Last Updated on April 25, 2023

Learn how to filter without water using an unexpected, eco friendly water filter! Many people want clean, filtered water since tap water is notoriously full of toxins and heavy metals. However, most water filters use wasteful filters and a lot of plastic.

This plastic free water filter couldn’t be easier to use! Instead of using plastic and disposable filters that often need to be replaced, this non plastic water filter can be used for months and composted once it’s used up! Learning how to filter water without a filter is simple, cost-effective, and a great way to learn how to filter water without plastic! Just a simple, eco friendly water filter in your water bottle.

how to filter water without a filter

Coming from Arkansas, the idea of filtering water had never crossed my mind. Arkansas has pure, spring-fed mineral water.

It’s some of the best tasting water in the world. If you live in Arkansas and buy bottled water, I could slap you. When I left Arkansas to embark on my acting journey, I brought along with me my trusty bobble.

It’s a water bottle that filters the water as you drink. It’s plastic but was a lifesaver in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida. Florida has to have some of the nastiest water in the US. And, while California isn’t the worst… it’s no Arkansas.

The water is very, very hard here. It has caused a litany of skin problems. My hair isn’t fluffy, my skin is dry, and I’m more prone to breakouts. You want to know why women in the south have big hair? Besides teasing, it’s literally in the water.

After almost two years, I’m finally finding a new system to help with these issues. I was starting to get used to drinking our tap too, but Justin was very insistent on filtered water.

We’re both well aware that bottled water is no safer than tap water; plus it’s an exorbitant waste of money. I don’t want my drinking water surrounded by plastic, whether it’s single-use or more permanent. Bottled water and Brita pitchers were both out.

Brita pitchers, fridge filters, and most all water filters use activated charcoal to filter water. I’m sure this name rings a bell… it’s been used in my eyeliner and face mask recipe.

I stumbled into the world of activated charcoal when trying to make eyeliner and mascara. I watched this great video tutorial, but making it from scratch seems difficult and time-consuming.  Luckily, Rainbow has it in bulk, and I am so grateful for that!

And then the idea was born — how to filter water without a filter, using activated charcoal. Instead of using activated charcoal particles, I just use an entire activated charcoal stick. It works the same as every other filter, just in a different form. 

how to filter water using charcoal

Ok, so the question remains: exactly how to filter water without using a plastic filter?

A plain stick of activated charcoal will act as your plastic free water filter. Simply place the activated charcoal stick in a glass carafe full of tap water and let it sit for several hours. Don’t use a plastic jug; it really needs to be glass or stainless. I use an upcycled glass milk bottle. 

Activated charcoal naturally bonds with toxins. This means your homemade water filter will remove mercury, chlorine, copper, and even lead. It does not remove fluoride. So, don’t worry! I am getting plenty of fluoride without having it in my toothpaste.

how long does the plastic free water filter last?

This simple, non plastic water filter will last around 4 months. They do take a little bit of maintenance. Every 3-4 weeks the surface will fill up with toxins. You need to release the toxins so that it will keep working. It’s very simple. Just boil the stick for 10-15 minutes, discard the water, and it’s ready to use again!

what happens to the non plastic water filter at that point?

Nothing really happens to it. It simply loses its efficacy at absorbing the toxins and will need to be replaced. However, thanks to being a zero waste option, you’re able to compost it or use it as a deodorizer once you’re done using it as a filter. I keep one under Nala’s kennel. You could keep one in the fridge, by your shoes, or any other place you need to help control odor. 

faqs

where can I buy a charcoal stick to use as an eco friendly water filter?

There are several options out there, but I like this one and this one because the packaging for either is compostable. 

Many health food stores or even bulk grocery stores carry them in stock. I always suggest shopping locally before ordering online!

why can’t i just use a brita?

There is nothing wrong with Brita pitchers. It is still wayyyyyy less waste in the long run than buying bottled water. But, once your Brita pitcher is no longer in working condition, consider switching to this eco-friendly option. Plus, it will save you a lot of money! Brita refills aren’t cheap. 

How do you filter your water? Would you give a charcoal stick a try? 

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