Save Water, and Money Too!

We are rapidly running out of water. In some places quicker than others, but we all need to work on consuming less in order for everyone to continue living comfortably. The other great part about saving water, is that it also saves you money on your water bill at the end of each month. So, in order to save a few hundred dollars a year, as well as thousands of potential lives, here are a few suggestions to help you use less water at home.

How to save more water in your kitchen

Use Your Dishwasher

Contrary to popular belief, it takes more water to hand-wash dishes than it takes to wash them in the dishwasher.

Only run the dishwasher when full – you’ll use the same amount of water whether you run a full load or a partial load.

Don’t Use the Disposal

Compost food waste or throw it in the trash. Both are water-free options.

How to save water in the bathroom

Switch to a Low-Flow Shower Head

Low-flow shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm); older models use as much as 5.5 gpm. Make the switch and you’ll reduce your water bill by 25-60% (US Department of Energy).

Take Shorter Showers

Aim for a five-minute shower. With a low-flow showerhead you’ll use 12.5 gallons of water or less. Compare that to 37.5 gallons for a 15-minute shower, and the savings is pretty easy to see.

Repair Faucet Leaks to Save Water

A leaky faucet can waste 1000-2000 gallons of water a year (National Sanitation Foundation).

Replace Your Toilet Flapper Once a Year

Toilet flappers break down quickly, and should be replaced once a year – even if they say they’re good for longer. A couple dollars spent on a replacement flapper will save you much more on your water bill.

Place a Bottle in the Toilet Tank

Img Source: Happy Simple Living (.com)

Fill a bottle with water, and place it in the toilet tank. It’ll displace water, and cause the tank to fill with less water. Just how much water will this save? An amount equal to the size of the bottle that you placed in the tank. A 20 oz. bottle, for example, will save 20 oz. of water per flush, or up to 10 gallons of water per day according to some sources.

How to save money in the laundry room

Only Wash Full Loads

You’ll save water and wear and tear on your machine.

Wear Clothes More than Once

Pants and outwear usually don’t get very dirty. Wear them twice before washing, and you’ll cut down on your water use and your housework. Many people only wash denim a few times a year as long as they are not stained or visibly dirty. Now that’s hard to argue with!

How to save money outdoors and around the house

Collect Rain Water for Plants

Attach rain barrels to the end of your gutter drain spouts to collect rainwater. Then, use it to water your plants and wash your car.

Water with Soaker Hoses

Use a soaker hose to water the plants in your yard, and you’ll have precise control of where the water goes – and more importantly – where it doesn’t.

Use a Wading Pool Instead of a Sprinkler

Fill a wading pool for your kids, instead of letting them play in the sprinkler. They can splash around for hours without the continuous flow of water.

Choose Drought-Resistant Plants

Then, let the rain handle all of the watering.

Take Your Car to A Car Wash

You’ll eliminate 100 gallons (or more) of water from your water bill each time you take your car to a car wash, and if you choose a facility that recycles water, you’ll be helping the environment, too.

Mulch Your Garden

Mulch reduces evaporation, ensuring that your plants get the full benefit of rainwater and your waterings.