Comments on: Water Filters & my letter to Brita

By: water ionizers

water ionizers — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:30:02 +0000

Water ionizers are used for the general purpose of purifying the water that comes from our taps and it has been recommended by most health experts.

By: Probono

Probono — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:49:00 +0000

I read all the posts about the Brita filter with interest. My husband insisted we could send them back to Brita but now I know that’s only possible in the UK.

I’m pleased that Brita don’t ship US cartridges to Germany for recycling because that wouldn’t make sense – but I know Roger gone green is right – US law is the culprit here. It’s not law so they don’t have to provide a facility – the filters are all the same.

The only way to reduce filter waste it seems is not to use them at all. My question is does ALL tap water really needs to be filtered? The water where we are ’stinks’ of flouride and it makes me gag to drink it so I do filter, but honestly is it the same eveywhere?
I hope the folks writing to Clorox in Canada get some response on when they’re going to get a recycle plant here…. otherwise mine’s in the fridge for the forseable future.

By: Fake Plastic Fish

Fake Plastic Fish — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:38:00 +0000

Hello, S.R.G.,

Here is the address for Brita Canada:

Brita Canada Corporation
150 Biscayne Crescent
Brampton, ON L6W 4V3

I'd love for you to cc me a copy of your letter if you wouldn't mind. I'm keeping track of how many letters get sent out and to whom. Not necessary but would be sincerely appreciated.

Beth

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Do you have an address for Clorox in Canada? I would like to send them a hard copy letter on filter recycling, and maybe some used filters to emphasize my point.

Thanks;

S.R.G
Novar, Ontario

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:11:00 +0000

This conversation sure is certainly interesting, although rather unfortunate I think to hear. I was considering purchasing one of the Brita pitcher systems, (as the tap water in my area comes out like it is mixed with milk), but now I will need some more information about all of this.

By: Pat G

Pat G — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:53:00 +0000

Hi Beth, I just moved from the UK and am really surprised I can’t recycle these cartridges here – they appear identical. Looks like Brita need to be hassled here!

Pat

By: Luke

Luke — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 08:25:00 +0000

I had a contradictory reply - after prompting them. They really need to get their act together and agree their responses.

Sent: Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Hi Luke,

We would not recommend using the contents of a spent filter cartridge on edible plants such as herb or chilli.
As the food based carbon has been used to filter pollutants, it's best used for decorative plants only.

We will forward your suggestions for inclusion on the website's FAQs.

Kind regards,

Customer Service
BRITA Water Filter Systems

By: Luke

Luke — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:40:00 +0000

I got a prompt response from them as promised. They presented my idea of putting the beads on the garden as their own and didn't address the question of contamination or confirm what to do with the plastic. but they did offer a bonus suggestion:

Dear Luke

Environmental responsibility is central to BRITA's philosophy and therefore we have developed the world's first household water filter cartridge recycling unit in Europe. In the next few years BRITA will extend this into countries where the benefit outweighs the transport cost to the environment.

When a filter has expired it can be placed in the refrigerator for the next month or so to absorb odours (such as cheese, onions, garlic), after which the filter can be cut open and the contents added to the garden or a pot-plant as mulch.

Regards
BRITA Customer Service

I replied thus:

BRITA Customer Service,

Thank you for your response. The idea about odour absorption is an excellent one. Thank you also for confirming my idea about adding the contents to the garden. Although I am still concerned about what happens to the absorbed chemicals in the filter particles especially after adding a few filters worth to the same pot. Can the chemicals be consumed by the plant and then by humans in the case of a herb or chili plant etc.?

Also, as mentioned, in my first email I could not find any suggestions on your web site including in your FAQs. Perhaps you could add these two re-uses of the filters to the FAQ section of your web-site.

I look forward to your response.

Regards,
Luke Clark.

By: Beth in the Fake Plastic Fish Tank

Beth in the Fake Plastic Fish Tank — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:23:00 +0000

I’m glad that others are writing to Brita about this issue. Maybe we are just the tip of the iceberg. I’m hoping that many other customers are putting pressure on them as well.

By: Luke

Luke — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 06:12:00 +0000

I happened upon your blog because I have just changed my first Britta filter and wondered what the hell to do with it. I'm English but have been living in Australia for less than 6 months so every day questions like this are less obvious to answer. Like the US web site, the Aussie Britta web-site doesn't mention recycling either. So I submitted the following questions to them:

I recently purchased a Jug using the Maxtra filters and today I changed the filter. Then I was faced with a dilemma; what do I do with the old filter?

I don't think you can put the whole filter in the domestic recycling. The plastic carries a 5 in a triangle indicating that it is recyclable but what about the beads contained therein?

Firstly, is there a way, as in Europe, to return the whole filter for recycling. If not, can I remove the beads to recycle the plastic with our domestic collection? If I do remove the beads, what can I do with them? Can I put the beads on the garden, or could that lead to a contamination risk of some kind?

I am keen to find an answer to help uphold your green credentials.

Regards,
Luke Clark.
Melbourne, VIC.

Their web site responded with this:

Your e-mail has been submitted.

If you have requested a reply or information, we will endeavour to respond by the next business day.

Thanking you,

BRITA Customer Service

I'll let you know what happens.