conserving 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 just 2 areas that can conserve water and save you money:

- Every time you wash dishes by hand, you can save 5 gallons of water: Start with just a couple of inches of very hot, soapy water and begin washing the least soiled items first, keeping the water as clean as possible for the upcoming items. 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 soapy sink becomes too filthy to continue using, but you still have dishes to wash, place some of the dirtiest in the 2nd sink and ladle the old wash water over them - it acts like a pre-rinse, making the job easier when you begin again.  

- When the dishes are washed and the soapy water is still usable, use it to scrub the cupboards, the top of the fridge, behind the stove, wash the kitchen floor, clean the pet’s toys and water bowls, 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.

- Use a screened basket to cover utility and kitchen sink drain holes, allowing for proper water flow while catching crumbs and debris - preventing them from going down the drain. Tap that basket on the edge of your compost bucket to empty.

- Dishwashers that are not built-in are wheeled over and a hose is used to drain into the sink. 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.

To learn more simple changes that can have a big impact on your budget and the health of the planet check out our Trash Talk book series

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