Darn if we know how much we spend each year on those water pitcher filters, but it's still got to be a lot less than spending the money on enviro-unfriendly bottled water [opening a door for controversy]. Now someone has found a way to hack water pitcher filters for a lot less than those $6-$10 replacements....
How To: Refill a "Disposable" Brita Filter
An Instructables user by the name of "IAMSatisfied" has posted an informative how-to step-by-step process showing how to replace the contents of a Brita pitcher's filter with less than a dollar worth of new filtering material (we did note that a commenter recommends using activated silver impregnated charcoal to prevent mold growth).
Unfortunately we use a different brand whose filter top doesn't look as drill friendly as the flat top Brita model (we wonder if Brita will catch on soon and redesign their filters to prevent this money saving hack). But we think this would be a great money and environment saving hack for those of you who can find a source for the "chlorgon" material and have the list of tools on hand.
Seems like you can get away with just using activated charcoal if you keep your water in the fridge, but only for a couple of weeks at a time before you start risking drinking the equivalent of pond water. I guess for now, we'll stick with our regular filters and save up for some reverse osmosis action.
[via Instructables: How to refill a "disposable" Brita brand water pitcher filter with activated carbon
Comments (5)
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how bizarre! my pitcher in on my kitchen counter right now waiting to get its filter replaced (i took out the old one this morning). yeah, i'll just stick with replacing the old filter with its store-bought replacement sitting in the cabinet. i'll probably only try this instructable when i run out of the replacement ones i have in stock and feel more bold.
view *heather leaf*'s profile
No way are enough people going to start sourcing carbon and plugs and getting out the drill in enough numbers to worry Brita about changing their filter model.
I think refilling the filters is a great idea, but it would be even greater if they actually just sold refillable filters, with a top that you can open and refill. The easier it is to do, the more people will do it. (Especially since it would also save you money!)
view Deeliscious's profile
Why would Brita want to make something you can do it yourself for cheaper instead of doing it for you and charging you a lot more.
That seems like it would be the opposite of their financial plan...
view jmorey's profile
When someone starts making a filter that gives me sparkling water, I'll buy it. Until then, San Pelligrino all the way.
view HongKonger's profile
I think Brita could market refillable filters and note their eco-friendly factor. Companies will often take that initiative if they believe it will result in positive press and more consumers in the long run. Let's hope either Brita or PUR take the chance.
view gregory's profile