The Filtered Files - Filters Fast

Earth Day: Help the Environment and Go Reusable!

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Filter-tap-water-save-environment

IMAGE CREDIT: oliveventures.com

On April 22, 2014 the world will celebrate Earth Day, an annual day in which various events are held around the world to show support for environmental protection. One of the best ways you can protect the environment is by going reusable. Many have switched to using reusable bags and more, but what about making the switch to reusable water bottles? I may be preaching to the choir, but there are serious disadvantages to drinking bottled water. Reusable water bottles are more environmentally friendly and save you the long-term cost of paying extra money for plastic water bottles. There are three main reasons for you to start (or continue) using reusable water bottles.

Reduce waste: Did you know that the materials used to package bottled water takes hundreds of years to bio-degrade? It is believed that more than 80% of all plastic water bottles are simply thrown away and becomes litter. An estimated 2 million tons of discarded water bottles clog our nation’s landfills.

Save Money: The above graphic says it all when it comes to saving money. We pay much more for bottled water than we do for tap water. You are paying around 5 cents an ounce (when you consider the price per ounces in the average plastic water bottle) versus about a cent per gallon for tap water. Regardless of claims, the regulations surrounding plastic water bottles are less stringent than the regulations surrounding your local water supplier. The US public water system is monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which requires numerous daily tests for toxins and bacteria.

Be Healthier: Many plastic water bottles contain BPA (Bisphenol A) which studies have shown to be harmful to your health. It has been connected to cancer and hormonal issues. By switching to a reusable BPA-free water bottle, such as the Klean Kanteen water bottle, you are keeping your body protected from the harmful effects of BPA.

Many do not drink tap water because they question its safety or don’t like its taste. While these are concerns are understandable, there are solutions to this problem.

If you are weary about the taste or smell of tap water, carbon filters are the way to go. By reducing harmful bacteria and odors, you are left with filtered water that is free of smells, bad taste and chlorine. By installing a carbon filter inside your home (or even replacing your refrigerator water filter) you are reducing the amount of possible contaminates in your water supply and reducing bad taste and odor as well.

Stainless Steel Bottle

Reliable construction. Great fit for your house!

So are you ready to make the switch? If so, we suggest the Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel water bottle. Made from BPA free, food-grade stainless steel, this is an ideal alternative to bottled water. One of the best features of the Klean Kanteen bottles is found in its construction. These stainless water bottles will not impart or retain any odors or flavors. Unlike many plastic water bottles, the Klean Kanteen will not leech harmful chemicals into your drink. This water bottle is 100% recyclable, dishwasher safe, and is available in many sizes such as a 27 oz. capacity (pictured).

If you have already made the switch to reusable water bottles, congratulations! Urge your friends to do the same and drop the bottle! We offer a wide selection of reusable water bottles such as Vapur water bottles, and Brita water bottles. Browse through and choose which you prefer. In honor of Earth Day, let’s make an effort to go reusable! What is your favorite reusable water bottle? Don’t be shy and let us know in the comments below.

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The “ATM Machine of Bottled Water” – Without the Bottle

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Pura Vida H2O logoPura Vida H2O has come out with what it hopes will become the “ATM Machine of Bottled Water”, but without the bottle. The concept is similar to that of EcoWell, a filtered water “vending machine” which we wrote about last year. Basically, anyone wanting water on the go can bring their own reusable bottle and refill it with purified tap water from one of Pura Vida’s filtered water dispensers, for 50 cents – a fraction of what it costs to buy plastic bottled water, and 5 cents less than what EcoWell charges. 450 machines are expected to be up-and-running around the country by mid-summer, and some of them will sell reusable water bottles for $10 to accommodate empty-handed, thirsty patrons.

Pros?

At first glance this sounds like the perfect innovative solution to the problem of plastic bottle waste. The average person saves about $2,100, along with over 1,400 plastic bottles a year by taking advantage of these filtered water dispensers. Simply bring your own reusable water bottle from home, and you’ve got the convenience of bottled water, without the environmental waste.

Cons?

50 cents is a fraction of the cost of your average bottle of water, but it is a LARGE fraction, considering that tap water is regularly tested and costs only half a cent per glass. And if you upgrade from the 16-oz size to the 24-oz size, you’re paying 75 cents instead of 50. While that is about half the cost of a bottle of water, with the added benefit of saving the environment, many people might question the idea of paying that much for water, period, filtered or not. Especially when you can buy a Filtrete Water Station, (a.k.a 4 bottle water filter) which will refill 4 reusable bottles at once, with filtered tap water right from your kitchen sink. These bottles can be stored in your refrigerator, and taken on-the-go, just as easily as a Klean Kanteen, and the cost for water is not nearly as much. The “ATM Machine” concept is also a little unsettling, since ATM’s are typically associated with unreasonable, annoying charges and usage fees.

What do you guys think? Is the Pura Vida concept a good idea? Is 50 cents worth the convenience of filtered water on-the-go? Or would you rather use a Filtrete Water Station and do it yourself for much less?

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“Water Eggs” and Weekend Deals…

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Aquaovo egg shaped water filter systemThis weekend’s discounted product feature is the Pentek QC10-SED Water Filter Cartridge. This inline filter cartridge reduces sediment down to the 5 micron level in your drinking water and is compatible with any Pentek Q10 system that uses a quick change, 10-inch water filter system. We will be selling it this weekend only for $14.99 (regularly $17). The sale will start this afternoon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Since the specifications on that filter cartridge are pretty simple, we have also decided to highlight another product line that was recently featured in the news: the Aquaovo egg-shaped water filter.

While we don’t currently carry any filtration systems quite like this, we thought the design concept was worth talking about. Aquaovo vessels are made of chemical-free porcelain with lead-free glazing. The filter cartridge, which contains filter media made of carbon, quartz crystal and ceramic pellets, is made from hand-blown, lead-free Pyrex glass. Very little plastic is contained in the unit, itself, making Aquaovo an environmentally-friendly alternative to bottled water (which, as you know, we fully support). What’s more, the system is aesthetically pleasing, easy to clean, and effective at reducing most impurities. While I’m not sure I’d use it as an everyday home water filter, it is the perfect water dispenser for special events such as weddings or corporate parties; it requires no plumbing attachments, using gravity as a filtration mechanism, and it is able to hold up to 11 liters of water at a time.

Aquaovo is currently on sale in Canada, the United States and parts of Europe. The concept for this four-stage filtration system was inspired by the idea that when liquid is stored in an egg-shaped vessel, it encourages the water molecules to move, and when water moves, it apparently tastes different. I’m not sure I’m sold on that idea, but if it’s true, it could be an inspiration to water filter manufacturers and designers worldwide.  If you’re interested in having us test out this theory in one of our upcoming Filters Fast YouTube videos, let us know in the comments section below. In the meantime, let all your friends know about our weekend special on Facebook and Twitter!

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