There are some everyday things we take for granted that could one day be gone. We need to do what we can to protect the earth’s natural resources, water being one of the big ones. Something as simple as turning off the water while you brush your teeth can help in ways you could not even begin to imagine, not only in your pocketbook but also in a global effort to protect earth’s natural resources.
Any Room with Plumbing
Locate and repair leaky faucets, both inside and outside.
Consider replacing and updating old equipment with those that are more appropriately suited to help with water conservation. This can include dishwashers, toilets and laundry machines.
Kitchen
Fill your sink basin with water while washing dishes as opposed to keeping the water running the entire time.
Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
If you typically peel vegetables under running water into the disposal, try peeling them into a large bowl instead.
Only use the garbage disposal when necessary; you can look into composting as a great alternative.
Install faucet aerators in your sink to cut back on water usage.
Bathroom
Install toilet dams, faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads where you can.
Take short showers instead of baths.
Turn the water off while you’re brushing your teeth. Also, try it while you’re shaving or soaping up in the shower.
Locate and repair leaky toilets. An easy way to detect a leaky toilet would be to place a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the color appears in the bowl after one hour your toilet is leaking.
Laundry Room
Only run full loads of laundry.
When purchasing a new washing machine, buy a water saving model that can be adjusted by load size.
Outdoors
Add compost or an organic matter to the soil as necessary to improve soil rejection and water retention.
Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth and help keep weeds under control.
Collect rainfall for irrigation in a screened and covered container to prevent mosquito larvae growth. We’re trying to save some money and the earth, not start a ‘skeeter motel.
Use a broom to clean walkways, driveway and decks instead of hosing them down. If you need water in your clean up, do it one bucket at a time.