According to the Pacific Institute, more than 200 billion liters of bottled water were sold internationally in 2007, with that number expected to rise.

In 2006, 44 percent of all bottled water in the United States originated from a municipal water source and was labeled “purified water.” Water from the tap requires 2,000 times less energy than that needed to produce, fill, label, transport and cool bottled water.

An estimated 50 million barrels of oil are used each year to produce the plastic bottles alone. Only 23 percent of plastic drink containers are ever recycled.

One pitcher water filter can replace as many as 300 plastic 16.9 ounce bottles, and each filter is replaceable.

By filling your reusable water bottles at home, you save money, eliminate waste and reduce your carbon footprint.

– Source: Nicole A. Woodman, city of Flagstaff sustainability manager

Of course, because plastic bottles are not and can never be sustainable, we should be banning them entirely. Refusing to use them is just a good start.