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Water is essential for life… but what if the stuff coming out of your tap contains more than just H2O? Drinking water can be contaminated with foreign substances that impede your health, but by investing in one of the best water filters on the market, you can ensure you're drinking clean, purified water.
<p>Indeed, there are plenty of ways you can filter your drinking water, and make sure you're not drinking anything you don't intend to. But does <em>everyone </em>need a home water filtration system? And, if so, which kind is best?</p><h2>Environmental Hazards: Why Water Filtration is So Important</h2><p>First, let's consider why it's important to get the best water filter possible.</p><p>For as much as we'd all prefer to believe that our tap water is crystal-clear and perfectly clean, that's simply not the reality. Remember that your water has to travel through <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/plastic-pipes-pollute-water-2649491435.html" target="_blank">miles of pipe</a> just to make it to your home. Along the way, it picks up <a data-linked-post="2214500702" href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tap-water-safe-to-drink-2214500702.html" target="_blank">contaminants or debris</a> from the pipe itself.</p><p>And this is to say nothing of different treatments used on residential drinking water, such as chlorine… some of which can be helpful, but many of which are not.</p><p>It may shock you to know that the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">average home's drinking water</a> contains more than 300 contaminants. And if you'd rather whittle that number down to something close to zero, your best bet is with a water filtration system.</p><h2>Different Types of Water Filter</h2><p>So which type of water filter is recommended?</p><p>There are a number of options, and the most convenient tend to be fridge units, faucet units, and pitchers. The best water filter for you will depend on your preference.</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>A fridge filter will come built into your kitchen appliance and will help filter out any water that's dispensed from the fridge or used to make ice. If you happen to have a fridge with a built-in filter, that's great! However, by their very definition, these filters will leave other home water sources (including bathroom taps) unfiltered.</li><li>Faucet units help you to filter water from these other areas of your home, though again, you may need to invest in multiple units to ensure <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/us-drinking-water-regulation-2647868651.html" target="_blank">clean drinking water</a> throughout your house.</li><li>Another option is to invest in a pitcher that filters water for you, making sure you always have some clean, pure drinking water handy.</li></ul><h2>Reusable Water Vessels: An Eco-Friendly Option</h2><p>Of course, one way in which you can avoid drinking contaminated water is to purchase bottles of water that have already been purified. The problem here is single-use plastic. </p><p>If you do prefer to purchase water rather than use your tap, it's best to buy in large quantities. You can get a large reusable jug and fill it up at a water refill station, such as at a grocery store. Then, you can use a cup or <a data-linked-post="2649345802" href="https://www.ecowatch.com/eco-friendly-water-bottles-2649345802.html" target="_blank">eco-friendly water bottle</a> to carry around throughout the day.</p><p>By having a way to purify your own water before adding it to a reusable container, you can consume healthy drinking water <em>and </em>exercise greater environmental stewardship.<br></p><h2>Choosing the Right Water Filter</h2><p>As you look for the best home water filters, certification is a foremost concern. Specifically, be on the lookout for water filters that rise to the level of <a href="https://www.nsf.org/knowledge-library/what-is-nsf-certification" target="_blank">National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification</a>. NSF has rigorous, nationalized standards for clean and contaminant-free municipal drinking water, and the best water filters receive certification after undergoing a testing process.</p><p>There are several third-party and independent labs that test water filters and make sure they're up to NSF standards. Some examples include the <a href="https://www.csagroup.org/" target="_blank">CSA Group</a>, <a href="https://www.ul.com/about" target="_blank">Underwriters Laboratories</a> (UL), and the <a href="https://wqa.org/" target="_blank">Water Quality Association</a> (WQA). If you see any of these certifications on a water filter, that's a good sign that the product has been thoroughly vetted and found to be effective.</p><h2>Do You Need a Water Filter?</h2><p>Most homeowners can benefit from a water filter; this is true whether you're drinking treated city water or water from a well, which can come with its own ground contaminants.</p><p>Some of the most common warning signs that you need a home water filter include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Your water tastes bad or stale (usually a sign of contaminants).</li><li>Your home predates 1986 (in which case, there could be <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/pittsburgh-lead-drinking-water-pipes-2645610468.html" target="_blank">lead pipes bringing your drinking water</a>).</li><li>You get your water from a well.</li><li>You wash your clothes and they come out looking dingy or dirty.</li><li>You have a constant build-up of scum in your sink or shower.</li></ul><p>If you notice any of these issues, it probably means you have bad water… and, that it may be time to improve your water quality with a new filter.</p><h2>The Best Home Water Filters</h2><p>As for the best water filters on the market, we've tested several and are happy to recommend the following.</p><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p>
