Sure, you can buy activated charcoal at the store. But making your own is oddly satisfying, like baking sourdough from scratch or carving a spoon. You control every step, and you get that smug feeling of self-reliance.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose wood scraps or even coconut shells. Ever wonder why your camping trip water tastes like plastic? That’s because store filters sit in warehouses. Homemade charcoal? That’s a story you can tell.