Goodbye bottled water, hello Brita

How I'm saving money by switching to a water filter.

Photo by Zach Vessels on Unsplash

The first malfunction arrived in the form of a crack.

It was a small nuisance but one I could work around. Over the weekend, however, the problem worsened.

When my water filter’s handle snapped, I knew it no longer could be saved. I already had been forced to prevent water from spraying by covering the crack with one hand for months. Now, I had to reach for a pair of pliers just to turn on the filter. It wasn’t sustainable. I needed a new water filter immediately.

The past seven months revealed its value.

Before my Brita filter began breaking down, I enjoyed its life-changing benefits. Something that was gifted to me for my birthday last fall quickly evolved into an everyday staple. It’s improved my health, increased my discipline and saved me countless dollars.

Prior to making the shift, I foolishly was buying bottled water every week. It didn’t seem like a big deal, but the cost mounted and easily could have been avoided.

I robotically purchased as many as four, three-liter jugs of water from the grocery store each week. At nearly $1.50 per bottle, I was spending upwards of $300 annually on water. And that doesn’t account for the 5 cents Chicago tax levied on each bottle of water.

The only thing worse than blowing that money was hearing Parker get on my case for not recycling the used plastic bottles. Remember, she’s hellbent on being an “earth-helper.”

Those days are done.

I shared at the start of this month that I carry a gallon jug with me wherever I go. But rather than buying a new jug, I fill up the same one when it runs out. It’s become my method of recycling, while also reducing my expenses.

Peep the crack above the Brita label on the left. The filter handle shown broken at right.

The health benefits, meanwhile, have been immense. Start with how it’s kept me properly hydrated, which is most important to me. It’s helped me lose weight, which never was my goal. It’s also allowed me to tone my body, which has long been a desire. The sea change hasn’t just been seen in my waistline but also is noticeable in the suddenly slimmer contour of my face. And I have more energy.

While others might laugh at me lugging around a gallon of water like I’m some sort of lunkhead, I choose to focus on the utility.

I never go thirsty. When I’m out and about, I have no need or desire to pay for water. My gallon also keeps me from craving sugary beverages like pop, another money pit and unhealthy choice.

Keeping ample water by my side has helped to alleviate my reliance on alcohol as well. And that decision has changed my life in so many ways.

That’s why I rushed to Walmart to replace my Brita filter after it gave out this weekend. It matters that much to me. I never knew I’d fall in love with drinking water. But it’s essentially all I drink.

I’ve formed a healthy habit.

Even without the cost-savings, it’s a habit worth keeping.