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4 Easy Steps That Save Water


4 Easy Steps That Save Water


Too often the media is full of negative information. Studies show that by being fed negative information people tend to get into a state of apathy and become depressed with a sense of powerlessness in the face of the problems of the world. Sadly, this frame of mind has us ignoring how much impact very small actions can have. Let us look at some positive information.

Let’s examine 4 simple actions that can conserve water and save you money:

- Save 5 gallons of water per washing by doing dishes in a few inches of hot soapy water. Start with the least soiled items first, keeping the water as clean as possible for the upcoming items. It may seem funny to do this - but by turning the hot water tap on to rinse the dishes over the soapy sink the level will slowly increase and will maintain a hot temperature. This means you won’t need another sink full of water solely for rinsing. We use excess rinse water to pre-soak stuck on dishes as well. If the water is still usable and fairly clean once the dishes are done, use it to scrub the cupboards, the kitchen floor, the pet’s toys or wipe down the deck with it. Leave the hot water in the sink during cold, dry winter weather where it will release excess heat and moisture into the home.

- Dishwashers that are not built-in are wheeled over and a hose is used to drain into the sink. Use a screened basket to cover the drain to allow for proper flow of water but also to catch any crumbs and debris from going down the drain. Place stuck-on dishes in the sink (without plugging the drain) and allow the dishwasher to drain there. The water can be trapped in that soiled pot, where the heat is slowly released into the home, saving energy costs in the winter. Of course, the opposite applies in the summer, when extra heat is not desirable. This tip is only for those who are going to be near the kitchen just in case something goes wrong.

- Automatically reaching for the hot water tap is not always necessary. Usually, by the time we are finished washing our hands, the water is just beginning to warm up - so really, all we have done is heat up our pipes and burn some fossil fuels. So, practice reaching for the cold-water tap instead. Turn that laundry machine over to the cold-water setting, too.

- We can conserve water easily by turning off the tap while lathering hands. The running water is really only necessary for initial wetting, then rinsing - so running water in between is really a waste. Similarly, with brushing teeth; studies show that turning the water off when brushing your teeth can save over a gallon of water – per brushing! So turn that water off.

Imagine: these 4 simple steps will not only reduce hot water consumption and water use but also the utility bills will be a little bit smaller.

Dave and Lillian Brummet invite you to check out their blog, bookstore, and music store. Learn about the drum studio’s hand drum workshops and drums and accessories for sale. Find inspiring tips, interviews, writer services and numerous helpful resources: www.brummetmedia.ca


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