Next to air, water is the most important element for the preservation of life. It is also a key sustainability challenge. Finally, water is a finite commodity which, if not managed properly, will result in shortages in the near future. That’s why we have summarized the most effective 50 ways to save water below.
Have fun saving water!
- Take shorter showers & avoid taking baths.
- Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it, such as cleaning or watering plants.
- Consider buying a dual-flush toilet with two different flush levels.
- Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
- Keep a close eye on your water bill to help spot leaks (and wasted money).
- Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.
- Put food coloring in the tank of your toilet. If the color outflows into the bowl even without flushing, there is a leak.
- Install a water meter.
- Try insulating hot water pipes.
- Use the dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand.
- When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill a basin instead.
- Use your dishwasher & washing machine for full loads only.
- If your dishwasher & washing machine need replacement, look for a model with a high Energy Star rating.
- While you wait for hot water, collect the cold water and save it for watering plants.
- Water your lawn only when it needs it & deep-soak it.
- Water during the early parts of the day & avoid watering when it’s windy.
- Do not water dry lands.
- Do not water your plants after a rainy day.
- Don’t overwater your plants – most plants die due to overwatering instead of under-watering.
- Aerate your lawn periodically to allow water to more easily reach the roots.
- Weed your lawn and garden regularly.
- Apply as little as fertilizer needed & try vertical farming at home.
- When landscaping, plant species that are native to your region.
- Plant drought-resistant trees and plants.
- Plant in the spring and fall, when the watering requirements are lower.
- Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.
- Adjust your lawn mower to 1.5-2”. Taller grass requires less water.
- Cook food in as little water as possible. This also helps retain more nutrients.
- Have a plumber reroute your graywater to trees and plants rather than a sewer line.
- Look into water recycling options.
- Reward kids for water-saving tips they follow.
- At home or while staying in a hotel, reuse your towels.
- Use a bucket to clean the floors.
- Use a bucket and sponge to clean the car.
- Try to reuse rainwater.
- Drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing them.
- Take a shower for 5 minutes maximum.
- Use a broom, not a hose.
- Do not let the faucet run while you clean vegetables.
- Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
- Use water-friendly equipments.
- Do less laundry (a pair of jeans does not have to be cleaned every week).
- Install an instant water heater near your sink.
- Bath your pets outdoors, in areas where the grass needs watering.
- Collect water from your roof by installing gutters and downspouts.
- Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
- Get your family / household members on board.
- Teach your children how to save water & reward them for it.
By applying these 50 ways to save water, you can not only help save our planet, but also contribute to more just world and save a lot of money. And all of this at the same time!
Every drop counts! And every person can make a difference!
