Filtered Water: Tastes Great, Less Land-Filling

Countertop or under-the-counter systems (the latter filter water before it reaches your faucet) tend to be even better at eliminating chlorine and lead and might also remove things like arsenic, algae, mold or volatile organic compounds (chemicals that easily evaporate and can be inhaled). They're made by companies like GE, Sears(S Quote - Cramer on S - Stock Picks) (under the Kenmore brand), Whirlpool (WHR Quote - Cramer on WHR - Stock Picks), and Pentair, which makes Everpure products, and mostly use carbon filters.

Some of these companies also sell under-mounts that use reverse osmosis. According to the Green Guide, which has a handy filter roundup, reverse osmosis removes nitrates and perchlorate better than carbon but isn't as good at getting rid of pesticides.

Regardless of the system they use, countertop and under-mounted filters will cost from $50 to more than $300 for the system and from $20 to $300 and up annually for filters. Consumer Reports rates one Kenmore model a "best buy" at $55 for the system and roughly $34 a year in filters.

At the other end of the spectrum, one GE reverse-osmosis system sells for $260 plus $100 a year on filters. This option might not save you money over your bottled water habit, but it probably won't cost much more, especially if you've been buying water for a family.

No matter what filter you choose -- if you decide you need one at all -- returning to the tap will make room in your recycling bin. And you'll know exactly what you're drinking, which isn't necessarily the case with bottled water.

Just think how devastatingly hip you'll look by accessorizing your favorite outfits with a stylin' reusable water bottle.

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