Water is our most precious resource. It is vital for all life on Earth to survive. NASA created a cool video on the Earth’s Water Cycle if you are interested in learning more about the science. Our planet truly is spectacular. The problem is, we are using water at a faster rate than the Earth can recycle it. We should all be doing our best to conserve water, even if you aren’t living in a drought ridden desert. Conserving water also helps to lower your bills, and who doesn’t want that haha. Here are 27 ways to conserve water.
1. Install low flow aerators on your bathroom faucets.
It’s super easy and cheap to do! Older bathroom sinks flow at a rate of 2.2 GPM (gallons per minute), and newer sinks use 1.5 GPM. I recommend using the .5 GPM aerator. You’ll use at least 1 gallon less per minute! Your faucet will still have the same amount of pressure coming out. You really won’t even notice that it’s less water. Imagine how many gallons will be saved over time with this simple switch!
2. Get a new kitchen faucet or install a low flow aerator.
For kitchen use it’s easiest to have an adjustable faucet. I use THIS one. It has 3 different flow settings that you can change between by simply twisting the faucet tip. You can use the eco-flow setting for most things, then switch to the full flow when filling up a pot or a pitcher.
3. Turn off faucets when not in immediate use.
This is a no brainer but so many people are guilty of this. Lets break this bad habit!
4. Don’t wet your toothbrush before brushing your teeth.
Use a squirt bottle to moisten your toothbrush if you must. Little things like this add up.
5. Catch the cold water when waiting for water to heat up.
Keep a half gallon mason jar right next to the kitchen sink and a bucket in your shower. This perfectly clean water can then be used for anything.
6. Take shorter showers.
Optimize and streamline your shower routine. Use a timer or listen to 1-3 songs to gauge how long you are showering. Just cutting off two minutes of your daily shower can save 1,825 gallons of water each year! If your shower is where you relax, do deep thinking, and/or sing your little heart out, then just try to limit those long luxurious showers to once or twice a week.
7. Install a low flow shower head.
That way you can feel slightly less guilty if you take longer showers.
8. Shower with a bucket to catch some of the water.
Weird, but can catch quite a bit of water haha.
9. Haul out your bathtub water.
If you happen to take a bath, use that bucket to scoop out the water for your plants instead of draining it. This one is tedious and a lot of work but can save 35-80 gallons from going down the drain.
10. Use an energy star toilet, composting toilet, or add a Niagara Conservation Water Saving Toilet Tank Bank
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.Don’t put a brick in your toilet though because the brick sediments can cause plumbing issues!
11. Fix any leaks asap.
You can save about 10% on your water bill by doing this. The EPA has some good facts and info about fixing leaks.
12. Use a high efficiency washing machine.
These use about 40% less water than a standard washing machine.
13. Wash full loads or adjust the size setting on your washing machine or dishwasher.
#commonsense
14. Hand wash clothes.
This method uses less water and you can use the grey water afterwards.
15. Dirty less dishes. Less dishes to wash. Less water used.
Try using one glass or a reusable bottle for water each day instead of several.
16. When hand washing dishes, only fill your sink with the minimum amount of water needed to wash.
Then rinse them in a basin or bowl of water. I will say this yet again, use the grey water afterwards.
17. Compost instead of using garbage disposal.
Your plants will love you more if you feed them compost.
18. Don’t pour usable water down the drain. Water your plants with it.
Water you cooked pasta with, water used to rinse out a blender, an unfinished glass of water…. you get the idea.
19. Water yard and garden smartly.
Water early in the AM. Use a drip irrigation system. Use grey water. Collect rainwater.
20. Landscape thoughtfully.
I’m not saying to xeriscape your entire yard, but you also probably don’t need gigantic amounts of grass either. Find a balance that works for you and your family. Mulch your trees and plants to help soil retain moisture.
21. Sweep house and sidewalks instead of spraying them off with the hose.
Obviously that will save water.
22. Wash your dog(s) on the grass.
Clean dog and a watered lawn. Just make sure you are using eco-friendly soap.
23. Don’t wash your car at home, go to a car wash.
They recycle the water and you won’t have oil and toxins run off into storm drains and/or seep down into groundwater.
24. When at a restaurant, only have them pour water you will drink.
Waste not, want not.
25. Stop buying (or buy less) liquid products.
Things like liquid laundry detergent, hand soap, cleaning products etc. You are essentially buying water, which requires larger packaging to hold all that water, and then a lot of water is used to create the packaging.
26. Eat less meat or no meat.
According to PETA “It takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce just 1 pound of meat. Only 25 gallons of water are required to grow 1 pound of wheat.”
27. Shop less and buy secondhand when possible.
“It takes around 1,800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to produce just one pair of regular ol’ blue jeans.” –treehugger.com
Before I write the closing paragraph, I need a dance break. Cue Blue Monday by New Order!
Alright, I’m back… I hope you found these tips helpful. Anything we can do to conserve water is better than doing nothing. Please comment with water saving ideas that you have and I may include it in a Part 2 post.
Peace out.
