Audra Huffmeyer

Audra Huffmeyer, a recent college graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and current Ph.D. candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, is an excellent example of being the change you want to see! As founder and product lead, Huffmeyer’s company FIL₂R (pronounced filter) was created to tackle the ongoing issues of plastic waste and unmindful consumption worldwide. Her desire to make such a product was not only sparked because she was “tired of throwing her Brita filter in the trash” but was also born from her passion for reducing plastic waste. 

Aside from the successes of Huffmeyer and her business, one must acknowledge the many perils endured to get here. As a Black woman and solo founder of FIL₂R, she was constantly underestimated, often told to “Expect to give 50% of your business away,” or, “Be ready to be competitive.” In understanding this intersectional experience, she reminds herself and encourages those who also desire to start a business to utilize their community resources and keep their head held high. She shares, “Make sure it’s something you’re passionate about,” ensuring that you are fully committed to your vision and business ventures. 

Shifting our focus back to FIL₂R, these filtration pods are compatible with many models of water pitches from Atlantis, Soho, Chrome, Everyday, and many, many more! By being recyclable and made with an activated carbon pod, this product reduces chlorine, particulates, and lead from tap water for up to forty gallons. In fact, for every purchase of these eco-friendly and sustainable water filtrations, you would be replacing 7,200 plastic bottles of water and therefore reducing your carbon footprint by 1,323 pounds of CO2! 

How can one purchase the product, you may ask? By visiting the FIL₂R website (fil2r.com), you can learn more about Huffmeyer’s FIL₂R products and buy them if you feel compelled to support or invest in such an incredible creation. As she prepares to restock in the next four weeks, she shares with you, as the reader, a unique chance to receive a discount code (SUITE12) for 12% off, valid until 5/31/22. 

With this kind of courtesy, I not only perceive this opportunity as a chance to invest in a Black-owned business, but also to be more knowledgeable and aware of your ecological footprint. Though still learning as I go, I believe that my interview with Audra Heffmeyer only affirmed my belief that change does start with you and me!