The Hidden Costs of Bottled Water vs. Using a Water Filter

Hold on a second–it turns out Aussies are practically swimming in bottled water. Did you know the average Aussie drinks over 600 litres of the stuff every year? That's enough to fill a bathtub…made of plastic bottles! And get this–they're paying way more for bottled water than folks in other countries.

And get this, they’re paying crazy markups compared to other countries for the privilege.

Sure, bottled water seems easy, but is that convenience worth turning your bank account into a desert and our beautiful country into a plastic wasteland? 

Let's be real, there's got to be a smarter way to stay hydrated.

Bottled Water: Your Wallet's Worst Enemy

Grabbing a bottle of water is not that big of a deal, right? But those little purchases are like tiny ninjas, stealthily attacking your bank account. 

A few bottles a day might seem harmless, but let's do the math. That could easily add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year–enough for a fancy new bike or maybe even that gadget you've been eyeing. You could practically book a tropical vacation with the money you'd save by ditching bottled water!

Meanwhile, a good quality water filter is like an investment. Sure, there’s an upfront cost but consider it an investment in your health and your finances. You can trust that your filter will pay for itself many times over, leaving you with a fatter wallet and cleaner, tastier water.

The Environmental Nightmare of Plastic Bottles

Plastic pollution isn't just an eyesore; it's a full-blown environmental disaster, and bottled water is feeding the monster. Those bottles as more than just containers for water—they're practically pollution time bombs. Most of those bottles never see a recycling bin. Instead, they pile up in landfills, pollute the oceans, and endanger marine life that mistake them for food.

The bottles even break down into microplastics, choking marine animals and entering the food chain! If we’re talking about numbers, at least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. That's the equivalent weight of millions of cars! Sadly, plastic bottles are a major part of this pollution problem.

But the damage doesn't stop there. The very act of making and transporting bottled water is incredibly wasteful. 

The energy used to manufacture the plastic, bottle the water, and truck it across the country creates a massive carbon footprint. So, every time you choose bottled water, you're not just buying a drink. It's like you're paying to harm the environment with every sip you take.

Is Bottled Water Really Better? Think Again

You might assume bottled water is inherently safer than tap water, but that's not always the case. The truth is, it's not that simple. Here's why:

The Secret Identity

Here’s a mind-blowing revelation: some of those fancy bottled water brands are pulling a major switcheroo on you! They take regular ol' tap water, maybe run it through a filter, slap on a mountain scene label, and voila! They're charging you way more than it's worth. Talk about a sneaky marketing scheme!

You could be paying a premium for something that's essentially free-flowing from your kitchen faucet. Wouldn't you rather spend that money on something way more exciting?

The Not-So-Dirty Little Secret

Your water bottle is your sneaky frenemy. Sure, it helps you stay hydrated, but it might be secretly sabotaging your health! Over time, especially if that bottle bakes in the sun or gets tossed around, the plastic starts to break down. 

Tiny amounts of chemicals, like BPA and phthalates, can seep into your water–yuck! These chemicals aren't exactly the vitamins you want in your water.

The Lurking Contaminants

Just because it's in a bottle doesn't mean it's liquid gold. Depending on which brand you choose and where they get their water, there's a chance you could be sipping on some unwanted “extras.” Bottled water is a bit of a gamble. 

Sometimes you might get lucky, but other times your fancy bottle of water could be harboring a few surprise guests that aren't listed on the ingredients label.

Tap water in most developed countries is generally safe to drink. But if you're the cautious type (no judgment here!), getting your water tested is a quick and easy way to check. It's like giving your water a thumbs up or thumbs down.

If the test reveals any concerns, then a water filter from trusted brands like Earths Water can be your knight in shining armour, providing cleaner, tastier water for you and your family. Remember, staying informed and taking action is always a good thing, especially when it comes to your health!

The Power of Water Filters

Water filters are the unsung heroes of clean, great-tasting water. They take out the ick factor, like that weird chlorine taste and smell that can linger in tap water. Plus, depending on the type of filter you choose, they can even zap harmful contaminants like lead and cysts. 

What's even better? You'll be doing your wallet and the planet a huge favour. It's like having your own mini water purification station at home. No more trips to the bottled water aisle, just refreshingly clean water ready whenever you want it.

How to Choose the Right Water Filter

Choosing the right water filter can feel like a bit of an adventure, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Let's break it down:

Assess Your Needs

Do you mainly want to improve taste and remove chlorine odour? Jug filters are like the starter pack for better-tasting water. They're affordable, a total breeze to use, and say "bye-bye" to weird tap water smells.

Worried about lead, cysts, or other contaminants? An under-sink system is your powerful protector, offering heavy-duty filtration. Think larger capacity and more intense contaminant-fighting power–perfect for bigger households or if you're concerned about specific nasties in your water.

Not sure what lurks in your water? A water test is like a compatibility test. It's like calling in special forces to reveal exactly what's lurking in your water, so you can choose the filter that'll zap those baddies.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Think about your daily routine and how much water you consume. 

If you’re a solo sipper, a personal pitcher filter might be your perfect match, offering filtered water on the go. For family use, a larger under-sink system is ideal for keeping up with a thirsty household. 

Want a good middle ground? Benchtop alkaline filters, like the Earths Water glass benchtop alkaline water filter, offer decent capacity and a boost of healthy minerals with a stylish countertop design.

Embrace Your Budget

Water filters come in all price ranges. Faucet-mounted filters are the most affordable option, while countertop and pitcher filters offer a good balance of price and functionality. For investment pieces, under-sink systems offer the most robust filtration and can last for years.

But no matter what filter you choose, it's already a total win over bottled water!

Bottled Water, You’re Done

Bottled water might seem like an easy option, but it comes with hidden costs. It has a messy relationship with your bank account and the planet. It's time to break free from plastic waste and overpriced water. If you're ready for a change, Earths Water is here to make it happen.

Investing in a water filter is like giving your water a major glow-up–cleaner, tastier, and way more affordable. Plus, you'll be a total eco-warrior, saving money and helping reduce plastic pollution. Win-win!