A new year means new opportunities to change the way we live and to make a better version of ourselves. Every year, everyone comes up with a new list of resolutions. Whether its to go to the gym or save more money, we all want goals that will have a positive impact on our lives. This year, we should all make our New Year’s Resolution list an environmentally sustainable one! This should not be difficult or expensive. In fact, some of these tips will help you save money and make your life a little easier!
Be conscious
Find the Value in Water
Every time you turn on the faucet, think about where that water comes from. Do you know where it comes from? How does it get to your home? Try learning a little more about the city’s municipal water processes. Think about how many activities you use water for in one day, maybe even make a list. Try to find the value in water by picturing your morning routines and day to day activities without water. The first step in saving more water is to investigate your household water usage. It’s helpful to see which activities use the most water. One excellent way to see how much water your household uses, is to sign in to RRTXWATER.com
Here are some simple tips to help you get started with your water conservation journey.
The best way to achieve a new goal is to start small and at home.
Kitchen
- Rinse fruits and veggies in a container filled with water instead of running them under the tap. Use the collected water to water house plants.
- Don’t use water for defrosting. Instead, leave frozen foods in the fridge to defrost.
- Collect the running water while waiting for the temperature to change. Use this water to drink or cook.
- When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run the whole time. Be mindful of when you need to use water. The dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand! Wash dishes in the dishwasher if there are a lot. Just scrape off food into the trash bin, no need to prewash them. ALSO, when in the market for a new washer, be sure to look for an Energy Star model to reduce energy costs.
Bathroom
- Be a leak detective. Check all shower heads, toilets, and sinks in every bathroom for leaks. Lean how to check for leaks here: Find Leaks (of course, this isn’t only for bathrooms)
- Collect running water in a bucket while waiting for temperature to change before showering. Use this water to wash dishes or water plants.
- Use water saving shower heads, toilets, and faucet aerators. These products should have a Water Sense Label
- Use body and shampoo soap bars instead of shower gels. Gels need more water to rise out.
- Avoid using the toilet as a waste basket! Do not throw tissues, paper towels, or wipes into the toilet.
Laundry Room
- Only fill up water to cover clothing. Match the water level to the size of the load!
- Use washer for full loads only or change load setting if possible.
- Try re-using towels and clothes more than once.
- Skip the extra rinse cycle.
- When in the market for a new washer, there is a rebate for the purchase of high efficiency clothes washers. By replacing older washers with new, efficient models, water use can be reduced up to 40%! Clothes Washer Rebate
Outside
- Collect rainwater. Use rainwater to water plants, wash cars, and clean! Rainwater Collection Rebate
- Do not water more than twice per week. This is crucial to keep your lawn and landscape drought tolerant.
- Plant native shrubs, flowers, and trees. Native plants are well adapted to the climate here in central Texas, they need less water. Aggie Horticulture provides a host of expertise on landscape plants, ornamentals, turf-grass, and gardens.
- Spruce up your irrigation system. System maintenance can help save you a lot of money and water! Cracks in pipes can lead to costly leaks, and broken sprinkler heads can waste water and money.
- Be aware of the weather! Don’t water plants or grass if weather forecasts predict rain. Change your irrigation system settings to match the seasons weather.
These easy steps to conserving water is an excellent way to start your environmentally friendly goals! If you just start implementing one tip from this list a day, you will help conserve water and you will start to save money as well! The easiest step to starting a new goal is to just be mindful about how much water you and your family use. Learn about the importance of water this year and you will learn more about your habits. Inform family and friends about your new goals and try to get them on board!
Happy New Year!
