Today, while performing a little research on this topic, I ran across an article written by Lindsey Galvez on “The Neighborhood” In her post, Lindsey gives some very good tips on how all of us can work to save one of the most precious resources we have: water. It’s the foundation of all life. Without it, we eventually would cease to exist. Most of the water-conservation articles that I’ve happen to come across paint a very real threat to the supply of clean, drinkable water. With that in mind and since summer is just around the corner, it makes sense to review a few ways that all of us can help preserve the water we have today for our children tomorrow.
Here are Lindsey’s very useful and doable tips water-conservation:
1. Check for leaks
One way to check for leaks — other than simply looking for dripping water — is to compare your water usage to the previous month and year. If you see significant changes, this could be a sign of a leak in your pipes, faucets or toilets.
2. Install water-saving fixtures
You might be surprised at the number of water-saving bathroom accessories that are available now. A toilet that’s labeled as a high-efficiency toilet can save a family of four as much as 16,000 gallons of water per year. Even small, inexpensive changes, such as the switching out the faucet aerators in your sinks, can have a significant impact.
3. Take shorter showers
Of course, if you’re looking to conserve water this might seem like an easy idea, but do you realize the impact a shorter shower can have on water-conservation? The average shower head uses about 2.5 gallons per minute. By shaving off just 4 minutes of your shower time, you can save over 3,600 gallons annually!
4. Shut off water
It’s a green tip that’s been shared for years, but make sure you’re listening. By turning off the water after you wet your toothbrush, you’ll be saving a significant amount of water daily. Since water-conservation is really dependent on the entire family, this is a great tip to start out the conversation with your children on saving water. In fact, my daughter came home from school one day telling me a ton of new ways to use less water. When you get your kids excited about a good change for the planet, you’ve not only done a great thing for your home, but also their future.
The same thing is true for washing dishes in the kitchen. Instead of washing dishes with the water running constantly, fill up one side of your sink with warm water and dish-washing liquid for washing and one side of the sink with clean water for rinsing the dishes.
5. Replace older appliances
Dishwashers and washing machines are two appliances that have evolved over the years. By replacing your older appliances with energy- and water-efficient ones, you might get a tax credit, as well as a big savings in monthly bills and water usage.
6. Adjust your laundry settings
If you have an energy- and water-efficient washing machine, it’s important to use the appropriate settings. If you’re washing a small load of clothes, choose the correct setting so you’re not wasting water in a large cycle load. If possible, wait until you have enough laundry to run full loads, as it conserves more water.
7. Plant drought-resistant vegetation
Outdoors in the summer months can be a huge strain on water usage, but it doesn’t have to be. Plan your landscaping accordingly by planting shrubs, flowers and trees that don’t require as much water.
8. Mulch flower beds and around trees
In addition to planting trees and shrubs that need less water, place mulch around them. The mulch won’t only make your landscaping look nice, but it will also help the plants retain more moisture.
9. Install a rain barrel
Watering plants efficiently is an important way to conserve water. Consider installing a rain barrel for the times that you must water your plants. Today, rain barrels come equipped with water hose hook-ups, flower planters on the top and decorative designs that would make a lovely addition to any home. They’ll also be a huge water saver when it comes to outdoor water consumption.
Water conservation comes easy when you look around your home for changes that could make a big impact on your water usage. By getting everyone in the family involved with your path to a more eco-friendly home, you’ll help make it successful.
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