Water is such a common resource for most people, it is easy to forget how many people are forced to go without it.
Clean water is a luxury that some people enjoy while others struggle to get it. But if you have plenty of water, why worry about conserving it?
Conserving water is better for everyone. It’s better for you, as it can help you lower your water bill. It’s better for other people who need water but don’t have it – every bit you conserve means there is more to go around.
Businesses and major organizations have an interest in saving water because of the financial incentives and the benefit of being a green company. Writing the phrase “eco-friendly” on your MOO business cards is a great way to show your commitment to being a responsible company. But environmentalism and water conservation aren’t just exclusive to large organizations. The truth is that these efforts start at home.
This means that no matter your income level, knowledge of environmentalism, or water bill, you can learn how to conserve water from your home. Here are some tips on how to do so.
15 Tips to Help You Conserve Water in Your Home
1. Turn the Water Off When Brushing Your Teeth
While dentists may recommend getting your toothbrush a little wet before you add toothpaste and take off to tackle plaque, not many would recommend leaving the water running the whole time.
It can be easy to leave the water on, especially when you may be ready to rinse your brush off and rinse your mouth only a few minutes later. But in those few minutes, you can waste a lot of water. It’s a definite way to run up your water bill, and it doesn’t do you any good to leave the water on.
Be efficient with your water usage when brushing your teeth, and you can enjoy the best of both worlds – cleaner teeth, and a better approach to conserving water.
2. Use a Water Filter on Your Sink’s Spout
Many people will fill up a glass or bottle with water, take one look at it, and pour it back out. Why? Because it is possible for contaminants to come through your water system and end up in the water you’re about to drink. If you see nastiness floating around inside, you’re making a wise health move by pouring it out.
But that also means you take a gamble every time you turn on your faucet. But there’s a smarter way to make sure you get clean water every time – use a filter. These devices have purifying technology and can make sure you don’t have to waste water to get to clean quality.
Water filters come in many forms. Sometimes you can even find bottles that have filters, so you can run your faucet straight into them and not have to worry about installing any new hardware onto your faucet. If companies like Brita used MOO business cards, they’d likely mention how they can help anyone conserve water and stay healthy.
3. Measure Water Carefully When Cooking
You may find yourself mixing water into your food to make sure it has the proper consistency and taste – but measuring is important.
Let’s say you fill a cup full of water and it turns out you only need half of it. This means you just wasted half a cup when you didn’t have to. A better approach to take is to simply measure the amount of water you’ll need first by looking up recipe guides or considering the size of the dish you’re putting it in.
If all else fails, it is better to underestimate than overestimate. Try filling the glass half or one-quarter full first. You can always add more if need be, but this way you won’t have to pour good water down the drain.
4. Use Toilets Only For Their Intended Purpose
We all know what type of business a toilet is supposed to be used for. But it’s easy to think of our toilet as less of a place to get rid of human waste and more of a place to get rid of trash. How many times have all of us absent mindedly knocked the ashes off a cigarette or tossed a dirty napkin into the toilet to flush it down?
Sure, it’s definitely safer than dumping ashes in your trash can. And sometimes the toilet is closer to us than a trash can, or the can may be full so we don’t think twice about tossing trash down the bowl. But every flush you make uses a lot of water.
Use a toilet for the intended purposes and only those purposes. Not only will you save water, but you’ll also be able to increase the chance of extending your plumbing system’s lifespan.
5. Take Shorter Showers
Showering is vital to good hygiene (unless you’re more of a bath person) but it can also be one of the main ways you use up water in your home.
While it is good to make sure you get clean in the shower, many people are guilty of spending too much time under the water. The shower can be a therapy session for people who want to relax or a recording booth for those who like to show off their vocal talents in private.
The less time you spend in the shower, the less water you’ll waste. Get it, get clean, and get out. If you do want to relax in the water, the bath is a much better option for cutting back on water waste.
6. Check Your Pipes for Leaks
A small leak may not seem like that big of a deal at first. But not only can it grow worse over time, it has the chance of causing your water bill to skyrocket.
Leaky pipes are a common source of wasted water. It is a good idea to have a plumber check out your system every six months or so, and to repair any leaks they find – no matter how small they are.
