Water is a precious resource, and we must conserve it in every way possible. With the global population growing each day, water conservation is more important than ever before. Not only is reducing water usage good for the environment, but it will also save you money on your water bill! Now that’s what I call a win-win.
Here are 10 tips to reduce your usage of water so that everyone on this planet can continue to enjoy clean drinking water for many years to come, and you can enjoy a few extra pounds in your pocket!
Turning Off Water While Brushing Your Teeth
Standing there while you’re brushing your teeth and letting the water just run down the drain is a huge waste of water. Close the tap as soon as you’ve finished brushing, and then turn it back on again when you need to rinse.
Take Shorter Showers
We all know that the average shower is typically 8-10 minutes, but how many of you actually stay in the shower for that entire time? Get out, rinse off, and hop back in after you’re done lathering up.
Catch water for plants while it heats up
If you’re waiting for the hot water to get back to normal temperature, grab a container and catch the cold water. You can use the cold water for house plants, or wherever else you need it.
Catch Rain Water for Watering Plants
One successful way to conserve water and live more sustainably is by catching rain runoff from your gutters that will eventually end up as wasted water. Put a container in your gutter, and catch the water from when it rains. You can use this for watering plants or other purposes that don’t require clean drinking water
Take Showers instead of Baths
Believe it or not, a shower can use less water than a bath. Filling up the tub takes more water than you need to bathe in. Switch out most of your bathing for showers.
Turn Off Water While Soaping Up
One way to conserve water and live more sustainably is to keep showers short. Another way to conserve water during a shower is to turn off the tap while you’re soaping up, and then turning it back on again when you need to rinse.
Plant More Edibles and Less Grass
A large lawn uses a lot of water. If itís not prohibited by your town or community association, try growing edible plants in as much of your yard as possible. Vegetables, fruit, and herbs are all easy to grow and can be used to feed your family.
Mulch Plants Properly to Retain Water
One way to conserve water is by using natural mulch that helps keep in moisture for plants. Once youíve applied the mulch, make sure to water it before planting your plant.
Turning off Your Water While You’re on Vacation
If you know that for a few days or weeks there won’t be anyone at home then try turning off your tap while you are away and conserve some water. The EPA has found that 60% of water waste comes from house hoses.
Prune Plants Well
Growing plants? Make sure to prune the plants and discard any unwanted parts, as this will help conserve water. That’s because you aren’t wasting water on parts of the plant that you don’t want or may be dying.
Fill the Dishwasher All the Way before Running
When washing dishes, only run the dishwasher when it is full. This way, you conserve water by not running the dishwasher until it is full.
Fill the Washer All the Way before Running
To minimize wasted water and save on utility bills, wait until you have a full load before washing your clothes.
Use Leftover Cooking Water
When we make pasta or steam vegetables, the water used to cook each becomes reusable and can be used in soups. Or allow it to cool and use it on your plants in the garden.
Fix Leaky Faucets Immediately
Drip leaky faucet? Get in contact with a plumber right away! One dripping faucet can waste gallons of water quickly.
Measure Sprinkler Output
It is easy to waste water when you have several types of plants in your home and it may be difficult to accurately measure the amount of water each plant needs. To make sure you donít unintentionally damage any plants, set up a plan for measuring the quantity of water that should be provided after turning off the hose or watering can.
Making the most of your water
Conserving water can be fun, too! Thinking of ways that you might wash your car and do laundry more efficiently will save both resources and leave enough for future generations. Get the kids involved too and turn it into an educational game. Enjoy your lower water bill, plus the knowledge that you’re doing your bit for the enviroment!