Water saving and conservation tips, home and garden
68Try these tips out and save water all around your home and garden
Water conservation is a way to save money as well as protecting the environment
Use less water
- wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl rather than with running water
- a five minute shower uses a third of the water of a bath
- a power shower will use the same amount of water as a bath in less than five minutes - so don't stay in them
- don't leave the tap running when you brush your teeth, use a glass or mug instead
- eggs release nutrients when you boil them. Use the water - once it's cooled to room temperature - for watering houseplants, they will like the extra nutrients
- start your washing machine or dishwasher when you have a full load. A full load uses less water than two half loads
- generally, don't use a big sink or bowl full of water for small tasks like hand-washing or shaving
- wash in sand - only joking!
Easy water efficiency tips
- use the minimum amount of water to make a cup of tea - so you'll save energy as well as water
- keep a jug of water in the fridge, instead of running taps to get cold water
- use the dirty water from cleaning a fish tank on your plants or garden. It's rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which are good fertilizers
- use less water by turning the hot tap down, rather than the cold tap up
- cotton wool and tissues should be put in a waste bin rather than flushed down the toilet. These cause nasty blockages on turns in the sewer pipes
DIY tips
- old toilet cisterns use up to nine litres of clean water with each flush
- reduce this by using a cistern displacement device, a sealed full plastic bottle will work well. Old bricks disintegrate slowly
- dripping taps waste up to four litres of water a day. Replace worn tap washers for a quick and cheap way of saving money
- prepare for winter - burst water pipes cause flood damage to your home as well as wasting water
- ensure your water pipes and external taps are properly lagged before the cold winter months arrive.
Water conservation in the garden
- mulching and composting retains water in your garden
- only water your lawn once a week in the hottest weather. Over-watering can weaken your lawn by encouraging roots to seek the surface
- early morning or evening is the best time, to avoid evaporation
- use a broom instead of a hose to clean your drive and paved areas - a better method anyway!
- use a water butt, or barrel, to collect rainwater for use in the garden.
- make an Xeriscape by using plants that require less water
That's easy isn't it? Try all our other Ecotist tips on Hubpages and our main website.
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Comments
Yes I think I left that bit out - I have another page to go up soon on water saving. I might add it in now!
With all the global talk any thing we can do to help mother earth is good.
Collecting rainwater is a way of life for our family, it not only conserves power that would normally be used to pump water up from our well, but it also provides a back up for those times that power isn't available to pressurize the water lines. Livestock and pets are perfectly happy with rainwater to drink and if you haven't ever used it to wash your hair in - try it, you will find it to be a wonderful treat!
Lucinda - TheDigitalBard
Geoff,
I think the American pioneers, and current campers in the desert actually use sand to clean the dishes. Probably not very useful info here in the city.
Cool idea about the egg water, never heard of that one.
Jason
General washing up rinsing water and food water can be used for plants and gardens, it is done a lot where there is water shortage. My mother-in-law used to keep a bucket to put that water in as she went along with kitchen chores. Modernity requires minimalism, so a big bucket of murky water is not very cool! Good idea though. I water houseplants with left over water.
Sand washing I think is also done in desert communities; there is also stainless steel soap I have seen advertised.
As a child in the 60s, we had severe drought in the city where I lived. There used to be signs up all over the school. These are some I remember:
Don't be a DRIP, save a DROP.
Save Water, share a Shower!
we keep pot plants under our trees, so the water that goes into the pots also nourishes the trees, same water - two jobs!
we put lots of mulch (including shredded paper) as mulch to suppress weeds and reduce evaporation especially during hot summer days
PERMACULTURE books (Bill Mollison and followers) contain the most ingenuine, creative, intelligent, self-help water saving techniques, which include all sort of HOW TO and DO IT YOURSELF drawings and designes.
the classic Arabic gardens used to have elaborate - but incredibly simple labyrinth of gardens watering channels (sourced in the main fountain) based on the principle of gravity - Alhambra in the South of Spain (Granada) is the most magnificent example in Europe.
it is easy to feel passionate about water conservation, it is pure magic when we have it, and when we don't - it is ...
Very good tips. I have tried using rain water for watering my plants, but after a few days the water collected goes smelly and horrible. What am I doing wrong? Is it still safe to use that slimy water for the garden?
Your container or your drain pipes must be clogged up. Smelly horrible water is probably OK, but it might have chemicals in if you are using old/nasty containers etc.
Easiest is clean or replace the cobtainer and see if that is OK. Try and keep the top closed (in pipe through a lid) so leaves etc don't fall in, or mosqitos as they will breed.
Let us all know how it goes!
Your container or your drain pipes must be clogged up. Smelly horrible water is probably OK, but it might have chemicals in if you are using old/nasty containers etc.
Easiest is clean or replace the cobtainer and see if that is OK. Try and keep the top closed (in pipe through a lid) so leaves etc don't fall in, or mosqitos as they will breed.
Let us all know how it goes!
Thanks for the response. I will try your advice. It is true that I keep my containers open, I will find tops for them and see if it makes much of a difference. thanks again.
- Collaborative eco / green book
I am writing a book about green consumerism on Facebook - please have a look and make a comment. All contributions will be credited in the final book. - Ecotist green home & building information
Lots of info here, with free chapters from the Ecotist Green Home & Building Ebook - UK Environment Agency Water Saving Tips
Saving water at home, in the garden, or at work takes very little effort, but makes a big difference. - A to Z of Water Saving Tips
From the BBC.
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myorganicflowers says:
2 months ago
Great tips, especially about the garden. I find using a rain barrel is another way to save and utilize water.