Guest Post: Water Conservation Tips

Today’s guest post is from Faye, part of a PR team that works with Niagara Conservation, a company that manufactures water-saving and energy-efficiency products, including the EcoKits available at ItsEasyBeingGreen.com.

Most households use the vast majority of their water indoors. This drives utility costs up and is damaging to our environment.

Many countries and cities now have water-usage restrictions during specific seasons or drier months, as well as during emergencies. As water shortages increase worldwide, it is important for everyone to use water as efficiently as possible.

The following tips will help you bring down your utility bills and do your part to preserve this critical natural resource:

• Use water-efficient fixtures throughout your home.
• Routinely check any water-using devices to ensure they are working properly and efficiently.
• Take showers instead of baths and save up to 40 gallons of water per shower.
• Take shorter showers when you can – the water you save this way will add up tremendously in the long-run.
• Drop all bathroom waste in the trash instead of flushing it – this will save gallons.
• Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Make sure all your faucets have aerators.
• Cooking food in as little water as possible not only saves water, but keeps most of the nutrients in the food.
• Consider buying mugs you keep in the freezer rather than using ice to cool soft drinks, lemonade, or other beverages. This will save water and keep your drink’s flavor intact.
• Use insulated coolers rather than ice buckets to keep bottles and food cool while traveling.
• Don’t run your washing machine when you don’t have a full load to wash.
• Don’t pre-rinse dishes unless it’s necessary – most newer dishwashers will thoroughly clean your dishes without needing pre-rinsing under normal circumstances.
• Use “gray” water from activities like washing dishes (unless you use harsh detergents) and showering to water plants.
• Fill clean bottles or containers with water and refrigerate them rather than letting the faucet run until the water is cool enough to drink.
• Thaw food out in advance or use the microwave if needed on short-notice – don’t thaw out food by running water over it!
• If you notice a leaking fixture at work, a hotel, or a restaurant, inform someone so they can have it fixed.
• Wash your car by hand with a bucket or at a carwash that uses recycled water.
• When buying plants, consult with your suppliers. Native plants grow more easily and require less water and maintenance.
• Water your lawn during the early morning hours only – this is when less evaporation occurs.
• Talk with your co-workers and family about ways to save water – education is the first step!

More conservation tips are available on Niagara Conservation's Web site at: http://www.niagaraconservation.com/conservation_tips.html.