Water is one of the most valuable resources we have in the modern world. That said, it’s easy to take it for granted. Hearing statistics of how much water we use by flushing the toilet or going for a shower can be shocking. So how can we reduce water consumption?
If you’re looking to cut down your water consumption at home, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll break down the best ways to decrease water use at home. Saving water is a win-win as you’ll be helping the environment, while also saving yourself some money. As water shortages from climate change loom on the horizon, there has never been a better time to act.
Take shorter showers
Showers are one of the most common ways that people waste water. Luckily for us, they’re also one of the easiest to fix! On average, Household Water reports that we use 17 gallons of water per shower. That’s based on a fixed rate of each shower taking between 8-10 minutes. If you take shorter or longer showers, of course, that number will change.
To put that into perspective, 17 gallons is around 77 litres of water. All of that from around an 8-minute shower! At 9 litres a minute, showers really can add up. If you add time waiting for the water to heat up, your water usage can really spiral out of control.
It’s reported that water costs around £34.58 per month for the average household. Think how much you could reduce that number if you were to take shorter showers! Even if you only cut your shower by a few minutes, that can really add up over a month. Think about how much water you could save in a year!
Change your showerhead
If you’re not one to want to cut down your shower time, there are still other options. By switching your showerhead to a low flow water efficient head, you will naturally be using less water. These showerheads save up to 40% more water than a normal showerhead.
StoneStream is one of the top brands for environmentally-friendly showerheads. The best thing is they don’t even reduce the water pressure. Instead, efficient showerheads channel the water into fewer holes. This concentrates the water, keeping pressure high. You’re going to have the same water pressure, but will be using less water – what’s not to love!
Bonus tip to reduce your water consumption in the shower
If you’ve got a green thumb, it’s likely that you have a couple of plants lying around the house. If you often water your plants, you can reduce your water consumption by using shower water. Try bringing a pot into your shower to catch water runoff. You can then use this shower water when watering the plants in your home. Although this won’t make a huge difference, it’s definitely better than nothing!
Use a washing up bowl to wash dishes
The golden rule is to always turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth. Well, this also applies to when you’re washing the dishes! By buying a small washing up bowl, or using the sink plug, and filling that with water, you won’t need to run the tap constantly.
This will reduce your water consumption, and cut down your water bill. If you want to take this a step further, you could even think about how much water goes into the foods you eat. You can change your meals to ensure you embrace sustainable eating by following a diet that is good for the planet.
Reduce water consumption by stopping leaky taps
While we’re talking about turning off taps, have you checked for leaks? Leaky taps are one of the worst offenders when it comes to wasted water. If you want to reduce water consumption at home, start by ensuring your taps stop when you turn them off. Even a small drip now and again will build up to a lot of water over time. You’re going to want to fix any leaky taps and ensure they stay off.
Choose environmentally-friendly textiles
Another great way to save water is by thinking about the fabrics you use. Some textiles use less water than others in their production process. We’ve compiled a list of the most environmentally-friendly textiles to save you the work! Next time you need to shop for bedding, towels, or clothing, opt for these fabrics instead.
Water is a resource that will only become more scarce as time moves on. Although we’re only a few individuals, our everyday practises can really make a difference. If you want to reduce water consumption at home, give some of these tips a go. You’ll be saving the planet and sparing yourself a few pounds off your monthly expense. If you’re looking for more ways to make your home more sustainable, we’ve written a comprehensive guide!
Which of these methods are you most looking forward to trying? Let us know if you have any more tips in the comments down below!
