11 Simple Strategies To Save Water In Your Home
Groundwater, snow, and surface water runoff contribute to the earth’s water supply. However, pollution and overdevelopment mean these supplies are endangered. According to research, freshwater accounts for only a small percentage of the earth’s water supply, yet only half is accessible to humans. Availability of safe drinking water is increasingly becoming a challenge every passing day, and the cost isn’t getting any cheaper. A recent study reports a rising cost of water in the US, with over a 30% increase in less than a decade. Such findings highlight the need to consciously conserve water in your home. Below are 11 water-saving techniques you can apply in your home.
- Save up your dirty clothes
Daily activities such as doing the laundry can cause you to use more water than necessary, leading to wastage. However, you can practice water-saving techniques to conserve water even when washing your clothes. It would help to wait until you have a full load to reduce water waste and boost your washer efficiency. Meanwhile, washing machines with high energy star ratings can save water and energy. Making small changes can help you save water, positively impacting the environment and saving money in the long run.
- Turn off the water
When it comes to saving water, every drop counts. Turning off the water when washing your hands, brushing your teeth, and doing the dishes is one of the easiest and most-effective ways to conserve water in the house. These activities require lots of water and frequently far more than necessary. You will be surprised how much water you will save daily by turning off the water. Also, it is a minor adjustment that everyone can make regardless of finances or living conditions. So the next time you brush your teeth or do the dishes, switching off the water will help you save a surprising amount.
- Reduce food waste
Research reveals that cereal, fruit, and other foods require plenty of water to be produced. While the world wastes around 1.4 billion tons of food annually, the US alone contributes nearly 40 million tons, according to studies. That is a lot, especially considering the volume of water used in the production. Fortunately, you can do a few things to reduce food waste in your kitchen. For instance, you may create a meal plan, save and eat leftovers, and ensure appropriate food storage. Backyard composting can also be a terrific way to save food waste from landfills and use it as nutrition for your garden.
- Avoid watering the gutter
Did you know that one of the easiest ways to conserve water in your home is by refraining from dousing your gutters? Such a minor habit change can lead to dramatic savings in water and can help you prevent precious water from flowing to your gutters and onto your sidewalks and streets. You can be resourceful by positioning your sprinklers so their splash zone is limited to your lawn or garden. You can even collect rainwater in a tank to irrigate your plants.
- Discourage your kids from regularly playing with the hose and sprinklers
Encouraging responsible water use habits in children is essential to conserve water in the home. One habit to adopt is to discourage kids from playing with the hose and sprinklers. While it may seem like a fun activity on a hot day, it is worth noting that it can waste significant amounts of water. If your kids must have fun with water outside, consider using a small wading pool or spray toys that dispense water efficiently. Alternatively, please encourage them to engage in water-related activities in the bathroom or invest in water-saving games that use minimal water. By instilling these little lifestyle changes in your kids, you can help save water long-term and cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle for future generations.
- Steam your veggies
As one delves into the complexities of culinary science, it becomes evident that boiling vegetables in water for extended periods could lead to the loss of essential nutrients. Moreover, the consequences of discarding the water into the drain are far-reaching, resulting in the depletion of water resources and the loss of essential nutrients. Steaming your vegetables is an excellent alternative that preserves the original taste and uses less water. The process is convenient, removing the dullness and inefficiencies associated with boiling. By steaming instead of boiling your veggies, you can relish delectable, wholesome vegetables while contributing to water conservation, no matter how little.
- Avoid cutting the grass too short
Suppose you have grass in your yard or garden. If this is the case, avoid cutting the grass too short. It is critical to note that increasing foliage holds more water, and you will not require frequent watering. Limiting this activity to a minimum is one of the most crucial aspects of everyday water conservation. If you want to be more mindful of ensuring effective and efficient water management in your outdoor space, consider speaking to landscaping and lawn care professionals to advise you. They can assess the various factors in your setting and develop smart water usage to fit your landscape.
- Put a plastic bottle in your toilet tank
Imagine saving at least five gallons of water daily without affecting your toilet’s performance. You can achieve this without breaking the bank by filling the bottom of a one-liter bottle with stones or an inch of sand to weigh it down. Add water to fill the remaining space in the bottle and place it in your toilet tank, away from the functioning mechanism. If your tank is large enough, you can fit two bottles inside. This simple approach can save a significant amount of water daily in the ordinary home without causing any problems.
- Don’t run the hose when washing your car
Conserving water by avoiding running the hose when washing your car may seem like a small change. However, much water goes to waste when using the hose to wash your vehicle, most ending up in the street or driveway. So instead, try using a water bucket, sponge, or cloth to clean your vehicle. Using the bucket of water and sponge gives you better control of the water used and limits waste. You can use the hose for rinsing rather than relying on it for the entire cleaning. This little adjustment for your car-washing routine can benefit your water bills and the world’s water conservation efforts.
- Avoid sponsoring water-grabbers
Many businesses and investors that acquire land worldwide contribute to pollution and waste shortage. They occasionally restrict locals’ access to water, contaminate watercourses and deplete resources. These water-grabbing activities impact the local population’s capacity to cultivate and obtain safe drinking water. You can make a difference by checking if your pension and savings are invested. Consider also assessing how manufacturers treat local water sources before you patronize their products. This way, it is easy to learn whether you are sponsoring global water waste and pollution and adapt accordingly.
- Stop using your toilet as a wastebasket or an ashtray
It is common practice in many households to use the toilet as a wastebasket or ashtray. Yet, you will likely waste around five to six liters of water when you flush facial tissues, cigarette butts, or other little bits and pieces. Plus, fixing any blockages caused by these items in your pipes would cost you more in repairs. Having separate bins or trash cans for a specific purpose is advisable. Using the toilet for its only intended purpose saves water and prevents many common plumbing issues. What a simple way to promote more sustainable water practices in the home!
Conserving water in your home is not only beneficial for the environment and the planet, but it can also help you save money on utility bills. Implementing even a few tips can significantly reduce water waste and promote sustainability. So, start making changes today and do your part to preserve this precious resource for future generations.
