leaving a mark. Despite our robust recycling systems, a staggering amount of plastic still ends up exactly where it shouldn’t. According to data from Clean Up Australia, plastic packaging and single-use bottles consistently rank among the most common items collected during their annual events.

It isn't just an environmental issue, either. It’s a financial one. When you buy bottled water, you aren't really paying for the water—you’re paying for the plastic, the transport, and the marketing. In fact, bottled water can cost up to 2,000 times more than tap water. Imagine if your morning flat white suddenly cost $8,000; you’d probably start making coffee at home pretty quickly! Sustainable hydration in Australia isn't just about being "green"; it’s about being smart with your resources.

Why 2026 is the Year for Eco-Friendly Water Filters

If the tap water is so much cheaper, why are we still reaching for the plastic? For most Australians, the answer is simple: taste and trust. We’ve all lived in that one flat where the "town water" tasted like a swimming pool, or perhaps you’re wary of the aged copper pipes in your beautiful old terrace house.

This is where eco-friendly water filters bridge the gap. They provide the peace of mind of bottled water with the sustainability of tap. But not all filters are created equal. Many standard filters on the market are housed in—you guessed it—more disposable plastic. At Earths Water, we believe the solution shouldn't add to the problem.

High-Volume Hydration: The 9L Glass Benchtop Water Filter

If you’re looking to transform your household’s relationship with water, the 9L Glass Benchtop Water Filter is the heavyweight champion you need.

bility check: How many times a day do you find yourself refilling a tiny 1-litre plastic jug? It’s a chore that never ends. The 9L capacity means that even in a busy Australian household—where the kids are constantly coming in from cricket practice and you’re trying to stay hydrated while working from home—you always have a reservoir of pure, alkaline water ready to go.

More Than Just Drinking Water

One of the most overlooked aspects of having a high-capacity, glass filtration system is its utility in the kitchen. When you have 9 litres of pure water at your disposal, you start using it for everything. Your morning tea tastes crisper, your pasta water is free from that faint chlorine tang, and even your indoor plants might start looking a bit perkier.

Because it’s made of high-quality glass rather than plastic, you aren't just reducing your waste; you’re ensuring that no microplastics or chemicals are leaching into your water during those 35°C summer days. It’s a permanent fixture that looks stunning on a Tasmanian Oak or Caesarstone benchtop, making it a piece of functional decor rather than just another appliance.

Hydration on the Move: The Best Reusable Water Filter Bottle

Of course, sustainability doesn't stop when you leave your front door. Whether you’re commuting into the CBD, heading to the gym, or preparing for a weekend trek through the Blue Mountains, you need a portable solution.

That’s where the Ultra Water Filter Bottle comes in. This isn't just a bottle; it’s a personal water treatment plant that fits in your cup holder. It’s widely considered by our community as the best reusable water filter bottle because it solves the "destination water" dilemma.

From the Office to the Outback

In the city, the Ultra Water Filter Bottle allows you to refill at any tap or bubbler, instantly removing that heavy chlorine taste found in many office buildings. But the real magic happens when you go off the grid. For the weekend warriors and adventurers, this bottle gives you the confidence to drink from freshwater sources like rivers and streams while you’re out adventuring.

By using a filter bottle that retains essential minerals while stripping out the nasties, you’re getting the best of both worlds. Plus, consider the impact: one Earths Water filter can replace up to 700 single-use plastic bottles. That’s 700 times you didn't have to stand in line at a petrol station to pay $4.50 for a bottle of water.

Breaking the "Plastic Habit”

Let’s be honest: we’ve all developed some weird habits with plastic. We buy a bottle of water, drink it, feel guilty, and then keep the empty bottle in the back of the car for three weeks "just in case" we need to refill it—only for it to crinkle and degrade in the sun.

Breaking the habit doesn't have to be a chore. Think of it like upgrading your phone or your car. You’re moving from a clunky, inefficient, and expensive system (disposable bottles) to a sleek, high-performance, and cost-effective one. It’s the ultimate lifestyle "glow-up."

Setting Up Your Sustainable Hydration Station

If you’re ready to make the switch, here is a simple three-step guide to mastering sustainable hydration in Australia this year:

1. Audit Your Usage: For one week, count how many times you buy or use a single-use plastic bottle. The number might surprise you (and the total cost might slightly terrify you).

2. Invest in a "Home Base": Set up a 9L Glass Benchtop Water Filter in your kitchen. This becomes the "hydration station" for the family. It’s a visual reminder to drink more, and because the water tastes so much better, you’ll find everyone reaching for it naturally.

3. Secure Your "Portable Partner": Keep an Ultra Water Filter Bottle in your bag or car. This eliminates the "emergency purchase" of plastic bottles when you’re out and about.

Looking Forward to A Plastic-Free Future

As we look toward the rest of 2026, the move away from single-use plastics is only going to accelerate. Government regulations are changing, and consumer expectations are shifting. By investing in high-quality eco-friendly water filters like Earths Water, you’re staying ahead of the curve and setting an example for your community.

Every time you refill your glass benchtop filter or head out with your reusable bottle, you are making a vote for the kind of Australia you want to see. One with cleaner beaches, healthier families, and significantly less rubbish in our bins.