7 Useful Tips For Conserving H2O & Energy
Like most homeowners, you’re probably looking for methods to cut down on your energy and water consumption. Whether you want to save money, keep the planet green or both, there are many smart, quick ways you can do your part.
Here are seven useful tips for conserving water and energy.
1) Run Only Full Loads.
When washing dishes or laundry, ensure washers are filled up before starting them. Washing full loads of clothing and dishes is more energy and water efficient than doing partial loads. With the dishwasher alone, this could save around 400 gallons of water per month!
2) Consider Low-Flow Showerheads.
When you switch out a conventional showerhead for a low-flow variety, the savings can be huge: during a 10-minute shower, you can save around 15 gallons of the wet stuff.
If you can’t afford to replace your showerhead at the moment, consider taking five-minute showers (and investing in a timer to keep yourself honest) for the same desired effect.
Taking showers instead of baths is also more efficient.
3) Purchase a Low-Flow Toilet or Modify Your Current Model.
If your toilet is as old as the hills, it may be time to replace it with a newer, low-flow version. These devices use fewer gallons per flush, which can save a lot of water very quickly.
For those of us who aren’t ready to replace our current model (or don’t have the funds to do so), you can retrofit your commode to be more eco-conscious. Simply putting a brick or another solid, safe object inside the tank can displace some of the liquid and thus use less water overall.
4) Install Aerators on Faucets.
Kitchen aerators, as well as those in bathrooms, can be extremely useful in conserving this precious resource. These devices combine air with water to produce a nice, steady amount of pressure while using fewer gallons per minute.
You can purchase aerators based on your desired flow rate, and they are pretty easy to install with any faucet setup.
5) Collect Rain & Kitchen Water.
By putting out a couple of rain barrels, you can save multiple gallons of water each time you garden. Simply position the barrels under gutters to contain runoff and use this to water your plants.
Likewise, conserving water is easy when you gather the H2O used to rinse vegetables and fruit in the house. You can use this to water flowers and lawns, too.
6) Be Mindful of Sink Usage.
One of the best conservation tips is to simply be careful about the amount of water you use during day-to-day activities. For instance, try to turn off faucets while you shave and brush your teeth, or hand wash dishes. These relatively minor adjustments can save thousands of gallons annually!
7) Mulch Outdoors Plants.
Using organic mulch is a great way to make your landscaping look neat, and it can help cut down on water consumption, too. A thin layer of the stuff helps prevent evaporation, which keeps your plants happy and moist without waste.
Kirsten loves to provide money-saving tips in her articles; she also cares about the environment, so coupling savings with green practices is even better! She hopes these hints prove helpful for people looking to scale back their energy and water consumption.