Water is arguably the most important element needed to keep life on Earth. Without water, life cannot exist, so it is important that we try to conserve this finite resource instead of wasting it. Here are a few ways you can save water (and energy).
Use Rain Barrels
While you are still going to be using water in this case, collecting rainwater is a great way to conserve water because you are less dependent on treated water. You can search online for the best rain diverter kit to avoid overflows in your rain barrel that could damage your basement or the foundation of your house. This water may not be fit for consumption, but you can use it for other purposes like watering plants, washing your car, or your hands. Just remember that you can’t drink it.
Take Shorter Showers
The average American shower consumes around 17 gallons of water. If you limit your time in the shower, you can easily bring that number down significantly.
Use Your Dishwasher – But Only When It’s Full
No matter how hard you try, handwashing will always use more water than modern dishwashers. However, to get the best results from your washing machine, only run it when it is completely full. You may still need to wash some of your pots and pans by hand, but this will save a lot of water in the long-run, not to mention the time and energy needed to wash dishes. Note that most modern dishwashers do not require you to rinse your dishes before putting them in, or else that would defeat their purpose.
Turn Off The Tap
Whether you are shaving, brushing your teeth, or anything else – don’t keep the water running when you don’t absolutely need it. You can always turn on the tap when you need the water. When shaving you can fill a small cup or the sink with a little water to rinse your razor with. Try to also implement this philosophy when you shower, so turn off the tap when you’re shampooing or scrubbing your body.
Keep Cold Water In The Fridge
Many of us prefer cold water for drinking, and if you’re drinking straight from the tap then you are likely to run the water for a few minutes until it’s cold enough – all water that is wasted. If you keep a bottle of water in the fridge, you will have cold water ready at all times, sans waste.
Fix Leaks As Soon As Possible
The dripping faucet or leaking pipe may only be drops of water but that water amounts to a lot that could be conserved by fixing the leak. Additionally, water damage from leaky plumbing can significantly impact the value of your property.
With the aforementioned tips and tricks, you should be able to begin a waste-free journey to conserve water. We all need to play our part in making sure that we leave this world in a better condition for future generations. This may only have a small impact, but together we can build a better future.
