Hey there, eco-warrior! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the lookout for ways to reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing quality. That‘s why I got so excited when I discovered JUST Water, the sustainable and ethically sourced H2O that‘s taking the bottled water industry by storm.
In this review, I‘ll dive deep into what makes JUST Water so special, from its pure spring sourcing to its eco-friendly packaging and delicious flavor options. Plus, I‘ll share some eye-opening statistics about the impact of plastic bottles and why making the switch to JUST is a no-brainer. Let‘s dive in!
The Problem with Plastic Bottles
First, let‘s talk about the elephant in the room: the staggering amount of plastic waste generated by the bottled water industry. Did you know that globally, we buy a million plastic bottles per minute? That‘s nearly 1.5 billion bottles per day! And here‘s the kicker – it‘s estimated that over 80% of those bottles end up in landfills, where they can take up to 450 years to decompose. Yikes.
Even more alarming, a lot of that plastic waste ends up in our oceans, wreaking havoc on marine life. A report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by weight. I don‘t know about you, but I find that statistic pretty horrifying.
The good news is, we can all make a difference by choosing more sustainable alternatives like JUST Water. So let‘s take a closer look at what sets this brand apart.
Pure Spring Water, Sustainably Sourced
One of the things I love most about JUST Water is how transparent they are about their sourcing. Unlike some bottled water brands that are basically just selling you glorified tap water, JUST gets its H2O straight from the source – pristine mountain springs.
Their still water comes from the Glens Falls watershed in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Surrounded by 30,000 acres of protected forest, the water is naturally filtered through layers of mineral-rich soil before flowing into the spring. JUST only collects excess water and pays six times the municipal rate for it, ensuring that the community benefits and the watershed is never depleted.
As for their bubbly offerings, those are sourced from an underground aquifer at the base of the Big Snowy Mountains in Montana. The water picks up naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes as it flows through the strata, giving it a crisp and refreshing taste.
Both water sources are regularly replenished by rainfall and snowmelt, making them a sustainable choice. And get this – by using a watershed approach instead of drilling, JUST has saved over 1.3 billion gallons of water to date. That‘s the equivalent of 560 million standard plastic water bottles. Pretty impressive, right?
Eco-Friendly Packaging That Actually Looks Cool
Okay, so the water is sourced ethically – but what about the packaging? I‘m happy to report that JUST goes above and beyond in this department too. Their signature still water comes in a sleek and modern 16.9 oz Tetra Pak carton that‘s made from 82% renewable resources, primarily FSC-certified paperboard from responsibly managed forests.
Not only does the carton have a smaller carbon footprint than a comparable plastic bottle (producing 74% fewer greenhouse gases and using 60% less energy), but it‘s also recyclable in most areas and will biodegrade in just 6 months if it ends up in the landfill. Plus, it‘s BPA-free and the unique multi-layer design keeps the water fresh without any funky carton taste.
For their flavored and bubbly waters, JUST uses 16 oz aluminum bottles that are infinitely recyclable. Aluminum is one of the most eco-friendly packaging materials out there because it doesn‘t degrade in quality when recycled, unlike plastic which can only be downcycled a few times before ending up in the trash. And with a resealable twist cap, these bottles are perfect for on-the-go hydration minus the plastic waste.
The coolest part? JUST‘s packaging is not just sustainable, it actually looks really sleek and modern. The minimalist design and pop of bright blue make it stylish enough to tote around at the gym or post on your Instagram. Who said saving the planet couldn‘t be trendy?
Flavor Options for Every Mood
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – isn‘t water just water? Why do we need different flavors? Well my friend, let me tell you, JUST‘s options are far from boring. In addition to their classic still spring water, they‘ve got a range of tasty and refreshing flavors that are perfect for mixing up your hydration game.
First up, there‘s JUST Bubbles, my personal favorite. It‘s got the same crisp, clean taste as the still water with just the right amount of fizz. As someone who‘s trying to kick a soda habit, this has been a game-changer. It satisfies my craving for something bubbly without any of the sugar, calories, or artificial junk.
If you‘re into fruity flavors, you‘ve got to try JUST‘s Infused waters. They come in refreshing options like organic lemon and tangerine, and a little more unexpected combos like cherry and apple cinnamon (trust me, it works). The best part? The fruit essence is derived from real organic fruit extracts, so you get the flavor without any of the guilt.
I love throwing a carton of lemon in my gym bag for a post-workout treat, or sipping on the cherry while I work for a little afternoon pick-me-up. Seriously, you‘ll never go back to plain water again.
Don‘t Just Take My Word For It
By now, you can probably tell I‘m a pretty big fan of JUST Water. But don‘t worry, I‘m not the only one singing its praises. JUST has racked up thousands of glowing customer reviews, with an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
One happy camper raved, "I am very picky with my water and I am in love with JUST Water! The taste is so pure and the packaging is absolutely genius. I am very environmentally conscious and am always looking for ways to reduce my carbon footprint. This water allows me to do that without sacrificing taste or quality."
Another reviewer gushed about how much the eco-friendly mission resonated with their family: "Not only do we feel great about drinking JUST Water, but we also feel like we are part of a bigger movement to reduce plastic waste. My kids love the flavor options and I love that they are learning about sustainability at a young age."
And the praise doesn‘t stop with everyday sippers like you and me. JUST Water has received major kudos from environmental groups and sustainability experts alike. They are a certified B-Corporation, meeting rigorous standards for social and environmental responsibility. JUST has also been honored with awards like the EPA Wastewise Partner of the Year and the Best for the World: Environment award from B Lab.
When a brand has this many people vouching for it, you know they‘re doing something right.
The Final Verdict
Alright, it‘s time to lay all the cards on the table. After extensively researching and personally sipping JUST Water, I can honestly say this brand gets a glowing review from me. From the sustainable spring sourcing to the innovative eco-packaging and delicious flavor options, JUST ticks all the boxes for a hydration option you can feel good about.
Sure, it might cost a bit more than your standard plastic water bottle, but in my opinion, it‘s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and environmental impact. Plus, with the subscribe & save option, you can score a nice little discount and never run out of your favorite flavors.
At the end of the day, JUST Water is more than just a beverage – it‘s a movement. A way to vote with your dollar for the kind of world you want to see. And personally, I want to see a lot less plastic waste and a lot more happy, hydrated humans.
So here‘s my challenge to you: give JUST Water a try and see how it makes you feel. I have a feeling you‘ll be just as hooked as I am. And together, we can sip our way to a more sustainable future, one carton (or aluminum bottle) at a time. Trust me, your body and the planet will thank you. Cheers!
