There are so many ways to celebrate Earth Day: plant a tree, volunteer or ride your ride for a day. The list is endless, but short lived. Earth Day should be recognized year-round and one way to do that is make smart water choices.
Water is a precious resource. One that makes our planet unique, and more importantly, habitable. So whether or not you're facing water shortage, it is important to find ways to conserve water for a sustainable living. Plus, you'll also save money in energy and utility bills.
Conserving water isn’t hard. It’s all about the little, everyday things. Here are a few tips to help you save more water at home.
Turn off the tap when it’s not in use
Keeping the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving wastes about 4-5 gallons of water on average. That’s roughly what a family in Africa uses in an entire day. Instead, turn off the tap until it’s time to wash.
Run your dishwasher and laundry only when its full
Your dishwasher and washing machine can each use 10-15 gallons of water per cycle. For laundry machines, an older agitator model uses up to 40 gallons of water, and a front-loader uses about 7 gallons. So you will get better value for your money and save water by doing fewer, fuller loads.
Take shorter showers
There’s nothing like a long, hot shower after a long, hard day. But what if you could cut those extra minutes in the shower? Or fill your bath only halfway instead of full? That could help you save not just more water, but time and money from heater bills.
Use energy-efficient, water-saving devices
If long showers are your thing, you could install low-flow shower heads instead. They tend to have lesser water pressure and therefore, lesser water flow, while still offering a satisfying shower. You could also opt for ultra-low flush toilets. They use less water per flush but are just as effective.
Fix plumbing leaks
If you've done everything, but your water bills are still high, leaky plumbing could be the problem. Keep a close eye on your utility bills. And get your plumbing checked and fixed to reduce water wastage.
Use drip irrigation to water your plants
Garden hoses and sprinklers can overwater your plants. Much of this water could also be lost through evaporation and runoff. So if you have a small garden or few plants, try drip irrigation. That way, your plants will have enough water consistently.
Reuse water for landscape gardens
Instead of washing your fruits and vegetables in running water, rinse them in a bowl of water. This water is not ideal for drinking or personal use, but you can use it to water your plants.
