Our summer reading program this year is dedicated to the world's oceans and water supplies. Only about 1% of the world's water is drinkable and every living being needs water. Meanwhile, the Great Lakes account for more than 22% of the world's fresh water supply. It is an incredibly valuable resource that we have been made stewards of by living in the Midwest. It's time we take a look at what we can do to keep it healthy and usable. As such, we are taking a look at some of the things we can do to help take care of our waterways. Every week this summer we will be taking a look at some of the little things we can do to keep our waters clean, healthy, and usable, maintain the ecosystem, and in general do our part to take care of our planet. Let's take a look:
Around the House
You've heard the phrase "Charity begins in the home?" Water conservation does as well. Our first few posts of this series deal in things you can do around the house. We'll look at some easy changes you can put into effect that can have a significant impact on the quality of our drinking water and waterways.
#6 - Conserving Water
We've looked at household machines. We've looked at medications and hazardous waste. Now it's time to look at actually reducing the amount of water we use (&/or waste). We've taken a glimpse at the situation, but we can do better. Let's scale back and look at the most straightforward part of conservation: Conserving water.
It's true that we live in a closed water system, meaning water never leaves the earth but is in an eternal cycle of falling to the ground, forming bodies of liquid (or freezing into solid masses) and evaporation back into the air only to fall again. However, just because it is always there doesn't mean it is always where it needs to be or where humans, animals, or plants can use it. And to ensure that there is always clean water to use for humans and pets/livestock, it takes energy to bring it where it is needed and clean it so it is usable. The more water you use, the larger your carbon footprint. So let's use a little less and create a brighter future.
Here are some of the ways we can conserve water (and what they accomplish) as well as a link to over 100 different ways to implement that will conserve water:
Use the shower, not a bath, and add in a water-saving showerhead for extra credit to boot. A bath uses between 25-75 gallons of water (36 is the average). A shower with a traditional shower head uses about 5 gallons a minute. A water-saving head only uses 1. If you consider the average short shower is 5-7 minutes, a shower only uses 5-35 gallons of water depending on the showerhead and length of time. Still less than a bath.
Turn the water off while brushing your teeth and washing your hands. Only have it on when what you are washing is directly in the path of the water. If you are running it the full period, you are wasting on average 4 gallons of water each time.
As we already mentioned, only do full loads of dishes and laundry. You'll dually be saving water and electricity/energy.
Use your garbage disposal sparingly. Correct usage of a disposal requires running water. This means that every time you run it you are using gallons of water. Instead, consider composting your veggies and tossing the more solid materials into the trash. You can still use your disposal, just be aware of when and how you do.
Be sure to test your toilet for leaks at least once a year. In general, toilet leaks aren't those big geysers spraying everywhere. They are small and silent, but the amount of water they can waste adds up. And while you are at it, pay attention to that leaking faucet or showerhead. One drop a second can add up to 5 gallons in a single day.
Bring a refillable water bottle with you to work or school. When you get home, if there is any left then you can use it to water houseplants or the garden. Not only will you stay hydrated throughout the day, but you will reduce water and plastic waste, and make some lucky plants very happy.
There are so many small ways in which we can have an impact on water conservation. Implementing just a couple can save you money and help the environment. Isn't it worth changing a few minor habits to do your part?
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