Guest contribution by Igor Pershin, published on 7 March 2025

In 2018, while travelling in South America, I developed a severe autoimmune condition almost overnight, accompanied by immediate and widespread dietary intolerances, which, as you can imagine, made further travel nearly impossible. Upon my return to Melbourne, my functional medicine practitioner recommended, among many other lifestyle changes, that I cut out plastics due to the synthetic oestrogens they leach into food, water, and even skin.

That advice changed everything for me. I removed plastic from my kitchen, swapped out Tupperware for glass containers, and bought a plastic-free kettle and blender. But when it came to water filtration, I hit a wall. Every option involved plastic—plastic cartridges, housings, and everywhere else. That’s when I discovered Binchotan charcoal, a centuries-old Japanese filtration method that naturally absorbs impurities like chlorine and heavy metals while enhancing the taste and balancing pH.

So, I started Natural Filters—because I wanted a simple, effective, and plastic-free way to drink cleaner water.

Why Filter Your Water?

Australians enjoy safe, high-quality tap water, but there’s always room for improvement. Chlorine is used for disinfection, which can result in an unpleasant taste and odour. Heavy metals like lead and copper can still leach from old pipes, even if they stay within legal limits

Filtering your water isn’t about fear—it’s about optimising what you put into your body. Clean, balanced water hydrates better, tastes better, and removes unnecessary exposure to contaminants.

The Problem with Traditional Water Filters

Most water filters are made of plastic, which breaks down over time. Traditional filter cartridges degrade, potentially releasing microplastics into the very water you’re trying to purify. Even reverse osmosis filters—trusted by many for the purest filtration—contain plastic housings, cartridges, tubing, and membranes casings.

So, the question is: Do you really want plastic to be part of your daily hydration?

How Natural Filters Work

Natural Filters use bamboo charcoal that’s been carbonised at high temperatures. This process creates a porous structure that traps impurities, reduces chlorine, and balances pH. The result? Water that’s crisp, smooth, and free from unnecessary contaminants.

It’s the same ancient Japanese technique used for centuries—no gimmicks, chemicals, or plastic waste.

Why Choose Natural Filters?

• Absorbs heavy metals – Reduces lead, copper, and mercury, which can impact brain function, kidney health, and overall well-being.
• Balances pH – Helps reduce acidity, supporting better digestion and hydration.
• No plastic, no microplastics – Unlike traditional filters, bamboo charcoal won’t leach plastics into your water.
• Lasts a long time – Each stick lasts at least three months with daily use.
• Better-tasting water – Removes chlorine for a clean, fresh taste that encourages hydration.
• Sustainable & biodegradable – Made from renewable bamboo, it can be composted or repurposed in your garden to improve soil quality, boost microbial activity, and enhance moisture retention for healthier plants.

Cost Comparison – A Smarter Choice

Traditional plastic water filters, like Brita MAXTRA+ cartridges, can cost between $68 and $138 per year, depending on how often they are replaced. A six-pack costs around $68.95, while an eight-pack costs $74.99. Each cartridge lasts 1–2 months before requiring replacement.

Natural Filters offer a simpler, cheaper, and more sustainable alternative. A five-pack costs just $49 if you bring your own jug or $59 with a tempered glass jug. Since each stick lasts three months, you only need four per year, bringing your annual cost down to just $39 – $49—less than half the price of plastic filters.

Make the Switch to a Natural Way

However, it’s not solely about saving money. Unlike plastic cartridges, bamboo charcoal filters do not add to plastic waste or microplastic contamination. They also naturally eliminate chlorine and heavy metals, while balancing pH for a cleaner, fresher taste.

Switching to Natural Filters offers better water, less waste, and more savings. A simple, sustainable solution

For me, Natural Filters aren’t just a product—they’re a solution to a problem I personally faced. I wanted to reduce my exposure to plastic, drink cleaner water, and ditch disposable filter cartridges that create unnecessary waste.

Now, you can too. If you want better-tasting, plastic-free, and naturally filtered water, try Natural Filters. You’ll taste the difference.