If your local plumbing company used MOO business cards, they’d likely talk about how they can help save you money and how they can help you avoid being wasteful with your water supply.
7. Clean Driveways and Walkways Without a Hose
It can be tempting to do a quick cleanup job with your hose. But unless your walkway and driveway are coated with grime, there’s an easier way to go about it.
You could always go with a broom. This allows you to sweep away grass, pollen, acorns, and any other debris that may end up on your walkway or driveway.
If the mess is too big for the broom, try using a leaf blower. Anything is better than using your hose if you’re aiming to conserve water.
8. Use Eco-Friendly Plants for Your Garden
You want to conserve water, but you love gardening – how can you balance both of these needs? Do you really have to give up your passion for flora in order to cut back on water waste? Luckily, the answer is no.
Science is doing some amazing things in the gardening industry. Now plants have been engineered to resist droughts and require much less water than before. This is great for multiple reasons, including helping you save water.
It also means there’s less maintenance to worry about, and you won’t fear your flowers dying after a few weeks without rain.
9. Get a Water-Efficient Shower Head
Back to the shower again. Let’s say you’ve tried your hardest, but you just can’t bear to cut down on your shower time. It is some peoples’ best time for relaxation, after all.
Luckily, there are now shower heads that can reduce the amount of water you use. This is extremely handy for helping you stay in the shower for just as long without requiring you to waste so much water.
The MOO business cards of a water-efficient shower head manufacturer would likely mention how you can enjoy more time in the shower while using less water – the best of both worlds!
10. Get a Water-Efficient Washing Machine
While homeowners use a lot of water in the shower, they also use a lot when it comes to their washing machine. Everyone needs clean clothes, but that doesn’t mean your water bill has to balloon up.
Water-efficient washing machines have become a lot more affordable over the years, and options exist for homeowners of all budget levels.
You can also save on water by maximizing the space in your washer. Don’t overload it, but make sure you get as many clothes in as possible per load to use less water overall.
11. Refine Your Approach to Shaving
Whether you’re shaving your face, your legs, or any part in between, water is a vital part of the equation. But, like brushing teeth, this is a common task known for water waste.
Rather than having to keep the water on to constantly rinse your razor, turn it on only as needed. And to make sure you don’t have to continuously wash your hands after applying shaving cream, use a lather bowl and brush.
12. Recycle Water When Possible
If you’re really strategic about it, you can find a lot of water during your daily routine and put it to good use. This doesn’t mean you have to use water to clean something then use it again – but that you can think about any water you may waste and find ways to conserve.
For example, most people run a little water in their shower before finding the perfect temperature. As you’re waiting for the temperature to heat up, collect that water in a bucket and use it to water your plants or wash your car. Speaking of which…
13. Use the Hose Less When You Wash Your Car
It can be tempting to depend on your hose when you want to wash your car. But the longer you blast those trouble spots in an effort to make them shine, the more water you waste in the process.
Use a bucket full of soap and water to clean the vehicle off, then another bucket full of only water to rinse. You may end up spending a little more time cleaning your car, but you’ll end up using less water in the process.
If you really do want to use the hose, look for a water-efficient hose nozzle from your local hardware or gardening store. They help out in a big way without reducing water pressure too much.
14. Cover Up Your Swimming Pool
Does it ever seem like your pool needs to be filled more often than it should? Even if you just have to top it off, it counts.
Evaporation can take its toll and cause you to expend a lot of water filling your pool. Even if the weather doesn’t seem overly hot, this can still take place. The key is to cover up your pool when you aren’t using it – it may seem simple, but it can have a big impact.
15. Position Lawn Sprinklers Strategically
Depending on the size of your lawn, you only need so many sprinklers. If you want to be even more efficient, consider the placement in addition to the quantity.
If you’re seeing some overlap in their radius, it may be wise to move sprinklers around. It will help you save water and ensure your lawn gets an even amount.
How Else Can You Save Water?
Obviously, there are dozens of ways to save water in your home. These are just some of the options you consider, and there are far more places to conserve water than your place of residence. Whether you want to talk about water conservation on your MOO business cards or a banner hanging over the door of your non-profit organization, every establishment can work to save water. The more we save, the better off we are – and the better off the planet is.
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