Easy Water Conservation Tips

Conserving water is just one way to step up the good work you’re likely already doing to help the planet. These simple lifestyle changes are easy to implement and can be of big use around the house. Try some of them on for size.

1. Washers are a great resource around the home for items that are too big or too difficult to hand-wash and rinse, such as comforters and denim. When doing laundry, reduce water consumption by making sure your water levels match the amount of clothes you’re laundering. You can make this process easier by always running a full load of clothes. Consider as well laundering clothes less often. You can spot- and/or hand-wash items to help keep them clean. Help keep chemicals out of waterways by making your own detergent.
2. The average shower uses four gallons of water per minute. Installing a low-flow showerhead can cut this consumption by up to 50%. You can also shower less often, such as every other day. Doing so is good for the environment but also for your skin and hair, which can easily dry out when washed too often. Cut your water usage in the shower by shutting off the faucet while you soap up.
3. Check faucets around your home for leaks, as this amount of wasted water adds up quickly. If you have a tap that perpetually leaks, collect the water and use it around the home for tasks like watering plants or hand-washing delicate laundry items.
4. Keep the faucets off while you’re washing your hands, doing dishes, brushing your teeth, and washing produce.
5. Buy a set of dishpans in which you can wash and rinse dishes. If you use soap that is gray-water-friendly, you can water your plants with your wastewater.
6. Use your garbage disposal sparingly – they can use as many as four gallons of water each minute – and put food waste in your compost bin instead.
7. Catch water outside with a rain barrel and use it for gardening, washing your car, mopping the kitchen floor, or, if your city allows it, for flushing the toilet.
8. Install a low-flow toilet that will cut down on the water used, which can be up to five gallons per flush. If you don’t already live by this adage, keep the following in mind: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.”
9. Water your lawn at night to prevent the heat of the day from evaporating a precious resource. If watering manually, adjust the sprinklers so that you’re not soaking the sidewalk, street, and fence in addition to your plants.
10. Use a water meter, which may have been installed by the water company. Doing so can raise your awareness about how much water you use and help you act accordingly to reduce usage. Check with your local municipality if you need help figuring out how to read your meter.

Using some or all of these tips can make a big impact when it comes to your personal water usage. Spread the word to help the planet. We can make life better on our planet starting with word of mouth.

Danielle, who blogs on behalf of Sears and other prestigious brands, enjoys collecting rainwater for use around her home and looks forward to making her first batch of homemade laundry detergent. Read her work at Eat Breathe Blog.