PUR Advanced Water Filter
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="2498bfa3ba1f77ac1504f11c69bd81cc" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009CEKY6?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41uXWzk+wfL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>For a faucet-mounted filter, try <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009CEKY6?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">PUR</a>, one of the longest-running and most popular brands. This is an inexpensive way to skim out more than 70 of the most <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/forever-chemicals-drinking-water-2644897405.html" target="_blank">common water contaminants</a>, leading to notably improved water taste and clarity.</p>
$36
Brita On Tap Water Filter
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="5d164de87dc7bc19f047ab1dec07d955" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IV0P?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qXIern43L.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>An alternative to PUR is Brita. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00006IV0P?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">Brita's on-tap filter</a> promises improved water purity and major savings, as you won't have to spend nearly as much buying your water by the bottle. It can remove more than 99 percent of lead, chlorine, and other common contaminants.</p>
$26
Brita Pitcher
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="e44274deb70b46b7b969a33f40497dfd" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY5FX4E?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413xXeEmHjL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>If you prefer your water filtration in a pitcher form, consider <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brita-Small-Filter-Pitcher-Standard/dp/B015SY3W7K/" target="_blank">this option from Brita</a>. It holds five cups of water, enough to fill two 24-ounce reusable water bottles.</p>
$25
Waterdrop Under Sink Filtration System
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="c08e403697f45ceb694ddc2f338ee5a1" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089CVMPGR?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31HhYy9ssTL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>As for under-sink filters, we recommend this one from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089CVMPGR?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">Waterdrop</a>, a high-capacity filter that uses a four-stage process to ensure your drinking water is as clean as can be.</p>
$89
Culligan Whole House Water Filter
<div class="rm-shortcode amazon-assets-widget" data-rm-shortcode-id="50ed146df3e2d2d286fc56f3266b1087" contenteditable="false"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JIRLRXY?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank"> <img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41K9TnTysqL.jpg" class="amazon-assets-widget__image widget__image"> </a> </div> <p>Whole-house filters are a little tougher to install, and require that the filter cartridge be changed regularly. In the long run, however, they can be one of the more convenient options, guaranteeing clean water from <em>all </em>of your taps. We like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JIRLRXY?tag=ecowatch-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">Culligan model</a> best of all, and it's priced very reasonably.</p>
$59
Get Clean, Fresh Drinking Water
<p>Everyone wants clean, fresh, healthy water… and with the best water filters, you can get it. Start with these recommendations as you look for ways to ensure that it's only good stuff coming out of your home tap.</p><p><em><strong>Josh Hurst</strong> is a journalist, critic, copywriter, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. As a writer </em><em>an independent reviewer of health products, Josh has written for Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.</em></p><em><br></em>
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Like many other plant-based foods and products, CBD oil is one dietary supplement where "organic" labels are very important to consumers. However, there are little to no regulations within the hemp industry when it comes to deeming a product as organic, which makes it increasingly difficult for shoppers to find the best CBD oil products available on the market.
