Save a Depleting Resource 10 Water Conserving Tips You Can Use Right Now
The world water crisis represents one of the most troubling public health issues in the world today. You wouldn’t know this if you live in an area where water is abundant, but this reality place the responsibility on you to conserve this precious resource.
According to the UN, more than 3.4 billion of the world’s population will be living in water scarce countries by 2025. Water scarcity will force people to consume contaminated water for survival. Here are some simple things you can do to cut down on your water consumption right now.
Don’t Throw Water Away
Don’t throw out water left over in a glass or another container. Use it to water the plants, fill your pet’s water dish or pour into your water kettle. This helps to make use of every drop of consumable water, instead of pouring it down the drain.
Don’t Leave The Tap Running
At least 1.5 gallons of water go down the drain if you leave the tap on when you brush your teeth. A leaky tap wastes 15 gallons of water a week. It takes 1-3 gallons of water to wash your vegetables using running water. The bottom line: Be a little more conscientious when you turn on the tap.
Be Appliance Smart
Look for the energy star when you purchase new appliances, and always use them at full capacity. Choose the economy settings when you switch on the appliance. Don’t run your dishwasher or machines half full.
Get A Low Flush Toilet
Compare the 3.5 gallons of water that it takes to flush a single-flush toilet to the 1.6 gallons for dual flush systems, and you’ll see the benefits of upgrading if you want to conserve water. If you flush your toilet 6 times a day, you’ll save an average of 11 gallons of water daily. Get a low flush toilet and flush only when necessary.
Repair Dripping Faucets
Sometimes all a dripping faucet needs is a new washer. Get rid of the annoying drip, and you will save about 2,500 gallons every year.
Take Shorter Showers
A long hot shower might feel good, but it’s a colossal waste of water. Reduce your 10 minute shower to 5 minutes and you’ll save 10 gallons of water daily. Install a low flow shower head and you’ll save a lot more.
Drink Tap Water
Bottled water manufacturers use ads to prey of your fear of drinking contaminated water so they can sell you bottled water. But don’t believe the hype, tap water is a public utility, so the water is regulated more than the bottled water industry.
If you’re not convinced, think about the millions of plastic bottles that are accumulating at local landfills, and the amount of energy that goes into manufacturing bottled water.
Recycle
Recycling will result in considerable water savings. For every pound of paper recycled, 3.5 gallons of water will be saved. Throw your bottles, cans and paper into a recycle bin and purchase recycled products whenever you can.
Insulate Your Water Pipes
Insulating your water pipes may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it will reduce your energy bills and conserve water – you won’t need to let the tap run while you wait for the hot water to come out.
Get A Rain Barrel
Set up a rain barrel during the summer to collect water for watering your plants or lawn.
If you look around your home, you’ll discover more ways to conserve water. Your efforts will not only reduce your monthly water bills, but will go a long way towards relieving the burden on our planet.
