Installing a water filtration system at home can significantly contribute to reducing plastic emissions. Here are several ways this step can help cut down plastic consumption:
1. Reducing bottled water usage
Eliminating the need to buy bottled water
Having a home filtration system eliminates the need to purchase bottled water. Tap water, once filtered, is safe to drink and tastes just as good as bottled water.
The cost of 1 liter of water from a reverse osmosis (RO) system is significantly lower than bottled water – approximately 0.25 PLN per liter.
Reducing the production of plastic bottles
Every bottle of water that doesn’t need to be purchased means one less bottle that has to be produced, transported, or disposed of. Producing plastic for water bottles is energy-intensive and results in CO2 emissions and other pollutants.
2. Reducing plastic waste
Lower volume of plastic waste
Fewer purchased plastic bottles mean less waste overall. Although some bottles are recycled, many end up in landfills or oceans, contributing to environmental pollution.
3. Saving energy and resources
Lower energy use for production and transportation
Producing and transporting bottled water requires substantial amounts of energy and fuel. Reducing the demand for bottled water decreases the use of these resources.
4. Promoting sustainable habits
Education and environmental awareness
Installing a filtration system can encourage eco-friendly habits among household members. It may also inspire others to take similar steps, creating a broader impact on reducing plastic emissions.
Examples of how plastic emissions can be reduced:
- Reusable bottles
- Using reusable bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles.
- This reduces the production of disposable plastic bottles.
- Water filters
- Using filters in pitchers, under-sink systems, or whole-house filtration systems.
- This eliminates the need to buy bottled water.
Summary
Installing a water filtration system at home can significantly reduce plastic consumption by lowering the demand for bottled water, reducing plastic waste, saving energy and resources, and promoting sustainable habits. This action not only helps protect the environment but can also bring financial benefits by cutting the cost of purchasing bottled water.