Bottled Water v. Tap Water
A friend asked me recently, "What's the fuss about bottled water? Isn't it green, since we recycle the bottles?"
The best answer I have read lately, covering everything from the health
hazards of petro-chemicals leaching from the bottles into your water,
to the energy from manufacturing and transporting the bottles, to the
very low percentage of bottles that actually get recycled, can be found
in Food and Water Watch's recent report, Take Back the Tap.
But water is still a great low-calorie, sugar-free beverage; so we need
to make it easy on ourselves to keep some at hand. Almost all homes in
the US are blessed with safe drinking water from the tap - and yes,
taste quality varies.
Making the Most of your Tap Water
Make tea
If you are actually worried about bacteria in your tap water, boil it.
In a disaster, boiling is recommended; and if that's enough after a
hurricane or earthquake, it's enough on your average day.
And since you've boiled it, why not make tea? No matter what your taste
preferences, there a hundreds of varieties of hot and iced tea. Many of
them have health benefits, as well.
Remove chlorine
If the only deterrent to drinking your local water is the taste or
smell of chlorine, good news! Fill a container and set it in a clean,
dust-free area overnight. The chlorine from the treatment system will
evaporate; but the water will still be clean and safe.
Filter for taste
You can use a whole-house filter, an at-the-tap filter, or a one-pitcher at a time filter.
Of these, the pitchers cost the least up front. You just lift the lid,
place the filter, and fill with water. Then you can put the pitcher in
the fridge, if you enjoy your water chilled.
The other systems cost more up front, but usually offer filters that work on more issues than taste.
Whole-house water filters are only really necessary if you are worried
about your laundry, dishes, and showers in addition to your drinking
water (to screen out sediment from older water lines, or local water
minerals.)
Add a thin slice of lemon, lime or cucumber to your glass or pitcher.
Ever notice how often fine restaurants and spas do this? It's a simple,
elegant trick that adds a pleasant flavor without making the water tart.
Make your own Soda
Much of the bottled water we buy is seltzer, sparkling water, or soda. You can get rid of that extra plastic, too.
Carry a re-usable water bottle
Plastic is light and handy, but studies show long-term health concerns
from re-using both the softer recyclable bottles and the sturdier
Nalgene ones.
For a car trip, a hike, or other times when bottled water is needed, glass or metal are both good options.
I like glass, because it gives off no flavor of its own and is easy to
wash. So far, I haven't broken a single bottle. And anytime I want a
new one in a particular size, shape or color, I just buy a bottled
drink and remove the label.
Metal is a tried-and-true option, too - remember Boy Scout
canteens? Stainless steel gives off no particular taste, washes well,
and has not been found to leach any harmful substances into hot or cold
beverages.
For more alternatives to bottled water, check out more Healthy Drinks
