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Find out how and why you should start implementing water-saving strategies in your home.
Did you know that over half of our Earth is made up of water? And guess what else is? Our very own bodies! Each one of us is made up of around 60 percent of water, and our blood is made up of 90 percent! Given this, it seems crazy that in the U.S., the average family can waste 180 gallons per week! Feeling guilty? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got the easy tips to make you and your family great water savers in no time.
What is drought?
Without trying to scare you, the UN says that worldwide drought is the next hidden crisis that could become a global pandemic. And who wants another one of those? This century, at least 1.5 billion people have been affected by drought. But what actually is drought?
According to the National Geographic, drought is a term describing a period of time where a country or region experiences an abnormally low-level of rainfall. This below-average level of precipitation can have a series of serious effects, including decreased soil moisture, reduced stream or river flow, crop damage, and a general water shortage for all. Did you know that droughts are the one of the costliest weather events, secondly only to hurricanes?
Economically, droughts can cause our farmers to lose money when the lack of rain ruins their crops. This leads to the companies and shops that rely on these farmers and crops losing business as well. The lack of accessibility to crops can also cause food prices to increase, making it much more difficult for people to purchase groceries, due to the more expensive prices.
With nature being deprived of water, many habitats are destroyed, often resulting in a loss of wildlife and animals. Reduced water also leads to less food and drinking water for our animals, which can result in migration, spreading of disease, and at times, even extinction. Droughts also often cause more bush and wildfires.
Drought is no joke, which is why we have to act now.
What Can I Do to Help Save Water?
While you may think that the world as a whole isn't currently in a serious drought, there is no reason not to start implementing water-saving strategies in your life. There are so many ways to start saving water, most of which can be easy and fun!
Now, we know sometimes, especially in a house with kids, water-saving isn’t all that simple. But, there are some fail-safe ways to easily start saving water in your household:
Understanding the Importance of Water
The most important step in saving water is understanding why water is so important! Though the list is never-ending, it is good to understand how and why water holds such significance within our bodies and our world. All life forms on Earth, from humans to animals, plants, and even microscopic life, rely on water to survive. Water can dissolve nearly anything, and is the only naturally occurring substance on our planet that can exist as a gas, liquid, and solid. Water is a powerful substance, maybe the most powerful, which is why we have to treasure it.
What is Greywater Reuse?
One of the best, and most overlooked ways you can save water in your own home is through greywater reuse. What is greywater? It is household wastewater that comes from baths, showers, sinks and laundries. It does not include kitchen water, as this water can contain harsh chemicals. Don’t get it confused with black water, which is water that comes from your toilet, as that kind of water goes through sewerage systems, and that can stay right where it is!
While greywater may look dirty, as the name suggests, it is only because it often contains traces of food or dirt. It is perfectly safe, and at times beneficial, to use in your yard. But it is important to note, that greywater is only nutritious to plants, and should not be released into waterways, as its nutrients will then turn into pollutants, which is exactly what we don’t want. By reusing greywater in your garden, you will not only keep precious water out of the sewerage system but also save money on your water bill while you’re at it! Look for greywater-safe detergents and soaps, like those from Planet Luxe that can be reused and recycled!
Shorter Showers
While this may be tough for some, if everyone cut back their showers to less than four minutes, we could reduce water usage by up to 20 percent! And this can be made fun too! Get the kids to sing their favorite song twice in the shower, and turn the water off when they are done!
Leak Repairs
Did you know that a hot tap leaking at one drip per second wastes over 6000 liters of water every year? That’s water that you are paying for, and not even using!
Choose Sustainable Products
Another great step towards saving more water in your home is by using eco-friendly (and greywater friendly!) cleaning products. While generic household cleaning agents aren’t technically pollutants, the strong chemicals hidden in most of these products can be extremely damaging to our natural environment, as they are often toxic to plants and animals, and can also harm the quality of drinking water. By ditching these harsh cleaners, and replacing them with natural, toxin-free products, like Planet Luxe’s line of toxin-free, 100% biodegradable products you will be able to save more of the greywater from your home and be able to recycle and reuse it in your very own backyard.
