My Plastic Bottle Goal

Every bit helps, right? I know I can't alter the universe with my acts of conservation, but as I live the eco-life, I hope my influence rubs off. For instance, I'm taking it upon myself to try to change my father from a wasteful plastic water bottle buying person into one who uses a water filter and non disposable receptacle.

Every time I visit my parents home, the upstairs refrigerator is filled with plastic water bottles (Okay, maybe not filled but I would say there are at least ten in there at any one time). The remainder of the case, which in all likelihood was purchased in bulk, is stored in the downstairs refrigerator. This is a waste of money and resources.

Since my father feels the need to have a lot of cold water on hand at all times, he could easily save at least $143.43 a year by switching to a filtered water. The savings is based on the assumption that one bottle of water is consumed each day of the year versus the cost of pouring a glass of filtered water.

The cost of a 24 pack of 16.9 oz bottles of Nestle brand bottled water costs $13.99 according to amazon.com. Nestle brands vary by region, but include Zepharillis, Ozarka, Ice Mountain, Arrowhead, Deer Park and Poland Spring. A bottle a day would cost $212.42 a year.

Meanwhile, the green option costs much less. The cost of a Brita Grand water pitcher, which holds 80 oz of water, is $26.99 at Target. The Brita pitcher, like other water filters reduces sediment, chlorine, copper, mercury and lead. Studies have shown the filtered water has the same makeup as the water from a store bought bottle. The cost of a 16 oz CamelBak Better Bottle is $12.00 on rei.com. The bottle is BPA free and dishwasher safe. However, if one is not worried about bisphenol A leeching out of the plastic and into drinking water there are much cheaper alternatives (we're taking baby steps). Add those together and you spend $38.99. Even when you throw in three Brita filter replacements at $7.34 a piece at target you're still saving more than $100 a year. Saving money is one thing that appeals to even those who are skeptical of global warming and the effect of their carbon foot print on the planet.

I figure if I can get my dad to convert I'll accomplish three goals. First I will help my dad save money. Second, even though he recycles, I will be helping him be less wasteful. Goods take energy and resources to make and then when recycled, it takes energy to convert the materials back into something useful. Lastly, I will fulfill my goal of continuing to come up with new ways to conserve the environment.