When it comes to impacting the environment, we’re all looking at ways we can improve our lifestyle.
The new millennium has brought an increased awareness of carbon footprints and the way we adversely affect the world around us. From using sustainable materials in our homes to recycling household waste, we’re far more aware of what we can do to help tackle the problems the next generation face.
Another key way you can look to make your home more environmentally friendly is the amount of water you use. Warm summers bring droughts and in 2018 the UK experienced almost two months with little to no rainfall, causing huge pressure on reservoirs and water companies.
There are plenty of ways you can help to reduce the concerns over water usage around the home, which will also save you money in the long run, as we are about to examine.
Bathroom Furniture
The traditional image of a British bathroom is changing. The standard sink, WC and bath setup became commonplace across the country, but all three items use plenty of water and there are now alternatives available.
Reader’s Digest reveals that the bathroom is where we use the most water, but changing your furniture can make a big difference. Installing a smaller vanity basin will cut down on the amount you use whilst washing your hands and installing a dual flush cistern or using a water Hippo will significantly reduce the amount of water uses when flushing the toilet.
Remember, when selecting toilet paper think eco-friendly, and use our article ‘How to Choose the Most Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper’ for some additional guidance.
Another obvious solution is to take more showers than baths, as they use less water. Also, regularly check the temperature of a bath when you do run one; if it’s too hot you may need to let water out and replace with cold, increasing water usage.
Attend Quickly to Leaks
As reported by EAT, England and Wales lose around 3.1 billion litres of water every day from leakage. Whilst much of that is through mains leaks, residential properties also must shoulder some of the blame.
Being aware of your potential leaks can be a great way to save water. An article which focuses on how to identify water leaks in households published on HomeServe Living details how water leaks often start small but if they’re left, they can be a real problem, both financially and in terms of the damage they can cause. Be vigilant; if you notice a drop in pressure on your taps, you could have a leak and need the services of a plumber.
Smart Appliances
Smart technology can also help with water usage. A Leak Bot can help to find leaks when attached to a stopcock for instance, but appliances are also becoming much smarter when saving water.
Smart dishwashers and washing machines regulate water usage, as well as manage energy requirements. Using a smart shower, you can set the length of time you’re in too, minimising the water usage. These solutions may not be cheap, but they’re effective in the longer term.
Grey Waste
Think carefully about what you do with grey waste, particularly in the summer months. If you have a garden to water, why not use your dirty dishwater? It’s just as effective and is essentially recycled from its first use.
Some have even left their dirty bathwater in the bath after usage and used a bucket to flush their toilet waste; this might not be practical throughout the year, but certainly in the summer months it is worth considering.
