Activated charcoal usually comes from a burnt piece of wood, that is then heated up to activate its adsorptive power of toxins, heavy metals and chemicals. It has had many purposes over the centuries, but the most important has been for purifying drinking water. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should be using activated charcoal in your drinking water:

01. Purifies water

Activated charcoal is the ideal water filter because it removes toxins from the water without stripping the water of salts and important minerals.

02. Mineralizes your tap water

Using an activated charcoal stick improves the quality of your drinking water, by imparting essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and calcium to your water.

03. Creates Delicious Taste

The chlorine and other chemicals used to purify tap water in treatment plants can leave an odor and a metallic-like taste in the water. An activated charcoal water filter can help soften your water and absorb bad tastes and odors faster than some conventional filters.

04. It’s Biodegradable

The Binchotan Charcoal Stick lasts for about a year before it needs to be replaced. However, don’t just throw it away after a year! This charcoal is biodegradable and can be added to your compost or your organic waste bin. It can also be used as a fertilizer for your plants, as a deodoriser against shoe odors, or in the cat litter tray thanks to its porous surface. It is also very useful to help reduce dampness in containers, drawers and wardrobes. 

05. Low Cost

You can get a high-quality water filter, that does not require an external power source, for only 9€. It doesn’t get better than that!

Charcoal sticks are easy to use & maintain, here are a few tips on how to use it:

• Wash the Binchotan charcoal under the tap, brushing it gently to remove any leftover dust, ash or soot.
• Boil the charcoal in a saucepan of water for 10 minutes.
• Allow the stick to cool.
• Place the piece of charcoal gently (so that it doesn’t break) in the bottom of a bottle or jug.
• Fill the bottle/jug with water.
• Every 3-4 weeks boil the Binchotan charcoal for 10 minutes in order to reactivate it and so that it releases whatever it has filtered out of the water.

Sources: SinPlastico, Kishu Charcoal