My family and I have been longtime Brita fans. That filtered pitcher of tap water is a mainstay in our fridge. But that’s pretty tough to keep up on the go, especially when I’m trying to remember to fill four sippy cups for four little kids I’m struggling to get out the door.

That’s why I’m really happy that we’re working with Brita, makers of an awesome new Brita filtered water bottle for kids. This gives me the chance to tell you six of the reasons we’ve moved away from bottled water in recent years.

Starting with money…

1. It’s cheaper.

Using tap water is significantly cheaper than buying bottled water, obviously. Even with the purchase of filtered bottles and pitchers, you’ll save yourself a whole lot of money by ditching the bottled stuff or those giant water tanks, and using what’s coming out of your own sink. In fact, try stashing away money that you might have spent on bottled water in a special place for a month and you’ll be amazed what you can end up with.

2. It’s better for the environment. And you.

I started reading up on the production of plastic bottles and it blew my mind. Right now, to keep up
with the current demand, it requires about 17 million barrels of oil and uses 2.5 tons of plastic–and nearly 90% of that is unfortunately not recycled.

What’s worse, you shouldn’t refill plastic bottles because they just weren’t made for that. They break down over time and with sun exposure–which can cause the plastic to leach chemicals into the water. Yuck.

3. It’s safer.

The tap water in the United States is among the safest in the world today, especially when it’s filtered. It’s also important to note that the Environmental Protection Agency has much stricter standards for the quality of tap water than the FDA does for the water you might be buying in bottles.
Surprising, right?

Brita filtered water bottles for kids

4. You use less water! 

Just like turning off your sink while you do dishes or brush your teeth saves water, so does drinking tap water. It takes an enormous amount of water just to bottle the water in one tiny bottle–almost six to seven times what you’re drinking.

5. It’s what you’re probably getting anyway. 

Did you know that as much as 40% of bottled water sold in the United States is just filtered tap water? We’re talking major brands from major companies that you see every day. If you see phrases like “from a municipal source” or “community water system” on the label…yup, it’s pretty much just tap water you’re paying for.

6. It’s easier if you have the right bottles.

While you can put filtered water right into any reusable bottle, that doesn’t help when the kids run out. That’s what’s cool about the Brita Bottle for Kids, which has a filter built right in for refills at the sink or the water fountain.

I have to admit that I was so in love with it, I went out and bought them for all four of my kids. The 13-oz size is perfect for their little hands, but plenty big enough that they’re getting serious hydration. And even better, I don’t have to worry about trying to find bottled water when we’re out or even when my kids are at school, since they can fill up right from the tap in their classroom. Awesome!

You can learn more about the new Brita Bottle for Kids on their website. Find it at most large stores and grocery markets, as well as at our affiliate Amazon.com. Our thanks to our sponsor Brita for providing us with one to try out–even though we did end up going out to buy more!