Carbon 8 (make your own fizzy water)

Carbon 8 is a one-touch countertop water carbonator, which removes chlorine and adds mineral. Say goodbye to plastic bottles, just add your own choice of citrus flavour (lime, grapefruit, lemon) and enjoy freshly-made sparkling water, whenever you want it.

The water is purified using UV light. It’s expensive (a couple of hundred pounds) but you only then need refills (just like old-fashioned soda syphons).

Making your own flavoured sparkling water is as easy as infusion. Try adding slices of cucumber or strawberry for a fresh twist, or sprigs of mint for a cooling effect. The possibilities are endless, and personalising your water ensures it never gets boring.

How Much Water Should We Drink?

We need water to keep cool, remove waste, and help our joints, brains and eyes (fresh water is also found in raw product like watermelons and bananas). The average person needs around 1.2 litres of water a day (more for athletes, hot weather, some medical conditions and after vomiting/diarrhoea).

So how much is 1.2 litres? Around 6 x 200ml glasses. So drink 2 glasses when you wake up, another 2 before lunch and dinner, and in a couple of weeks you’ll be hydrated.

The caveat is that your body loses water with tea, coffee, cola and alcohol. So add an extra glass, for each one of those you drink. It’s easier to reduce caffeine and alcohol, so you are not guzzling water all day to compensate.

What Kind of Water Should Pets Drink?

Never give fizzy water to pets, as it could cause bloat. 

Spring and filtered water are fine, you may find health and fur improves. But vets say that (unless medically given) to avoid distilled water (removes minerals and electrolytes).

Don’t let pets drink from puddles. It may taste nice to them, but could contain remnants of bacteria, oil or antifreeze.