When I was a kid, I’d go to my grandparent’s house and as a special treat, you could make a drink with their SodaStream. It was kept out in a utility room or conservatory because it was a noisy machine, putting carbonation into the beverage of your choice. The only things I particularly remember about the experience is that it was a) a lot of fun and something to look forward to and b) resulted in some pretty rubbish colas and lemonades that didn’t live up to the hype.

As part of the whole “reduce your plastic usage” thing that is fashionable right now, I realised I was drinking sparkling water and using too many plastic bottles in the process. The solution? SodaStream.

Amazingly, they’re still in business and they’re actively advertising their product as an environmentally friendly option to guzzling lots of plastic-encased beverages.

I’m happy to report that creating a bubbly drink is still a lot of fun. In fact, it’s kind of magical. You pop a gas canister in the back of the machine, fill the container with water and with two short button presses, you’ve somehow created a drink that tickles your nose. Amazing. As yet, I have not tried any of the flavours but I am eyeing up the ginger ale and fake cola.

Supposedly it’s cheaper than splashing out on sparkling water from the shops. I haven’t worked out the economics to the penny but it does feel like you get more for your money with the wonder machine. And, as expected, it reduces the recycling pile, which can only be a good thing.