<p>Here you can learn about the importance of organic hemp oil, why it's better for the environment, and which CBD companies actually make trustworthy products with sustainable farming processes. origins which weigh heavily on many consumers who want to buy a product that's produced in the best way possible for not only themselves to ingest, but for the environment as well through sustainable farming methods. </p><h2>What Is CBD Oil?</h2><p>First things first, CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it's a cannabinoid found within cannabis sativa plants. This plant compound is believed to have many potential benefits, and it is primarily derived from hemp plants via a CO2 extraction process. </p><p>Since CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains only trace amounts of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis plants), this means that CBD won't make you feel high like marijuana, which has much higher levels of THC that causes psychoactive effects. Instead, the effects of CBD are much more subtle and promote a general sense of calm and relaxation in most users.</p><h2>What Makes a CBD Oil Organic?</h2><p>In terms of organic labels, perhaps the most important (and prominent) certification comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This government organization has been labeling foods as "organic" for many years, but what exactly does this certification entail? Essentially, a label indicating that a product is "USDA Organic" or "Certified Organic" means that at least 95% of the ingredients are obtained from organic sources.</p><p>For a crop to be considered organic by the USDA, it must be grown without the use of industrial solvents, irradiation, genetic engineering (GMOs), synthetic pesticides, or chemical fertilizer. Instead, farmers rely on natural substances and <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2012/03/22/organic-101-what-usda-organic-label-means" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mechanical, physical, or biologically based farming</a> techniques to cultivate healthy and organic crops.</p><p>Before the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, no hemp-derived products could be dubbed as "certified organic" since the hemp plant and its extracts were still categorized as a Schedule I Controlled Substance. However, it's still difficult for CBD companies to obtain a USDA certified organic label for their products due to the legal grey area that still surrounds CBD extracts. </p><p>Because of these challenges, and due to the fact that industrial hemp has only recently become an agricultural crop, very few CBD oils are USDA certified organic. Rather, many CBD products contain hemp extracts from plants that were grown in organic conditions but may not be federally certified.</p><h2>What are the Best Organic CBD Oil Brands?</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><em><br></em>
<h2>Why Organic Hemp Oil Matters</h2><p>Hemp is a unique plant, not only for its rich cannabinoid content, but also for its ability to absorb a wide variety of components in soil. But this trait poses great risks when it comes to the creation of CBD products derived from hemp.</p><p>Because hemp has a high capacity for compound uptake, this means that the plants can retain <a href="https://www.remedyreview.com/industry/lab-test-results/" target="_blank">harmful chemicals like pesticides</a>, heavy metals, and other residual solvents. This is especially true when it comes to synthetic chemicals that are more toxic to humans, and difficult to remove once they have been absorbed by the hemp plant.</p><p>Organic farming practices help reduce the risk of hemp crops absorbing harsh chemicals that may later end up in CBD oil after extraction. When you're taking CBD as a wellness supplement to help alleviate your symptoms or improve your overall well-being, the last thing you want is to ingest compounds that might negatively outweigh the benefits of CBD. This is an important reason to look for third party lab test results when shopping for CBD products since these certificates of analysis can show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of a hemp extract, as well as test results that search for the presence of any residual solvents.</p><p>In addition to creating a better end product, organic farming practices are also better for the environment. Sustainable and organic farming methods may <a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/organic-foods.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reduce pollution, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and use less energy</a>. The use of natural pest deterrents as opposed to chemical pesticides is also better for nearby animal populations and ecosystems.</p><h3>Organic vs. Natural</h3><p>While there are only a select few companies offering certified organic ingredients in their products, almost every brand in the CBD market creates "natural" products. The term "all-natural" or "plant-based" does not mean that a product is organic, and since hemp oil is a natural derivative of hemp plants, these products are often referred to as all-natural. However, there are some synthetic CBD oils that should be avoided because they are chemically constructed and may produce unwanted side effects that are not caused by naturally derived CBD extracts.</p><h2>What are the Benefits of Organic CBD Oil?</h2><p>There's a long list of potential CBD oil health benefits, and some of the most common wellness advantages include:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/" target="_blank">Chronic pain relief</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/" target="_blank">Anti-anxiety effects</a></li><li>Better sleep</li><li><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Improvements in mood</a></li><li>Internal balance and regulation</li></ul><p>When dealing with pain, inflammation, sleep issues, and mental health struggles, it can be hard to find sufficient treatment options. The use of certain prescriptions can cause unwanted side effects, yet they are often the only solution for patients with these medical conditions. In search of other therapies, people have started to flock towards CBD oil as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions. However, it should be noted that CBD products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and you should seek your doctor's advice before using CBD if you have a serious medical condition.