Now packaged in a reusable natural cotton bag.

Bamboo charcoal water filters are a refreshingly simple and natural way of filtering tap water. Just leave it in a jug filled with tap water and it will slowly filter out impurities such as chlorine and chloramines, make your water tastier and free from typical tap water odour. A zero waste alternative to plastic water filters. The filters can be reused in many useful ways throughout your house and composted at the end of their life.

Minerals
An added benefit of using bamboo charcoal water filters is that it "mineralises" the water during initial usage by slowly releasing minerals - potassium, magnesium, etc. - into the water.

How bamboo charcoal works
Bamboo charcoal's incredible filtering ability comes from its super-porous structure - some may find it hard to believe but 1g of high quality bamboo charcoal has a surface area equivalent of up to 3 tennis courts. It works like a sponge and absorbs impurities into its pores.

Why bamboo?
Other woods can be used to make charcoal for filtering water but the larger number of porous cavities in bamboo charcoal is considered to give it better filtering abilities - 3 times greater per gramme than wood charcoal. As a fast-growing plant, supply is abundant and sustainable.

Tried and tested
Bamboo Charcoal water filters are traditional and well-known in many parts of the world. This bamboo charcoal is carefully made in Japan in clay kilns by experienced charcoal makers and is simply of the highest quality of its kind.

Re-use around the house
After using charcoal as a water filter for 2 months you can reuse it in the home for a further 6 to 12 months. Dry out in the sun to maintain good condition, your charcoal can have a very useful second life!

How to reuse your bamboo charcoal around the house
After using the bamboo charcoal water filters for 2-6 months, don't throw it away! Charcoal also regulates moisture, reduces odours, inhibits mould and keeps food fresh. You can be creative and give your charcoal a second life, for example in:

- mouldy kitchen and bathroom corners
- places you keep food and fruits (e.g. the fridge, breadbin, fruit bowl)
- smelly places (e.g. the fridge, loo, shoes)
- places you want to keep very dry (e.g. chests of drawers)

Make sure the pieces are completely dry before re-using. If you place them in a mild environment like chests of drawers, you can more or less use forever.
In tougher places like the bathroom or the fridge, the charcoal may start looking a bit tired after a few months. Occasionally put them out in the sun and let breathe if you want to keep them in good condition. Re-use for 6-12 months.

And finally...

When it's time to say good-bye to your bamboo charcoal water filter you can return it to the earth by crushing and burying it in the garden, in pot plants or mixing with compost, etc.

As if it hasn't worked hard enough, crushed bamboo charcoal will help aerate the soil and increase water retention, absorb excess moisture when it's wet and release it when dry. Not bad after many months of multi-tasking for you!

What else does bamboo charcoal reduce other than chlorine?
Charcoal, particularly bamboo charcoal, has been the subject of university-level research in Japan in recent years. Although people have known about charcoal's special properties by experience, this has gradually been backed up by science. Bamboo charcoal is considered effective at adsorbing a variety of substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, surfactants and hormone-disruptors.

To keep this a waste free product, the filters are now packaged in a reusable natural cotton bag, instructions included.

Instructions For Use
Use approx: 1 litre jug = 3 - 4 pieces; 2 litre jug = 6 - 8 pieces

1. Wash in running water to remove powder (do not use detergent).
2. Boil for 10 mins in a pan of water to sterilise & allow to cool and dry.
3. Place in a jug and fill with tap water (charcoal may float when new but it will tend to sink after a week or so of use).
4. Leave for 8 hours or more for best results. You can leave it in the fridge to chill if you like. It's then ready to drink.
5. Re-sterilise once a week by repeating step 2.
6. Replace with new charcoal after 2-6 months approx.