Why should you make an effort to save water?
a) Canadians are the second most wasteful water users on the planet
b) UNESCO has predicted that by 2020 water shortage will be a serious worldwide problem
c) Water prices are rising
d) All of the above.
Answer: D
There are many more reasons to use water wisely. Did you know that conserving water will help you lower your energy bills? Don’t underestimate the price tag on heating water for washing…
Here are three easy water conservation tips. Please try them at home!
Tip 1
If you need to run the tap to get warm water for washing, use a clean bucket to capture all the litres going down the drain. This water can then be filtered, refrigerated, and good enough for you and your pets to drink.
Tip 2
Washing dishes or clothes by hand? Re-use the water left in the sink, by scooping it and pouring it in your plants. Plants don’t mind a little grey water. In fact some people swear by watering their plants with leftover coffee and tea. This is not recommended for all plants as certain species are less tolerant of acidity.
Tip 3
This one might be easier said than done but is actually one of the simplest things you can do: take fewer or shorter showers. Time yourself, turn off the tap when you are lathering up the shampoo, pass on hair conditioner, or use the leave-in kind. Turn off the tap if you are doing any shaving in the shower.
Bonus Tip: If you haven’t done so already, install faucet aerators on your taps (e.g. bathroom and kitchen sink). This may be the *easiest* water conservation action you do cause once they’re on there, you forget about them and the savings keep flowing.
Save it don’t spray it!
Photo by Kristin Slota
Make a difference − share this environmental tip with your friends.
Ann says:
9 March 2009 at 18 h 43 minQuestion: Doesn’t the soap in the greywater bother the plants?
EcoCHampion says:
10 March 2009 at 9 h 54 minSuch simple things are often the most popular. Mark @ http://www.bemoreeco.com
Greg says:
10 March 2009 at 11 h 35 minWhen installing faucet aerators keep in mind there are various levels of water saving aerators. Typical water flow rates start at 2.2 gallons per minute and go all the way down to .5 gallons per minute. Here is a link to examples, you can not buy them on the site but it will give you an idea of what to look for at the hardware store. http://www.faucetaerators.com/faucet-aerators-c-21.html
Cheryl Gudz says:
11 March 2009 at 16 h 46 minaha! good question. i would feel very comfortable reusing the water if your dishwashing liquid is full of natural mineral ingredients and plant-based fragrances.
michelle says:
14 May 2009 at 9 h 39 minplease keep up the good work and post more things like this