On average, we each use 150 litres of water per day. That includes baths, showers, laundry, dishwashing, cooking, personal care and flushing the loo.
But there are hundreds of ways we can all reduce that amount, meaning less of a strain on such a limited resource, and using less energy to treat and pump the water too.
Here are 10 easy ways you can start using less water today.
In the bathroom:
1. Install a water saving shower head and tap aerators.
2. Add a dual flush system to the toilet, or place a Hippo device in the cistern. When buying new, get a low flush system.
3. Take a shower instead of a bath, and don't shower for too long. Set a timer if you need to!
4. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, shave or wash.
5. Fix dripping taps and replace worn washers.
In the kitchen:
6. Eat less meat and dairy as rearing animals is very water-intensive.
7. Reduce food waste - better for the environment and your pocket.
8. Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl, rather than under running water.
9. Boil only the amount of water you actually need in the kettle. Use a mug to measure it in to save water and energy.
10. Just cover vegetables when cooking them, or buy a steamer. Steaming is better for you anyway!
11. Buy the most energy efficient appliances you can find.
12. Save up the dishes and only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.
13. Ditto for clothes. Save up your laundry and only run the washing machine when you have a full load.
14. Use cooking water and even bath/shower water for your plants.
In the garden and outside:
15. Lag water pipes and outdoor taps to prevent bursts in winter.
16. Water plants in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation.
17. Water onto the soil, not the plant, so the water goes down to the roots.
18. Use a watering can rather than sprinkler system or hose.
19. Install water butts to collect rain water, or leave open containers out.
20. And finally, pick a new hobby! Quit seeing shopping as recreation and cut down on what you buy.
In the bathroom:
1. Install a water saving shower head and tap aerators.
2. Add a dual flush system to the toilet, or place a Hippo device in the cistern. When buying new, get a low flush system.
3. Take a shower instead of a bath, and don't shower for too long. Set a timer if you need to!
4. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, shave or wash.
5. Fix dripping taps and replace worn washers.
In the kitchen:
6. Eat less meat and dairy as rearing animals is very water-intensive.
7. Reduce food waste - better for the environment and your pocket.
8. Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl, rather than under running water.
9. Boil only the amount of water you actually need in the kettle. Use a mug to measure it in to save water and energy.
10. Just cover vegetables when cooking them, or buy a steamer. Steaming is better for you anyway!
11. Buy the most energy efficient appliances you can find.
12. Save up the dishes and only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.
13. Ditto for clothes. Save up your laundry and only run the washing machine when you have a full load.
14. Use cooking water and even bath/shower water for your plants.
In the garden and outside:
15. Lag water pipes and outdoor taps to prevent bursts in winter.
16. Water plants in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation.
17. Water onto the soil, not the plant, so the water goes down to the roots.
18. Use a watering can rather than sprinkler system or hose.
19. Install water butts to collect rain water, or leave open containers out.
20. And finally, pick a new hobby! Quit seeing shopping as recreation and cut down on what you buy.
A shocking 58 bath tubs of water a day are used to make the food we eat and the things we buy.
Let's just stop!
Buy quality, buy less, de-clutter and use less.
More tips for green living:
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More tips for green living:
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