I ditched drinking bottled water years ago, and can't be happier about this decision. Below, I'll share my reasons and thoughts on the topic, as well as different options on how to start saving money and drinking BETTER water. 

Growing up in Ukraine, I always drank tap water. It was tasty, cold, and free. After I moved to the US in 2009, I found that the tap water had an unpleasant taste and smell, and although it was safe to drink, I started buying bottled water because it was the better option at the time. But as weeks and months were passing, I noticed how much plastic I was going through, and although I was recycling, I still felt that it was unreasonable to leave a piece of plastic behind every time I felt thirsty. So, that's where the first reason to ditch bottled water originated.

REASON #1. PLASTIC FOOTPRINT

Did you know that only 1 in 5 water bottles is recycled in the US? Where do the rest of the bottles go? Trash? Well, yeah, but where does the trash go? It still stays on planet Earth, where we live. It takes over 500 years for a plastic bottle to decompose, so it'll hang around long after us. I read once that when we throw away a plastic bottle, we don't really throw it away, we just put it in a different place on our planet. After reading that, I took a minute to absorb it. Yes, it is a very wise and true statement. I don't even need to take into account the polluted oceans and suffering animals to stop drinking bottled water. For me, knowing that I am not leaving tons of plastic bottles behind for my great-great-grandkids to see is a good enough reason not to buy bottled water.

REASON #2. THE COST

It is also very costly to drink bottled water. It may not seem that way, but if you add up your yearly water expense, you'll be surprised. Water shouldn't be so expensive, and it's not. Bottled water is expensive!

REASON #3. HEALTH CONCERNS

Plastic isn't just bad for the planet, it’s not good for us, either. You've probably noticed that bottled water can sometimes taste a little plastic-y, and that’s not just a coincidence. Chemicals in the plastic can leach into bottled water, especially when exposed to heat or when the bottle is old. Read more here: The Negative Effects of Using Plastic Drinking Bottles

There are many more reasons for why not to drink bottled water, but the three reasons I outlined above were enough for me and my whole family to stop drinking and buying bottled water for good.

BOTTLED WATER ALTERNATIVES  

Nowadays, there are many ways to get great quality water into your home and your glass, skipping the bottles and plastic waste altogether.

WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM

We have used the APEC Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration System for two years now and I just cannot be happier with it. The water tastes AMAZING, and it flows right from the spout near the sink. We bought it from Amazon for $229 and it was worth every penny. This may seem expensive, but it is actually a very good investment and saves us money in the long run. Here’s how:

We bought the system for $229. The first three filters ($49.95 for a six-pack) have to be replaced yearly and the last three ($98.95 for all six) within 3 years. So, the total expense for the three years we use this system is $377.90. That's a $10.49 monthly expense to keep our family of four hydrated. If I take into account that we'll be using this system beyond the three years, just replacing the filters, it'll reduce the monthly expense even further.

Now, let's look at how much it would cost to keep a family of four hydrated for a month by purchasing bottled water. Let's say a person drinks four 16oz. bottles per day. That's 120 bottles per person, per month; and 480 bottles per family of four. If you buy cheap water, you'd pay about $4 per 32-pack. You'd need 15 packs a month. That's $60!

So, the difference is quite significant. On top of that, I drink more than 64 oz. of water per day. And I also use this water for tea and coffee.

This Water Filtration System is really a great investment for a family of 2+, but may not be the best option for a single person, or for someone renting an apartment for the short term because it's hard to move around and requires initial installation.

(You can see how this water filtration looks in my kitchen in the photo below)

PITCHER WATER FILTERS

These are very affordable, cute, and just a great way to start your bottle-free water journey. Pitcher water filters are super easy to use. Just fill the pitcher with tap water and then stash the pitcher in the fridge. This Waterdrop Extream Long-Lasting (200 Gallons), 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher with Wooden Handle can be bought for $22.49 from Amazon.com.

COUNTERTOP WATER FILTERS

Countertop filters are also great. They just stay right next to your sink and filter the water from the tap, dispensing it directly from the appliance. This APEX MR-1030 Countertop Water Filter looks like something I would buy.

There are many other options for people seeking to ditch bottled water. I think if you have enough reasons and the desire, you can definitely find an option that fits your budget and taste buds. 🙂

What are your thoughts on this topic? Can't wait to hear your opinion. Thanks for stopping by!