A healthier planet

In the carpets of waste on the world’s oceans, many plastic bottles pollute the water alongside plastic bags, lighters and various other plastic items.

The problem: it takes up to 400 years for nature to biodegrade a plastic bottle. First, larger pieces decompose into smaller particles. Later, they invisibly stick to your feet when you walk barefoot across the beach. Whales, dolphins and other inhabitants of our oceans get snared in plastic debris and perish. Coral is destroyed by floating waste, and fish mistake plastic for food and ingest it. This explains how micro plastics end up in our food chain. But the fact remains that plastics have no place in vegetable soup.

Furthermore, when plastic waste in our oceans washes up on beaches, it poses a threat to numerous tourist destinations and deprives local populations of their livelihood. Farmers in costal areas, desalination plants and hydro-electric power stations also suffer from the man-made mess.

The thoughtless use of plastics and irresponsible handling of plastic waste have fatal consequences for oceans worldwide. As consumers, we can actively contribute to the health of our planet by reducing plastic waste. Every little counts!

People who enjoy drinking water are quick to reach for plastic water bottles when out and about. They are lighter than glass bottles and typically cost significantly less. By drinking BRITA filtered water instead, you can save money – and help save the environment.

At BRITA, we care deeply about our products’ impact on the environment. So much, in fact, that we had them scientifically tested. The findings revealed that one litre of BRITA filtered water generates up to 25 times less CO₂ than one litre of bottled water. Why? Because a BRITA MAXTRA+ filter cartridge can filter many litres of water – water that would otherwise be purchased in a bottle.

Our products generate less waste, use fewer natural resources and save transport costs. In sum, this contributes to a smaller carbon footprint and a healthier planet. For instance, in 2017 alone BRITA filtered water prevented 300,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. That is equivalent to the annual carbon emissions of 150,000 cars! 

• Consider alternatives to plastic for toys, accessories, furniture or home appliances.
• Avoid plastic packaging: products that cost more because they come in non-plastic packaging are a good investment in the planet.
• Don’t use plastic bags if possible and if you do, reuse them.
• Sort rubbish: dispose of plastic waste in the public recycling system (if available).
• Instead of cling film use grease-proof paper.
• Avoid disposable products like lighters or razors.
• Repair instead of immediately throwing away.
• Also think about what you give others as gifts.