Noah Wegener Reducing your carbon footprint does not have to be expensive. In fact, being environmentally friendly often results in saving money.

Some of the less noticed problems are also easier to fix. One of these problems is purchasing goods that have large carbon histories. Many of these goods travel long distances, often only to be offered alongside a much more local alternative.

One of the most ubiquitous items in this category is bottled water. Americans use about 70 billion plastic water bottles per year. The entire life cycle of the water bottle is carbon intensive. Producing plastic from crude oil, bottling water in one location to be shipped long distances, and the disposal of the water bottle quickly after purchase all make this the costliest way to get 16 oz. of water to an individual.

To fix this problem and reduce your carbon footprint, drink tap water. Bottled water is often tap water bottled far from your home, anyway. Most tap water in the U.S. is entirely safe to drink.

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