Banish bottled water once and for all

One Canadian household in five relies mainly on bottled water to quench its thirst. Are you part of that statistic and want to make a change? Here is what you need to do to reduce your bottled water consumption.

Take your time

It takes around 30 days to break a habit. So be patient.

Tackle the process like a project you will carry out in several steps. Establish a plan and put it in writing.

• Set realistic goals.
• Know why you are making the change: your motivations should have a solid foundation.
• Think about the triggers that drive you to buy bottled water. Then name them.
• Finally, consider some good habits to replace the triggers that crop up.
• Have you already tried and failed? Note the obstacles you face. Knowing your enemy will help you defeat it.

Surround yourself with winning conditions. Are you really ready to banish bottled water? Stock up on reusable bottles.

Do you think you will reach your goal in 60 days instead of 30? No worries. Remain positive and advance slowly but surely.

Know the alternatives to single-use bottles

At home

People often drink bottled water because they do not like the taste of water from the tap.

In such cases, it would be a wise choice to use a water supplier. Some water cooler models load below to avoid having to lift heavy water jugs.

Now that’s handy! And bottles can be returned and refilled. A bonus for the environment.

There are also drinking water taps with a filter on the market that you can DIY install on sinks.

Finally, less-costly filtered pitchers are another alternative to ensure you have tap water to your taste.

On the go

Reusable water bottles come in a variety of shapes, colours and materials.

Get bottles you find appealing and that you will enjoy using.

Worried about forgetting your bottle at home?

• Leave a bottle in the car at all times.
• Always keep a bottle in your backpack or purse. Collapsible silicone models take up the least space.
• Keep some bottles on hand in the hallway. You will think to grab one on your way out if they are stored in plain sight and not hidden away in a cupboard.

Dare to compare

For the most part, Canadian households have access to quality tap water. Just because you don’t like the taste doesn’t mean it is bad for you to drink.

Treated water sold in Canada comes from municipal water distribution systems or surface sources. How does it differ from tap water?

• It is treated, indeed, but does have a quality similar to tap water.
• It can sit in plastic bottles on store shelves for a long time … it is not renewed and less fresh, whereas tap water only stays between 24-48 hours in the system.
• It has a higher selling price as bottlers must transport it to various points of sale.

Tap water ends up being a better choice for the environment, not to mention your health and wallet.