</p><h2>Look at the Labels Before You Buy CBD Oil</h2><p>When you go online to buy CBD oil, you'll quickly realize there is an overwhelming number of brands that are saturating the market. It can be difficult to determine which products are truly as good as they make themselves out to be. Always look for up-to-date third-party lab tests so you know you are getting a great product, and don't hesitate to contact the brand if you have any additional questions. And if you're intent on purchasing 100% organic CBD oil, it's best to look for certified products or brands that are held to strict regulatory standards.</p><p><strong>Melena Gurganus </strong>is the Reviews Editor at EcoWatch. She is passionate health and wellness and her writing aims to help others find products they can trust. Her work has been featured in publications such as Health, Shape, Huffington Post, Cannabis Business Times, and Bustle.<br></p>
Spruce
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjI3OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTM2NzgzOX0.axY0HjeqRctJsR_KmDLctzDpUBLBN-oNIdqaXDb4caQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="774be" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8379f35b1ca8a86d0e61b7d4bfc8b46e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="spruce organic cbd oil" data-width="710" data-height="959" /><p>As one of the best brands in the business, Spruce CBD is well-known for its potent CBD oils that feature many additional beneficial phytocannabinoids. This brand works with two family-owned, sustainably focused farms in the USA (one located in Kentucky and one in North Carolina) to create its organic, small product batches. The max potency Spruce CBD oil contains 2400mg of full-spectrum CBD extract, but the brand also offers a lower strength tincture with 750mg of CBD in total.</p>
$89
CBDistillery
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjkzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTU4OTM4Nn0.ypRdeDSBcE87slYrFfVrRwtJ2qGIK6FD5jBB4pndTMo/img.jpg?width=980" id="b473b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9930b53c9d58cb49774640a61c3e3e75" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="cbdistillery cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>All of the products from CBDistillery are <a href="https://ushempauthority.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">U.S. Hemp Authority Certified</a>, and for good reason. The company only uses non-GMO and pesticide-free industrial hemp that's grown organically on Colorado farms. Its hemp oils are some of the most affordable CBD products on the market, yet they still maintain a high standard of quality. CBDistillery has a wide variety of CBD potencies across its product line (ranging from 500mg to 5000mg per bottle) and offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils to give customers a completely thc-free option.</p>
$35
FAB CBD
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDIwOTEyMn0.MlTjz096FJ0ev_-soK7_Z-FeQeJczWoeh9Qi9SSkHsY/img.jpg?width=980" id="04b26" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="76aa4862f44603242e318982acea6646" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="fab cbd oil" data-width="800" data-height="800" /><p>For an organic CBD oil that has it all, FAB CBD offers plenty of variety for any type of consumer. All of its products are made with zero pesticides and extracted from organically grown Colorado industrial hemp. FAB CBD oil comes in five all-natural flavors (mint, vanilla, berry, citrus, and natural) and is also available in four strengths (300, 600, 1200, and 2400mg per bottle).</p>
$39
NuLeaf Naturals
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDY4NjIxOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NzExNTgyMX0.D6qMGYllKTsVhEkQ-L_GzpDHVu60a-tJKcio7M1Ssmc/img.jpg?width=980" id="94e4a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3609a52479675730893a45a82a03c71d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="nuleaf naturals organic cbd oil" data-width="600" data-height="600" /><p>As an industry-leading brand, it comes as no surprise that NuLeaf Naturals sources its CBD extract from organic hemp plants grown on licensed farms in Colorado. The comany's CBD oils only contain two ingredients: USDA certified organic hemp seed oil and full spectrum hemp extract.</p><p>NuLeaf Naturals uses one proprietary CBD oil formula for all of its products, so you will get the same CBD potency in each tincture (60mg per mL), but can purchase different bottle sizes depending on how much you intend to use.</p>
$38.50
Charlotte's Web
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwMjk3NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQ0NjM4N30.SaQ85SK10-MWjN3PwHo2RqpiUBdjhD0IRnHKTqKaU7Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="84700" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2174067dcc0c4094be25b3472ce08c8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="charlottes web cbd oil" data-width="1244" data-height="1244" /><p>Perhaps one of the most well-known brands in the CBD landscape, Charlotte's Web has been growing sustainable hemp plants for several years. The company is currently in the process of achieving official USDA Organic Certification, but it already practices organic and sustainable cultivation techniques to enhance the overall health of the soil and the hemp plants themselves, which creates some of the highest quality CBD extracts. Charlotte's Web offers CBD oils in a range of different concentration options, and some even come in a few flavor options such as chocolate mint, orange blossom, and lemon twist.</p>
$60
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