Want to know how to save water? So, check out surefire tips to help preserve this all-important resource!
Knowing tips to save water is fundamental for the preservation of this natural resource so important in our life. After all, water may seem abundant on the planet, but only a small part of it can be consumed on a daily basis.
The fact is that the more we stay at home, the more likely we are to consume water in an uncontrolled manner. Incidentally, some data on the subject serve as an alert for everyone. By 2050, water shortages could reach 5 billion people worldwide, according to a report by the United Nations (UN).
It may seem distant or even difficult to imagine such a future, but the action is needed today – and everyone can do their part. So, to begin with, how about putting some water-saving guidelines into practice?
Check out 9 unmissable tips and why they are so fundamental for the conservation of the planet!
1. Fix leaks
Undoubtedly, one of the main tips to save water is to fix leaks in your home. To do so, check the kitchen and bathrooms first, as these are places that usually present some type of problem. Then, look for signs of leaks or stains on the walls of other rooms, especially behind large closets.
If you find that something is wrong or that it is not working very well, look for a company that specializes in repairing leaks or inform the owner of the property, if applicable.
And an important data for those who think that a drip does not mean much: a dripping tap can represent a waste of approximately 10,000 liters of water per year. That is, a leak is harmful to the planet and still weighs on your domestic budget!
2. Pay attention to the bathroom
The bathroom is an area of the house where you can apply many tips to save water. When brushing your teeth, for example, leave the tap turned off. Just open it when you really need it or, if possible, use a glass of water to make the mouthwash.
Do you have the habit of taking long baths? This habit can be expensive for the planet! Avoid spending too much time with the shower open and turn off the tap when soaping – especially when washing your hair.
A tip: reducing the bath time from 15 to 5 minutes can represent savings of 90 liters of water.
Flushing the toilet is another point that can cause a lot of water waste. The ideal is that it is working correctly and that the system is as economical as possible. In general, the model with a water tank is the most suitable.
3. Be careful in the kitchen
Like the bathroom, the kitchen is also a place to pay attention when it comes to saving water. To wash the dishes, follow the same tip as the bath, that is, lather all items first and then remove the soap with the water.
In addition, remove food scraps and follow an order when rinsing, starting with the lightest objects, such as glasses and cutlery. Larger or dirtier pots, forms, and pots are the last.
If you use a dishwasher, be sure to use it when it is at full capacity. No turning on the machine for just a plate and a glass, right? In this way, it can be very effective in reducing water use.
4. Collect and reuse water
Capturing and reusing water is also part of the list of tips for saving. Those who live at home can invest in systems to capture rainwater, with the implementation of cisterns and gutters, for example.
On the other hand, you can also capture the water using buckets. To do so, just leave them in a more open place that has an incidence of rain. Then, store, close with a lid, and use to water plants, washcloth, or wash the floor.
Just keep in mind that rainwater is not treated and therefore drinking it is not recommended.
5. Use the washing machine well
Speaking of reuse, reuse the water expelled by the washing machine both for cleaning the house and for flushing the toilet.
Like the dishwasher, the washing machine must be used at the maximum capacity indicated. In the event that you live alone, a decent tip is to collect a specific sum and wash everything once per week, for instance. If you live with more people, it is possible to set certain days for washing.
Keep in mind that this practice is very positive, because, on average, a machine with a capacity of 8 kg can use up to 125 liters of water in just one complete wash. A lot, isn’t it?
6. Wash the car consciously
We live in a moment of a continuous deepening of the debates about the preservation of essential natural resources. As water is the most elementary of them, the use of it in washing vehicles needed to be rethought.
One of the ways to keep your car clean and collaborate with the environment is simple. You only need to use a very effective pair: a large bucket and a good sponge. In moderation, the hose can even be used, but what if it was possible to increase the level of water savings?
When adopting a dry cleaning system, water becomes a totally expendable product. The magic happens due to the use of a solution specially developed for this type of cleaning. In addition, it is worth saying that the results also tend to exceed those normally provided by liters and more liters of water and soap.
For this, it is necessary to search for dry cleaning products. The solution must be sprayed both on the bodywork and on the windows, tires, and wheels. In these last parts, the procedure is done with the help of a brush, ideal for taking the product to all points.
The other accessories, used in the finishing, are the traditional microfiber cloths and the polishing wax. It is important to say that the wax is not only used to make the car beautiful and shiny. The bonus is due to the protective layer created on the vehicle, which will prolong the need for a new wash.
As we are talking about actions that aim to preserve the planet, it is also advisable to know the most sustainable cars in the world. Think about it when changing the vehicle and the benefits it can provide to the environment by driving with sustainability.
7. Sweep sidewalks and indoor areas before washing
In the same sense as the previous thought, it is impossible to wash sidewalks, internal areas of the house, or even rooms with many liters of water. The problem is easily solved through the proper use of a broom. At the point when utilized well, the outcome by quite a simple tool is noteworthy.
By sweeping the areas calmly and accurately, you greatly decrease the amount of water that may be used to complete the cleaning. As with cars, it is also advisable to forget about hoses. If there are few buckets in the house to wash the yard, arrange them, as it will be very worthwhile.
8. Perform regular maintenance on the air conditioner
Unlike what it may seem, those drops that often fall from your air conditioner indicate the source of a malfunction in the device. Without going into detail, the most common cause of the disorder is the absence of a cleaning periodicity.
Often, all you have to do is renew the filters at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. In order to avoid discomfort, have the replacement every 15 or 30 days – the difference depends on the level of use of the device.
During the replacement, take the time to check if there is any obstruction in the path that leads to the drainage system. This is because the blockage also causes water to accumulate and, consequently, overflow to the floor of the room where the appliance is installed.
9. Consume consciously
Finally, one of the most important tips for saving water: consume consciously. Today, with so much access to information, you can research what are the products and even foods that need a lot of water to be produced.
Would you know, for example, how much water is consumed during the manufacture of different products? The production of a single sheet of paper can reach 10 liters, while the processes applied to the production of automobiles consume about 400 thousand liters.
Food production also requires a lot of water. Did you know, for example, that for you to consume 1 kilo of beef, 17 thousand liters of water are used? Or that a simple chocolate bar needs almost 2 thousand liters?
Undoubtedly, these figures are impressive and are capable of provoking a reflection on what we buy. So be aware of the impact that your consumption habits can have on natural resources.
In addition, also remember to put in practice the other tips to save water. In addition to contributing to the planet as a whole, you still have the possibility to learn to live only with what you really need. To help cut unnecessary spending, however, you need good financial planning, properly aligned with the adoption of sustainable consumption.
Author Bio:
Sunil Trivedi is the Managing Director of Aqua Drink. With 15 years of experience in the water purification industry, Sunil and his team have been ensuring that his clients consume 100% potable water to lead a healthy life and keeping water-borne diseases miles away.
