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).
Potential savings (Arrowhead):
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.
But, let me tell you why this is a big savings. If I take this $100 and invest in with a return of 8%. Then, continually add $100 to it annually. In 25 years,
I will have $8,580.29! Now tell me if it’s worth it? 😉
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!
