Today, Saturday March 22 is World Water Day, though it really should be everyday. Our world is a thirsty place, and scientists are predicting that it will only get drier. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development calculates that by 2050 47% of the global population will be living under severe water stress. That idea is no more apparent than out west in California where the worst drought on record is currently under way. While smart water systems reduce water loss for agriculture, minimizing water loss at home is personal matter that is exercised everyday through conservation. Read the list below to find out how you can increase conservation at home.
1) Use every drop– Letting any used water run down the sink is unnecessary. Put a basin in your sink to collect water that can be later used to water pants. Using environmentally friendly soap lets you re–use water that was used to wash your hands.
2) Don’t waste cold water– Letting water flow down the drain while you wait for it to warm up is a complete waste. Cold water kills germs as well as warm water does, and cold water is actually better for your hair and skin than warm water.
3) The Navy Shower– Probably the most water–conscience way of washing yourself. With a Navy shower you get in, get wet, turn off the water, soap up, then turn the water on again only to rinse off. A regular shower uses about 60 gallons of water, while Navy showers use only 3 gallons of water on average.
4) Water plants in the morning– Watering when temperatures are at their lowest will minimize evaporation from the sun. On average, watering in the morning will save 25 gallons each time you water. You can also water in the evenings, but this makes your plants susceptible to fungus growth.
5) Dishwashers are your friend– Dishwashers save A LOT of water. The average dishwasher uses 6 gallons of water per cycle, and Energy Star dishwashers use 4 gallons of water per cycle. Since water flows out of the tap at about 2-gallons/ minute you use substantially more water when you wash a whole load of dishes by hand.
Water conservation is about creativity: thinking before you act to minimize water use. While these are only a few ways of saving water, they are effective and actionable. Come up with unique ways to cut down on the water you use, it’s good for the environment and your wallet.
Need more conservation tips? Find them in this FREE issue.