If your goal for the new year was to be more environmentally-friendly, making changes in your home is the best place to start. More people are becoming increasingly aware of the damage caused to the planet, and are looking for ways to make a positive change and protect the earth for future generations. Deciding to go green can feel like an overwhelming task, as the scale of the problems that need addressing can seem daunting. Don’t let this put you off, the most crucial step is to get started, and you may find it helpful to begin by focusing on one aspect of your home and going from there.
While plastic pollution is featured prominently in the news, the issue of water shortages is often overlooked. If you live in an area with an abundant water supply, it is easy to forget that not everyone is so fortunate. Only a small proportion of the water available on the planet is freshwater suitable for human consumption. Much of the world’s water is saltwater and unsuitable for drinking. Add climate change to the mix and the risk of droughts, plus the dangers of polluted water, and you can see that water is a precious resource in very short supply.
Making a conscious effort to save water at home is something that can be done pretty easily, and will also help you to achieve significant savings on your water bill. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Harvest Rainwater
Harvesting rainwater is a simple but extremely effective way to save water, and it could even cut your water bills in half. Collecting and storing rainwater allows you to use it for various tasks, such as watering plants and flowers, and even flushing your toilet. To get started with rainwater harvesting, you will firstly need a tank to collect the rainwater. There are a few options available for storing your rainwater, including concrete water tanks.
Unless it has been appropriately filtered, you will not be able to use the rainwater for drinking, cooking or washing. However, using it for flushing your toilet and watering your flowers will help you to save significant amounts of drinking water being used for these tasks.
Turn off the Taps
Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth is something many people forget to do, but the amount of water it can save may surprise you. Eight gallons of water could be saved each day if you turn the tap off while you brush. If everyone did this simple action, every day, a significant amount of water would be saved.
Cut Down Shower Time
Taking less time in the shower is an excellent way to cut the amount of water you waste. Reducing your shower time from the average eight minutes to a quick five-minute shower will help you save around 7.5 gallons of water every time you shower.
Why not give some of these ideas a try and see how much water you could save?
2 comments
One more way, if I might add, is – to install a high-efficiency toilet. Toilets use a lot of water. Older toilets can use up to 7 gallons a flush. High-efficiency toilets come in an array of styles and price-points, but they all have one thing in common: they save water. Most high-efficiency toilets use only 1.5 gallons of water per flush, and some use even less.
Even more tips here: https://polestarplumbing.com/tips-tricks/earth-friendly-plumbing-fixtures.
Hey! That’s a very useful article – thanks. I just want to add a few more tips for pool owners. If you have a swimming pool, there are some things you can do to reduce your water consumption:
1. Identify and repair any leaks;
2. Minimize the pool water splashing out;
3. Lower the pool’s water level;
4. If your pool is heated, lower the temperature;
5. Backwash pool filters only when necessary.