As I walk through my local Publix supermarket, I see so many shopping carts full of bottled
water and other flavored beverages. If you are one of those people, please take a minute
and read this article. I have put together some tips that can help people get off the
bottle, save money, and have even better water.

1. Bottled water is very expensive. No matter what brand or how much you pay for it, bottled water is extremely expensive compared to your own tap water at home. The companies that bottle water have to get the water, bottle it, ship it, market and advertise it, just to get it to your store. These costs can cause you to pay anywhere from 69 cents per gallon to as as high as $3, maybe even higher. If bottled water quality was much higher than tap water, the cost might make sense. Unfortunately, most bottled water comes from the same sources that tap water comes from. Bottled water is also monitored much less frequently than tap water. Bottled water is monitored by the FDA, and tap water is monitored by the EPA, which sets strict standards for tap water quality.

2. Bottled water has an enormous impact on the environment. It takes alot of water just to manufacture the bottle itself, then you have to fill it. I used to drink alot of bottled water before I was introduced to tap water filtration methods. I did some research on my expenditures and I found out that I was spending about $40 a month on bottled water, and throwing away over 100 bottles every month. That was only for drinking, not cooking, ice cubes, or giving it to my pets. If I would have used bottled water for everything, I would have spent almost $100 a month and thrown away over 200 bottles! I never really paid attention to my consumption, I was just doing the same as everyone else. When I installed my tap water filtration system, I went from spending $40 a month on bottled water for limited use, to $47 every six months. Filtered tap water should be used for cooking, drinking, ice cubes, pet water, and anything else that you consume. Now, instead of throwing away over 1200 bottles a year, I throw away 2 small filters. See drinking water filters

3. Plastic bottles have come under a lot of scrutiny about possible health concerns. It turns out that plastic has been found to leach into whatever beverage it contains. These plastic byproducts can be dangerous in large amounts. I always recommend keeping liquids in glass containers, which are sanitary, reusable, and non toxic. Just another good reason to avoid bottled water for regular use.

4. Flavored drinks can be made at home for much less than what bottled flavored beverages cost. I am a big fan of Crystal Light and other low calorie mixes. I keep some glass bottles in the fridge with whatever flavors I like. I use my own water and container, which saves a lot of money in the long run. Making your own beverages is another way to save money and reduce impact on the environment.

5. Filtered water is a smart choice for anyone concerned about their health and well being. Your body is 70% water. If you maintain 70% of your body with clean water, you only have the other 30% to worry about. It is hands down the easiest, most cost effective way of maintaining good health for you and your family. Filtered water can cost as little as 8 cents per gallon, saving you money and minimizing the environmental impact.