A natural charcoal water filter in a glass carafe is my new favorite way to purify my drinking water. Always on the lookout for ways to reduce the amount of plastic I use in daily life, natural charcoal is the perfect solution.
Kishu Binchotan Charcoal Sticks are made from 100% Ubame Oak branches burned in a specialized kiln at extremely high temperatures. The process is called “nerashi”; it carbonizes the structure of the wood and leaves behind countless porous cavities for water to fill.
When new, the charcoal sticks are so smooth they feel almost like glass. Each stick must be prepped with boiling water then rinsed with clean water before added to your water carafe. This activates the charcoal and removes any remaining ash or loose bits.
The charcoal should be boiled every 3-4 weeks to release the buildup of impurities it has absorbed from the water. Replace the charcoal after 3 months of use.
When your charcoal is no longer effective for water filtration, it can be recycled. Break the used sticks into smaller pieces and add to your garden or houseplant soil. The recycled charcoal will aerate your soil and increase microbial activity.
No waste + clean water!