Simple Ways to Save Water and Protect Our Planet

The Sustainalist - Sustainability 101

Did you know that freshwater is a limited resource? We only have so much, and its availability has declined over the decades as our industrial lives have rapidly expanded. (Stats geeks, check this out: Our World in Data).

Given that our drinking water is finite, let’s dive into some simple and effective ways to save water:

1. Water outlets:

   Make sure your outlets are equipped to save water. Some shower heads have a small flow restrictor that drastically reduces water flow. My Grohe shower head, for instance, has a flow of 9 litres per minute thanks to the restrictor, compared to 15 litres per minute without it. Newer models can reduce the flow even more, without sacrificing the “waterfall” effect.

   
   

   Check your taps to see if they have a proper aerator installed, and how old it is. Since moving to the UK, I’ve been surprised at how many taps lack this simple, water-saving feature. Installing an aerator is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to save water.

1. Mixer Taps:

   Another tip close to my heart: if you’re in the position to replace a sink with two taps, make sure you upgrade to a mixer tap. This is a huge water-saving step and can prevent scalding too. Despite living in the UK for over 7 years, I still see two taps in many homes - some brand new! It’s frustrating to see so much unnecessary water waste, not to mention the challenge of proper handwashing with short taps.

1. Food Prep:

   For food prep, keep a washing-up bowl handy. When you wash salad and veggies, save the water and use it for:

• Watering the garden or indoor plants

• Flushing the toilet

• Cleaning (if the water is relatively clean)

• Watering a tree outside

This water isn’t dirty and saving it is a big favour to the planet.

1. Toilets:

   Reduce your toilet flush. There are plenty of online guides and videos on how to do this. Toilets are one of the biggest water wasters in our homes, and it’s easy to reduce that waste.

   
   

   If you’re replacing the cistern, opt for one with water-saving buttons for the big and small “business.” You can also reduce the tank’s water level with a quick adjustment - ask a plumber if you’re unsure. It’s a five-minute job that will make Mama Earth very happy.

1. Water Kettle:

   Here’s a controversial one: Some folks always empty the kettle, either in the morning or before every use. I don’t get it. Water in a kettle is used up daily, so there’s no need to waste it, is there? If limescale is an issue, clean it regularly. 

   
   

   But really, why not use that water for cleaning, washing up, or even brushing your teeth rather than pouring it in the sink? Better yet, just fill the kettle with the amount you need - no need to boil 1.7 litres for a single cuppa! (Check your kettle’s manual for safety guidelines, though.)

1. Laundry:

   On to laundry: It’s a bad habit to run the washing machine several times a week for just a few items. This wastes water, energy, and detergent. Collect your clothes and do a full load once a week using the eco program. My machine, for example, is rated A+++ and supposedly uses 37 litres of water for a 5kg load in eco mode. In reality, it uses about 45-50 litres. And nearly the same amount for a 2kg load!

   
   

   Manufacturer specs are always optimistic, as they come from testing labs, not real-life circumstances. The best practice is to save up your laundry and do it all at once, saving you time and Mother Earth resources.

With these few options, you can already see how much responsibility you can take on to reduce water waste significantly, can’t you?

Happy water saving, dear reader!

With love, compassion, and courage,

Heike

The Sustainalist