Can big events be bottled water-free? Yes they can! Notice the complete absence of disposable water bottles on the speaker table below!

That photo was taken over the weekend, when I (far left) moderated a panel about green business and social media for a mini-conference put on by a local environmental group, Women of the Green Generation.** At that day-long event, no one drank bottled water — at least not the disposable plastic-wrapped kind. Instead, everyone drank water in reusable bottles — or biodegradable cups, provided for those who forgot to BYO bottle — filtered by a company that provides clean, bottle-free drinking water for events.

I’ve been seeing filtered water at more and more green events — though honestly, if filtered water isn’t available, I’ll simply fill my bottle from the nearest water fountain or tap. After all, a lot of bottled water’s really plastic-encased tap water anyway — and sometimes even contains dangerous contaminants. Tap water’s of course not perfect, but is at least required to undergo tougher testing criteria than bottled water is.

Plus, opting for tap’s a great way to save money, as many FilterForGoodians know — especially when you’re on the go. In fact, BYO-bottling’s the big money-saving tip that won the recent Get Rich Slowly video contest.** (via Lifehacker)**

The winner, Austin from Foreigner’s Finances,** explains in his sort video that buying a bottled thirst-quencher — whether bottled water, soda, or energy drink — whenever you get thirsty while out can mean a slow money bleed. His idea is to drink tap not just in lieu of bottled water, but for other drinks too.

“Avoid those little 2 to 5 dollar purchases when you’re thirsty and want a quick drink, like a Gatorade or a Coke,” says Austin, a self-described BYO bottler who makes use of both water fountains and bathroom sinks. Even if you only buy a bottled drink every few days, that habit likely costs you about $5 a week. Change that habit to BYO-bottling, and savings will add up to $250 a year, Austin points out.

A nice side benefit for those who are prepping for swimsuit season: BYO-bottling and filling up with water will also keep you from downing empty calories you don’t need. After all, if you pop into a convenience store every time you get thirsty, you’re often tempting yourself to buy sugary sodas, juice punches, and energy drinks. Did you know that a single can of Rockstar** has as much sugar as a half dozen Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnuts?

That means even if you avert your eyes from all the cheap chocolate bars, candy, and chips in the convenience stores and look only at the drink section, you can still pack on the pounds. I don’t keep junk food in the house because I know if I see it, I’ll eat it — which is why I stay out of convenience stores for the most part too! Don’t self-sabotage your health goals by letting a legitimate need (thirst) lead you into unnecessary temptation (empty calories in sugary drinks and junk food). Save your money and your waistline by BYO-bottling this summer.

Photo by anahr**

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