We've heard it time and again; saving water is extremely important! It's a lesson that I even remember learning all the way back to grade school. However, conserving water is not something not all consciously remember to do and it's most likely due to the fact that it's not something grand that we actually have to stop and think about. For instance, when we purchase something made in plastic, we make the conscious decision to look for alternative without plastic or recycle it. But water usage is different. We turn on the sink to brush our teeth or to wash produce and we get fixated in the process of the action that we forget about the water pouring freely in the background. I know I am guilty of this too. But don't worry! We all make mistakes! What's beautiful about this life is that we have so many chances to make the right choice/decision when the opportunity presents itself again. So while the examples I mentioned above are larger picture versions of water waste, there are also many other versions. So without further, adieu, here's 55 ways to conserve water in your every day lives!
Kitchen
Always turn the taps off to any faucet by twisting tightly to ensure they don't drip.
Don't let the water run when washing dishes by hand. You can rinse the dish, shut off the water, scrub, then rinse off. Or fill one side of the sink with wash water and the other with rinse off water.
Make sure you scrape your dish before washing. It'll save you time in scrubbing it under the water.
Wanting a dishwasher? Make sure to purchase an energy efficient one!
Also, did you know dishwashers waste LESS water than washing by hand? Sure it also depends on what setting you put the dishwasher on, but you have the capability to control the setting and choose the quicker wash!
If you're going to use the dishwasher, only use it when the dishwasher is full! It's huge waste of water to use the dishwasher to only wash a handful of dishes.
Instead of running the water while you scrape off food and grime, let it soak for a bit first... this is my favorite water conservation tip because I personally hate washing dishes.
Rather than getting a new cup each time you serve yourself a drink throughout the day, consider using the same one and doing a quick rinse or use a re-fillable water bottle. Personally, even though I work from home, I still make it a point to drink from my water bottle rather than a regular cup.
Compost your food scraps rather than using the garbage disposal.
Reuse the water used to steam vegetables and make pasta by freezing it and re-using it next time you make the same dish. For instance, if I'm making pasta and I know I'll need to also steam broccoli, rather than pulling out another pan and filling it with water to steam it, I'll finish cooking the pasta, remove it, and then use the same water for the broccoli.
Use the proper pan size when cooking! The bigger the pan, the more water needed!
Dropped some ice cubes? Rather than kicking it under the fridge (GUILTY AS HECK) or simply tossing it into the sink, use it to water your plants. Personally, I do that or I'll toss it into the small container of soapy water that I keep in the sink.
Need to wash your produce? Collect any run-off water into a container and use it to water your plants!
We've all been told that the quickest way to defrost food is to place it in a bowl of water. But that water won't be used after! Defrost your food in the fridge! It's safer too!
Rather than opening the tap everytime you need a drink of water, consider filling a pitcher and placing it in the fridge or counter. That way you can minimize the amount of water going into the drain.
Water left over in your drink? Throw it into your plants!
Bathroom
Keep a container or bucket in the shower to collect any running water. Not everyone enjoys cold showers. However, waiting for the water to heat up is VERY wasteful. So while you're waiting for the water to heat up, the bucket will collect the rest and you can use it to wash your plants, fill that container of soapy water in the kitchen, mop the floors, or use to create DIY household cleaners.
Noticing that your shower head is releasing too much water? Invest in a shower head with water sensing technology to help reduce the flow of water.
Time your showers! Cutting your shower time by 2-5 minutes can save THOUSANDS of gallons per year.
Check your toilet bowl, shower, and faucet for leaks.
Want to take a bath? Plug the tub first! Often times people will run the water until it warms but before they plug the tub. As the tub begins to fill, adjust the temperature.
Turn off your water when brushing your teeth! You can save up to four gallons a week!
Similar to brushing, turn off your water when you wash your face. I like to wet my face by patting it with water, place some cleanser into my hand with a tiny bit of water, scrub my face, then wet a towel to remove the cleanser. Keeps the faucet closed and saves a lot of water!
Invest in a dual flushing toilet. These toilets come with two options: one that has a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solid waste.
Washing your hair in the shower? Turn off the water. The same goes for the rest of your shower. Instead of letting the water run while washing the rest of your body and waiting for the conditioner to soak, keep the water shut until it's time to rinse off.
Take a shower instead of a bath! Baths use way too much water. If you're going to take a bath, make sure it's for special occasions and not a frequent practice.
Turn the water off when washing your hands! Once you've got a good lather, turn it back on for a rinse.
Install aerators on your faucets to reduce the amount of water released.
Rather than flushing random tissues you use and hair down the toilet, throw it in the trash. No need for unnecessary flushing!
Laundry
Purchase an energy efficient washer! Same goes for the dryer!
Use the quick wash option! My quick wash setting is just as effective as the regular setting. The difference is how long it runs for. 26 minutes is much better than 60 minutes!
Wash dark clothes in cold water. This is much more energy efficient than hot and warm. Plus it'll help preserve the color.
Make sure you have a full load when washing. There's no need to do a full cycle with only a handful of garments.
Outdoors
Group plants with similar watering needs together. This will prevent you from over-watering and under-watering.
Water your plants during the cooler times of the day such as the early morning or late evening.
Plant the types of plants native to your location. If it isn't going to thrive where you live, there's no point in wasting water on a plant that is dying in your location's climate.
Only plant during the fall and spring seasons. These seasons require less water.
Using a sprinkler to water your grass? USE A TIMER! I cannot stress this ENOUGH! Also, it's not necessary to water your lawn every single day. If you live in a region where the climate permits growth without watering, don't water. If you don't, water every other day and make sure your sprinklers are timed.
Remove any weeds on your lawn. They tend to absorb all of the water your lawn needs. Do this by actively pulling them or spreading mulch on the surface of it to minimize growth.
Want to help your plants retain moisture and reduce the need for more water? Spread a layer of mulch on top!
Want to do some landscaping to liven up your outdoors? Xeriscape! This method allows for the use of low-water-use plants.
Collect water from your roof by installing a gutter or rain barrel! Here's my video on how I did it!
Allow your lawn to go dormant in the winter to reduce the amount of water used in watering your lawn.
Monitor your grass and plants for over-watering. This will help you gauge on how much to cut back. Plus it'll keep your plants alive longer!
Don't water your lawn on windy days!! The water is just going to blow away with the wind and evaporate.
Have plants in a hanging basket? Use ice cubes instead of running water to water them.
Going to use a hose to directly water your plants? Make sure it has a nozzle attached to it that allows you to stop the water by pressing it. This will allow the water to sprinkle out rather than flow and you can control it.
Not using your pool? Use a pool cover to keep it clean and decrease the amount of chemical and water needed to clean it.
Don't overfill your pool. This will reduce the amount of splashing.
Instead of a pool, consider a community pool! Saves money and water!
Know where the water-shut off is located in case of an emergency!
Wash your pets outside in an area of your lawn that needs water to begin with.
Instead of using a hose to clean your patio or deck, use an actual broom.
Washing your car at home? Prep for it throughout the week by collecting water in the shower into a bucket to use as your rinse/soap bucket. Also, turn off the hose when you're not using the water and used the attachment mentioned above to help minimize water usage.
So that's why your plants are so healthy :)
I agree Heather, these are great tips! Water is a precious resource and despite that belief, I still need to be reminded how to save water. Thanks Shelbi!
These are great tips thank you!