My household recently took part in a small change that will incur big savings (and help the environment, too)! Yup, we switched from using many 16.9 oz water bottles to one 5 gallon bottle with sporty spout & stand. It fits nicely in my kitchen, too.
So, this morning I wanted to figure the savings to see if its really worth it. I will show you the savings difference between Arrowhead vs. 5 gallon refillable bottle. Then, I will show the saving difference between our grocer’s brand water bottles vs. 5 gallon refillable bottle.
Arrowhead:
5 gallon bottle = 640 ounces
640 ounces / 20 ounce Arrowhead bottles = 32 20oz-bottles
$0.29 cost per bottle * 32 20oz-bottles = $9.28
I got the 0.29 cost per bottle by dividing the cost 1 case (24 bottles per case)$6.99 by 24 = 0.29125 costs per bottle
Grocer’s Brand:
5 gallon bottle = 640 ounces
640 ounces / 16.9 ounce grocer’s brand bottles = 38 16.9 oz-bottles
$0.125 cost per bottle * 38 16.9oz- bottles = 4.75
I got 0.125 cost per bottle by dividing the cost 1 case (24 bottles per case) $3 by 24 = 0.125 costs per bottle
We buy anywhere between 1-3 cases (24 bottles per case) biweekly – depending how hot the weather is outside. So, we will assume 32 20oz-bottles being consumed biweekly by my family (my son is a water bottle addict).
Costs $9.32 for 32 20oz-bottles biweekly. It only costs $1.00 to fill my 5-gallon bottle.
9.32-1.00 = 8.32
8.32 * 26 weeks per year (biweekly) = $216.32 savings per year
Potential saving (grocer’s brand):
Costs $4.75 for 38 16.9oz-bottles biweekly. It only costs $1.00 to fill my 5-gallon bottle.
4.75 – 1.00 = 3.75
3.75 * 26 weeks per year (biweekly) = $97.50 savings per year
So, you decide if its worth it. What are your thoughts on it?
My thoughts: I agree with my change. We were consuming the grocer’s brand of bottled water. It actually tasted better than any of the named brand water. Funny, huh?
But, I believe that I am also installing in my kids the importance of helping the environment. Perhaps, they will not realize the importance right now, but will be helpful in their future.
Plus, I am one finding small ways to help the environment. Sometimes, I think about all the small products that are making mass waste in the world. It drives me crazy! Like dental floss pics, plastic cups, kid’s super meal toys, food packaging, water bottles, etc… I constantly think of how I could do without all of consumer America’s products. How can I cut back. Are their companies who purposely reduce their packaging to be eco-friendly? Well, I am getting into a different subject. Another time. 😉
$97 per year savings may not be much.
ps – or that is $18, 560.88 dollars if you drink Arrowhead!
You can calculate your own compounding interest at http://www.moneychimp.com/calculator/compound_interest_calculator.htm
Is my family adapting: Yup, they each got to splurge on their own spiffy water bottle. 1 bottle and lots of water!
Fellow bloggers, have a wonderful weekend!
We got rid of bottled water too. It is such a huge savings, you are so right. Also good for the environment.
I got the Brita Water Pitcher and then purchased a few sports drink containers like Sigg or Kleen Kanteen and we saved oodles of money.
Great post!
Good for you, helping the environment and saving money too! It can only be a good thing, well done!
Woohoo for your budget and the environment! I do the water pitcher with a filter thing.
Great site and well done for switching to one of the “family size” containers! I myself do the “personal size” bottles (I know they’re bad!), but I ensure each one is recycled and then donate the refund to my local Humane Society.
I live in a VERY small space, so unfortunately don’t have the space for the cooler at this point, but it is definitely somewhere I’m going to go when I have more room. I think Brita might be my answer to my plastic dilemma, however…
Yes, its absolutely worth it. Think about it this way: if you could find 50 ways to save roughly that much money each year you could fully fund a Roth IRA. These things add up!
great job! we recently switched as well — we have 'city' water, so we just run it through a purifier & drink right from the fridge ~ definately a bonus to the environment!
budget mama: I am thinking college fund for the kids. I never thought bottle water savings could rake in so much if I invested!
sharon rose: thank you! now what can I save on next for both the environment & my pocket book?
greentreeweb: I am feeling minutely eco green these days. What eco evil can I erradicate next? 😉
northern living allowance: Thank you for the compliments. And I also recycled ever bottle with my daughter. Rec’d $17 when we filled our big outdoor trashcan (thinking 40 gallon). We put ours towards our freedom fund. I really like that you put it towards charity. Neat!
mevsdebt: fully fund a Roth IRA. I like the sound of that! Have any ideas what we could all do next? Love to hear it!
jpkittie: I don’t have patience w/ the water filter thing. Takes too long to fill (my type A personality is impatient). Yeah for the environment.
I love my cirlce of PF buddies. It’s fun erradicating debt together! Yeah!