Bottled Water and being "Green"

I’ve got to confess, my household contributes to waste; we buy bottled water.

Yes; bottled water. Only a small percentage of recycled plastic can be reused and I know this. It's hard to make the switch to tap water. That word seems like a curse word.

Growing up we didn't buy bottled water. My dad installed a water filtration system so we drank super filtered water. Plus I drank a ton of sodas growing up too.

As an adult, I hardly drink sodas. I suppose as a result my taste glands are extra sensitive. Sodas are too sweet for me. And I can tell the difference between bottled water, bottle spring water and tap water. There is a difference!

Warm bottled water tastes like tap water which isn't really that big of a surprise to me since it's labeled as "Purified" water. Dasani or another big company just got in big trouble for not labeling their product source as PWS which stands for PUBLIC WATER SOURCE. Yup; tap water. Story Link

Since I am not like the average yuppie I don't drink bottled tap water unless I need water and there is no other choice then I will buy an occasional bottle of tap water as long as it's cold. When it's warm, it tastes just like tap water to me and I can't drink it.

Bottled SPRING water however is a different story. Since it is bottled from an actual spring, the water is fresh. Of course it is filtered as per regulations but the flavor is pure, untouched; has not been toilet water previously. This water tastes perfect even when warm. No chemical taste at all.

That's the bottled water I buy. It tastes better and it's convenient. I grab a bottle when I run errands and stash it in my purse. I drink the water all day running my errands and this prevents me from stopping at a drive thru and ordering unnecessary calories just because I'm thirsty. This hydrates me and keeps me from getting cranky and a headache.

I try my best to balance environmental consciousness vs. my unnatural consumerism and selfish desires. I am dehydrated with guilt of being part of the problem instead of the solution. How can I balance my need for fresh tasting water while maintaining waste management?

I swallowed my selfishness, took my last gulp and purchased a Brita water pitcher. My water still tastes like tap water, albeit cold tap water. It's a small sacrifice I can do to make my planet a better place for my children and future generations plus it’ll be nice on the pocketbook!