Part of being environmentally conscious includes saving natural resources and each of us can do our part in our own homes. One important aspect of conserving resources is saving water by finding ways to avoid waste.
One simple method was described in a previous article on environmentally friendly tips. Collecting rain water for watering plants, flowers, gardens, and lawns is a good first step.
Another good way to avoid wasting water is to capture water when you turn on the faucet and let it run until it gets hot. Between half a gallon and up to several gallons of water can be wasted in the time it takes for the water to run hot. Instead of allowing all that water to run down the drain, collect it in a clean container with a lid and utilize it for various purposes. The collected water can be boiled for making coffee or tea, or used for cooking, cleaning, washing hands, filling pets’ water bowls, and other assorted tasks.
Another option is to start limiting the amount of water you and your family members use for different activities. Use a water saving sprinking to water your lawn (if you haven’t collected enough rain water). Opt for a water saving shower head, or begin timing showers. No one really needs to stand under running water, watching it trickle down the drain, for 30 minutes. Set a timer, wash, rinse, turn off the water. If you prefer baths, try filling the tub a little less; just a couple of inches less in your bath each day will really add up over time.
Filling pools also uses a lot of water, even small child-sized splash pools. Instead of having to empty it and refill it each day, try covering the pool at night. Also, supply a dish pan with a couple of inches of water in it for rinsing feet before entering the pool to help keep it clean. You can also use a strainer to remove grass instead of emptying the pool.
A few simple, fairly painless changes can make a big difference in the long run.