Interested in some news that impacts water softeners and filters? On Monday, November 29, 2010, Fiji Water Inc. insisted it was closing their operations in the Pacific Island nation, due to the Fijian government’s decision last week to raise their taxes. On Wednesday, December 1, Fiji Water Inc. reversed their decision and agreed to pay the increased tax from 1/3 of a cent to 15 cents per liter. In reaction to the news, noted environmentalist Ed Begley Jr. said “This is the time for people to stop buying expensive bottled water.  Not only is it environmentally friendly to choose filtered water, it is also good for your health and your monthly budget!  My whole family gets clean, healthy water from every single tap since we installed the LifeSource Whole-House Water System.”

The entire situation begs the question, why buy water from Fiji when you can install a water filtration system in your own home especially one that is made in America.  When you purchased Fiji water, the environmental impact is huge.  The bottles are shipped from China to Fiji, the water bottles are shipped from Fiji to the United States, the bottles are trucked to the stores, the bottles are purchased and driven to homes and THEN, 20 percent of the bottles make it to the recycling plant while the rest languish in our landfills.  Sounds crazy, and it is!

Fiji has been the target of a number of environmental groups who claim that Fiji Water is produced at a high environmental cost with their production plant running on diesel 24 hours a day and importing plastic bottles by sea from China.  According to an Australian news report, a one-liter bottle of Fiji Water results in 0.25kg of greenhouse emissions.  Fiji responded with increased recycling and a reduction in packaging and energy used at the bottling plant.

For substantial saving, less hassles and the betterment of the environment, the time is ripe to install a whole house water filtration system.  Not only will you have clean, great tasting water from every faucet in your home, but you will also enjoy the benefits of showering in water free of the damaging effects of chlorine.