Water Filter Jug, which one to choose?

2nd June 2020

In the attempt to embrace a Zero Waste and Low Impact lifestyle, one of my very first objectives has been to reduce the considerable level of plastic bottles that I produce on a daily basis. It is unbelievable to think about that until some weeks back, I used to buy bottles and bottles and more bottles of water from affordable stores such as Asda or Lidl or Aldi, to the extent that at some point I thought that my recycling bin was overflowing beyond control. This is crazy if I think the London tap water is actually drinkable!

I know it sounds weird, but for me buying bottled water has always been normal since I was a child. In the region where I am from in Italy, Sardinia, years back, the tap water was not drinkable, I think it was due to pollution and draught and so we used to buy in bulk from the shops. And this practise has not changed since then.

When I moved to London, 15 years ago, I used to live in Barons Court in an incredibly old Victorian House. I still remember that the smell of the water was terrible, and I could not stand it so since then I used to buy bottled water even here in London. Long lasting habits are hard to change as they say.

However, the amount of waste, for one person only, it is just way too much. Something had to change and after all the tap water is drinkable. I started reading and researching and I even ended up spotting the report on the Affinity Water website, to see composition and general information on the quality of the water. I have even found advices and recommendations on why we should drink tap water rather than bottled water and I must admit, there were even few new discoveries for me.

Drinking tap water is sustainable but it also looks like that tap water contains more magnesium and minerals than any bottled ones. This is like a revelation if I think that I am actually taking magnesium tablets right now for muscles recovery as an integration in my diet.

This was an eye opening and there and there I decided that it was time to change and act now on plastic reduction. The first step was to find and invest in the filter jug to ensure that water was free from bacteria or any other nastiness.

How did I choose my water filter jug?

If you are a newbie, and you are starting to look for a filter jug, you would soon notice that the first one that comes up in every shop and on top of both Google and Amazon researches, is without doubt the Brita one. It is by far the most popular and widely available, however this has not been my choice. The first reason that put me off was surely the fact that Brita jug is made of plastic and my view is now that I would like to be surrounded in my house by materials that are natural and sustainable like wood, glass, ceramic, bamboo and so on. To add to this, was also the fact the filters are actually not widely recycled, and they are equally made of plastic. Two main reasons to decline the purchase!

The second option I considered was the usage of the charcoal bar inside the bottle. This is an old Japanese custom and it still used while camping to disinfect the wild water. The charcoal has the power to attract bacteria and impurities. If you think you normally use it in your face and skincare as a deep cleanser, anti blemish, anti bacteria and so on on your skin, imaging what charcoal can do to your tummy and system!

Anyway, although I was tempted, I did not see this as an option to be considered for the long term and so, I passed on this for now.

In the end, I have checked out all the different options available on Amazon as well as different blogs on the subject. And there I have found the solution.

My choice went on the Phox, water jug for a few reasons. The jug has a capacity of 2l and the bottom part is made of glass whilst the top is BPA without plastic. Phox has a cylinder shape, very stylish and suitable for any kitchen look. The filter is in powder which last for 45 days and it sent by post while it is no longer available. It is manufactured in Scotland and it costs approx. £39. It has also its own app to inform you when to change the filter. You can find it in two options alkaline and normal, I chose the latter. You can find it on Amazon and on the Phox website. It is the best solution for me in terms of material, scope, it does the job and it is sustainable. So mission accomplished. The filter costs £13.99 and you can find it here on Amazon Phox Water Filter . You can find more information on the jug on their website Phox Water.

Final Thoughts

After weeks of using the Phox jug, I am happily able to say that I am fully satisfied, and I do not regret my purchase by any stretch of imagination. I highly recommend it!

What is your opinion on the filter jug? Which one do you use? Hopefully I helped you in making a decision.

Love

Laura

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