Comments on: The Penguin: on again, off again

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:24:00 +0000

We got a cylinder with compressed CO2, regulators, plastic tubing, and a quick disconnect setup that screws onto a plastic soda bottle from the local home brew supply place. Turn it on and shake and it carbonates. Refill the cylinder at the welding/gas supply place when empty. You could also use a keg to store the water rather than the plastic bottle, you can’t use glass because of risk of exploding due to the pressure. I then pour the water into an old glass bottle with a cool rubber gasket/ceramic/wire closure (used to hold an Italian lemonade) for storing the water.
-John C

By: Beth in the Fake Plastic Fish Tank

Beth in the Fake Plastic Fish Tank — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:05:00 +0000

Hi Serinlea. Unfortunately, soda cans do contain a plastic liner. You can read about it here:

http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000100

But even if they didn't, think of the energy and materials it takes to manufacture each can and the energy it takes to recycle each can. Then, think about the energy it takes to transport the liquid in each can to the store.

Now, compare that to the energy and materials to create on machine that is used over and over again, the aluminum cans of CO2 that are refilled and replaced only a few times per year, and the energy saved because no liquid needs to be transported.

I think that overall, having a soda machine and making your own is much more energy-efficient and resource-saving than buying cans. And the fact that the cans actually do contain plastic is another reason to avoid them.

Now, if having caffeinated soda is one of those things you can't live without (as cheese is for me), you can buy soda syrup. It would come in a plastic bottle, but since it's concentrated, it would require a lot less packaging and energy than buying soda cans, which is water with a little soda syrup mixed in.

By: Serinlea

Serinlea — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 02:44:00 +0000

Hi! Just found your great blog; you have some really useful ideas!

One question on the soda thing though: maybe I’m missing something, but in my personal plastic-avoidant soda consmption, I’ve just switched to buying cans. 100% truly recyclable containers. I make a concentrated effort to bring cans to work with me, and if I forget, I go without my caffeine fix rather than buy a plastic bottle. This seems a lot simpler to me than going to the trouble of buying a carbonator and making your own. (I can’t even imagine how someone would do that if they wanted a non-decaf drink?)

Anyway, I can already tell this site is going to be a great resource for me…I’m off to read back posts…Thanks!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:13:00 +0000

We got the Edition One (plastic bottles) this summer, and love it! Here in New Orleans, a nice cold glass of fizzy water hits the spot on a hot humid day. I could not justify the extra cost for the Penguin, and the carafes and carbonizers for the Penguin are smaller than those for the other models. We gave the syrup packets to friend who drink soft drinks.

By: CindyW

CindyW — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 16:32:00 +0000

Thanks for posting this. I never knew personal carbonator existed. It’s so CUTE! I want one. $250 huh? I better put on my wish list, and one of my relatives or friends may feel generous one day.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:39:00 +0000

aw. you should still get it. i’ll trade you cupcakes (plastic free!!) for the syrup flavoring. because after your email..i’m thinking of buying one…well not the CUTE EXPENSIVE one but maybe one of the lower end models. have fun with the family and enjoy your time off!!
*marika

By: heather t

heather t — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:34:00 +0000

I say, Freecycle. But I was thinking the other way around. If all you really want is a cute penguin on your kitchen counter, see if anyone has a cute figurine they are willing to give up.

By: Radical Garbage Man

Radical Garbage Man — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:08:00 +0000

I’m sure the syrup is quite shelf-stable. You always hoard it pending a diet cola or orange pop craving guest and then show off your largesse: “I have several spare soda syrups in the cupboard just in case you want some.”

Now you have the secret of my waste minimalization strategies: NEVER THROW IT OUT! (I mean, you could totally need it someday)

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 08:45:00 +0000

I was going to suggest FreeCycling the syrup as well. What a GREAT idea and truly, how incredibly cute. Have a great trip, and maybe your family will all pool their money and buy you a penguin. A girl can dream, right?

By: The Green Cat

The Green Cat — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:53:00 +0000

I’ve got the Edition One from Soda Club (which uses plastic bottles) but I love it! I drink a lot of seltzer. Not only does bottled seltzer cost more and use plastic bottles, but it also uses quite a bit of fuel in transportation (water is heavy!). I say get the Penguin (or the Edition One) and then Freecycle the syrups. They can be used to flavor any plain or bubbly water so someone might want them.