I always try to conserve as much water as possible during any given day. Some days, it can easier than others, but I figure every bit helps. Don't get me wrong, some of the items on the list will be a challenge, yes even for me, while others are an everyday occurrence.
20 ways to help reduce your water consumption:
- Imagine saving 25 gallons of water just from turning the tap off while brushing your teeth
- Or better yet brush your teeth in the shower.
- How about investing in a water-efficient shower head. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
- Why not shorten your shower by a minute or two. You can save up to 150 gallons per month.
- Shower in teams! Yes, that's right. Shower with your kids and/or significant others. Could make for a fun morning or night.
- Rain water is great for watering shrubs and plants. So why not collect it before it runs off into the ground.
- Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
- Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
- When you are washing your hands, try not to let the water run while you lather.
- I always try to have designated a glass for my drinking water everyday or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses I need to wash.
- Instead of letting the water run to get some cold refreshing water, how about filling a pitcher of water and putting it in the fridge. This way, every drop goes down your throat and not the drain.
- This happens to me all the time: I drop ice cubes on the floor. Instead of throwing them down the sink, drop them in a house plant.
- Try the no flush after pee method and put your tissue in the garbage which will save water.
- Install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
- Wash your fruit and veggies in a bowl full of water instead of letting the water run.
- Try to use your garbage disposal less frequently. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save water every time.
- Try not to thaw food by running water, simply put it in the fridge and you will save lots of water.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
- Use only as much water as you need. For example, don't fill your sink with water for a few dishes or don't fill your pot with water if you don’t need that much for boiling your pasta.
Finally, number 20: Try any or all of these tips. Conserving water starts with you and me!
Source: Water Use It Wisely
I’m conflicted about brushing your teeth in the shower. If you don’t let the water run while you brush, that saves a lot more water than extending your shower by 2 minutes, right?
I often keep an empty pitcher in the sink so as I rinse slightly dirty items or my fingers, the water collects in the pitcher which I then use for plants. Or, if you’re waiting for hot water, you can fill up the pitcher for pet-bowl water!
Great ideas tho, thanks for sharing!
That’s a good idea, Ruby to have a pitcher in the sink. And you could be right about brushing your teeth in the shower. I will need to investigate the issue more.Thanks for sharing!
That’s great and just remember baby steps. Try adding a new tip a day or every few days to see how yo ucan conserve water!
LMAO! I knew someone would bring that up!!!
Wow – I’m doing better than I thought at conserving water! I love my rain barrel…and if the kids have used their little plastic pool – I water my gardens first from that. I use their bath water for my house plants when required. I am doing my best to teach our kids too – they already know not to have the faucet running to brush their teeth or wash hands. In fact, often they just use that sanitizer if not really dirty. And yes, they have been taught the following rhyme:
if its yellow…..let it mellow;
if its brown, flush it down
🙂
Love it!!! In hope to pass on all my crazy water conservation and green stuff to my little one! And if it’s yellow let it mellow and if it’s brown flush it down….I will be stealing that! Thank you so much for reading! 🙂
LMAO, Amy! Yes ick!!!!
Since I grew up in the desert, we were raised to be conscious about water conservation and it’s carried over to my adult years, even though I live in a wetter climate. My Grandpa told me you only need a 3 minute shower–but that’s pretty extreme for most people. But my friend puts a bucket in her shower and catches the water and carries it outdoors to water her tree.
I’m your newest follower by the way. Please check out my blog @
http://westvistaurbanfarmschool.blogspot.com/ and I hope you will follow me too.
I was going to mention the bucket and shower things but it got to long. I am personally going to start doing that to water my plants! I will for sure check out your site! Thanks for stopping by, Kristin!
Hey Steph! 🙂
Your articles are so good to make someone think about our planet. You are writing tips for people to save so much stuff starting from their own house… 🙂 wow!
Feels good that you are doing a great work and I had a chance to work with you. 🙂
Keep up the good work!
And the information you put in articles/posts are really helpful. Makes reading an enjoyable thing.
GO GREEN!
Thank you, Kedar for your kind words. I am so happy you are taking the time to read my articles. I appreciate it very much! Go Green is right! 🙂
That is fantastic what you do. Teaching your kids about the importance of conserving water! You have lots to be proud of!