Did you know the UK goes through a staggering 7.7 billion plastic water bottles every year? That’s why this Plastic Free July 2025, I’ve partnered with AQUAPHOR — the fastest-growing name in water filtration — to explore how small changes, like swapping to a stylish, reusable filter bottle, can make a massive difference. After testing AQUAPHOR’s latest collection of water bottles in gorgeous colours, I’m sharing my experience, plus everything you need to know to kick single-use plastic for good.
Why Plastic Free July Matters in 2025
Plastic Free July isn’t just another hashtag — it’s a global movement across 190+ countries helping people cut plastic waste. On average, households taking part reduce plastic by 15kg per year — and when you think about how many single-use bottles that saves, it’s incredible.
But let’s be real: the statistics are still shocking. Globally, over 1 million plastic bottles are sold every minute, and less than 10% get recycled. In the UK alone, 79% of discarded plastic ends up in landfill or nature.
That’s why initiatives like AQUAPHOR’s Recycle Three, Get One Free program and their powerful new filter bottles are such game-changers.
My Hands-On Review: AQUAPHOR’s City Cool Filter Bottles
I was sent AQUAPHOR’s City Cool bottles in several dreamy colours — think Sky Blue, Mineral Red, Rose Pink, and Fresh Teal — and let me tell you: these are not your average metal bottles.
From the first sip, the difference was crystal clear. AQUAPHOR’s advanced coconut-shell carbon filters remove nasties like chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, PFAs, and microplastics — leaving my water tasting fresh, clean, and honestly addictive.
The double-wall stainless steel design keeps drinks icy cold for 24 hours (I tested mine during a heatwave in Liverpool — it held up beautifully), and the matte finish with non-slip grip makes it feel luxurious yet practical.
Each filter lasts up to 300L, which means one bottle can replace up to 300 single-use plastic bottles. And when it’s time to swap filters, AQUAPHOR’s free recycling program makes it easy — you just send them back via Royal Mail.
How AQUAPHOR Makes Going Plastic-Free Easy
Beyond the bottles, AQUAPHOR’s full range of premium filter jugs (like their new FRESH and LAGO designs) makes it easy to ditch bottled water at home too. Their filters handle 150–500L of water per cartridge, and AQUAPHOR’s free ReFactory™ recycling turns old filters into new household items — even AQUAPHOR’s own recycling bins!
Plus, for Plastic Free July, AQUAPHOR is going bigger than ever with:
✅ Recycle Three, Get One Free — Send in 3 used filters, get a new one free.
✅ #PlasticFreeJuly Challenge — Post a pledge video tagging AQUAPHOR; first 100 get a free jug + filter.
✅ #BanTheBottle Pledge — Sign up, and the first 100 get a jug + filter.
It’s everything you need to stay hydrated sustainably — and look good doing it.
Small Steps, Big Impact: My Takeaway
After trying AQUAPHOR’s bottles, I’ve found myself reaching for them instinctively, whether heading to a shoot or editing from a café. They fit perfectly in my bag, don’t leak, and the water tastes so much better than anything out of a plastic bottle.
Plastic Free July reminds us that small steps add up — and choosing a reusable bottle isn’t just better for the planet, but for your health too. With AQUAPHOR, it’s easy, stylish, and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Plastic Free July is the perfect time to rethink your habits — and AQUAPHOR gives you the tools to start. Let’s make every refill a stand against single-use waste and filter a better future together.
The AQUAPHOR City Cool Filter Bottle is the ultimate choice for Plastic Free July 2025. It’s a sleek, stainless steel, double-walled bottle with advanced coconut-shell carbon filtration. This innovative design removes chlorine, heavy metals, PFAs, microplastics, pesticides, and even pharmaceutical residues, while keeping your water chilled for up to 24 hours. Each replaceable filter lasts up to 300L, saving you from using over 300 single-use plastic bottles — making it both eco-friendly and economical.
AQUAPHOR makes recycling easy and free in the UK. Simply:
Register for AQUAPHOR’s Water Filter Recycling Programme at their website.
Pack your used filters into any recyclable cardboard box.
Print the free Royal Mail postage label provided upon registration.
Drop your package at your local post office.
Your old filters are sent to ReFactory, where they’re transformed into new household items — even AQUAPHOR’s own recycling bins — ensuring they never end up in landfill.
Yes! While bottled water can still contain microplastics and other contaminants, filtered tap water with AQUAPHOR’s advanced filters often exceeds bottled water standards. AQUAPHOR filters remove common impurities like chlorine, lead, mercury, PFAs, and microplastics while preserving healthy minerals. This means cleaner, better-tasting water — without the environmental cost of bottled water production and plastic waste.
On average, one AQUAPHOR City Cool Filter Bottle can replace 300 single-use plastic bottles per filter cartridge. Over a year, this could mean avoiding hundreds — or even thousands — of plastic bottles, especially if you refill multiple times daily. Small daily actions really do add up!
A filter jug like AQUAPHOR’s FRESH or LAGO models is designed for home use, filtering larger quantities of water to store in your fridge or serve at meals. A filter bottle like the City Cool is portable, letting you filter water on the go — perfect for work, travel, or the gym. Both options reduce single-use plastic but serve different lifestyles.
Yes — AQUAPHOR’s advanced ion-exchange and activated carbon filters effectively reduce microplastics, giving you peace of mind with every sip. Microplastics have been found in bottled water and tap water alike, so filtering is key to avoiding them.
You can take part by pledging to go plastic-free on social media with AQUAPHOR’s #PlasticFreeJuly challenge — the first 100 champions who post a video pledge tagging AQUAPHOR will receive a free jug and filter. You can also sign up for AQUAPHOR’s Ban the Bottle Pledge on their website, where the first 100 participants in July will be gifted a jug + filter to help you kickstart your plastic-free journey.