WHY SAVING WATER MATTERS
You’ve probably been told over and over to turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth, or to shorten your showers if you can to save water. We all know that saving water is good for the environment, but have you ever stopped to think about why that is? In the UK, where there are no droughts or water shortages as a general rule, it can be hard to understand what exactly the impact of saving water is. Don’t worry — I’m not going to tell you to start wasting water (please don’t do that!!!). Rather, let me do my best to explain how you’re helping the planet by making cuts on your water usage where you can.
The average person uses 150 litres per day in water (Eden Project). Although the Earth is often called the blue planet, out of all the water on the planet there is less than 1% accessible fresh water for us to use (Waterwise).
We are very fortunate to have easy access to clean water in this country and not suffer water restrictions often... the fact it’s literally on tap means we often take this accessibility to clean, fresh water for granted. Much like food and the convenience of supermarket shopping, we have become a bit divorced from the privilege we experience with this precious resource compared to many parts of the world.
Cleaning water to make it safe and heating water for the hot tap is an energy and chemical-intensive process, so from an environmental point of view, we need to understand and respect water! Being water-conscious in the home preserves natural water sources in the environment such as rivers and lakes, and secures our future supply (by offsetting the need for new infrastructure and reducing pressure on existing ones from a growing water demand). It will also save money if you're on a water meter and on your energy bill (about 20% of a typical gas-heated home’s heating bill is from the water for showers, baths and the hot water tap). So even if you don’t have a water meter, you could still be saving money on your energy bill (Waterwise).
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR WATER USAGE
Now you know why saving water is so important, here are some easy ways to do it with no skin off your nose.
Turn Off the Tap When You Brush Your Teeth
This is the one we all know, but do we all do it? My first tip is to turn off the tap when you brush your teeth – Why? Because it can save 6 litres of water per minute!! That’s 8,760 litres per year, which South West Water estimates could save you £46 per year! Same goes for when you’re shaving.
Take Shorter Showers
Shower for 60 seconds fewer and you save an average of 15 litres per minute, or up to 45 litres per minute with a power shower! And try reducing the temperature – this not only reduces the amount of energy you’re using but hot showers can also dry out and irritate the skin, which means more moisturiser needed! My mum grew up in the Philippines and my dad was in the armed forces, so growing up we were taught to not waste water. Even today my mum only has 2-minute (no hair wash) showers and turns the water on and off whilst washing her hair and rinsing, something that I do too having grown up this way. Rinsing in itself can use up a lot of extra water, so I’m excited for the new trend in no-rinse products we’re seeing right now.
Turn Your Shower Off Whilst Soaping Up
Turn your shower off whilst shampooing or applying shower gel, so you don’t waste extra water. Alternatively, why not look into no-rinse products to save yourself the rinse altogether?
Only Wash Full Loads of Clothes or Dishes in the Machine
Use full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher — this cuts out unnecessary washing in between cycles. Make sure to wash at lower temperatures and on faster cycles, as this is more gentle on clothes. If you’re looking to purchase a new machine look for eco models that do short washes and half washes - my slimline dishwasher has an eco function that washes at 35C as well as a half load option.
Use a Dishwasher Instead of Hand-Washing
If you have a dishwasher, use this instead of hand-washing your dishes. You can use up to 27 gallons of water per load by hand compared to as little as 3 gallons with a dishwasher. If you’re on the market for a dishwasher, look at models that offer eco washes — e.g. 35°C and a short or mini cycle! Otherwise, use a washing up bowl rather than washing your dishes under a running tap.
Invest in a Water-Saving System for Your Toilet
About 30% of the water used in a home goes towards flushing the toilet. Dual-flush toilets typically use 4-6 litres of water, as opposed to the regular flush systems which use an astounding 13 litres per flush, so they are a great investment if you’re looking to reduce your water usage. Or give this even simpler method a go: fill a plastic bottle with pebbles, then place the bottle in the cistern of your loo, which can save up to 5 gallons of water a day for the average home without compromising flush efficiency.
Only Fill Your Kettle With as Much as You Need
Only fill your kettle with as much water as you need — this saves both energy and water! And make a flask of hot water or tea which you can pour from throughout the day, which will keep you more hydrated too, since you have it on hand.
Be Conscious of Food Waste
Watch your food waste! It takes a lot of water to produce cereal, fruit and other foods, and more than half the seven million tonnes of food and drink that UK households bin every year could still be eaten. Eating seasonally as much as possible is important too, as out of season food is grown hydroponically, or flown in from abroad.
Save Water While Cooking
When cooking with veg, wash or scrub them in a bowl rather than running the under a tap, then give them a quick rinse to save water. Instead of boiling them in huge pots of water, try steaming or braising them instead. There’s no fancy equipment needed; use a bit of water at the bottom of the pan and a lid (save any water left for gravy or sauces or drink it up as it’s full of nutrients!).
Use Rainwater for Your Plant Babies
I am plant-mad. I try to use rain water to keep my house plants and garden hydrated as much as possible, as opposed to tap water. If you have a water butt (or buckets left outside on rainy days), use this water! Plus, any water used for soaking, beans, lentils or rice, is great for watering plants too.
Switch Up Your Beauty Routine
No-rinse products are such a great way to save on unnecessary water. I’ve recently been using the Garnier No Rinse Conditioner and both Clean Life and Oway do no-rinse conditioners too, which can save you up to 7 litres of water per wash! Economically, you’re also not wasting excess conditioner with a product like this one, as the conditioner has longer to penetrate and protect your hair. Plus, you can use the right amount rather than washing it down the drain, and you don’t have to worry about the time it takes to rinse.
Other beauty swaps to consider - powder cleansers: https://tropicskincare.com/products/clear-skies-cleansing-powder
READ MORE: