Showering, mopping up, and washing the dishes can waste a lot of unnecessary water. So what can be done to reduce our water waste? Here at Helpling, we have seven super easy tips for you that will help save a little more water in your household. Not only will you be doing your bit for the planet, but also your wallet too!
1. Dishwasher vs. hand wash?
An eternal debate. Which is better for the environment? A dishwasher uses twice as much energy per wash as an old-fashioned wash. Because of its higher energy consumption, a dishwasher is therefore less environmentally friendly. But take care! If you rinse the dishes under a running tap or with plenty of water before starting, a dishwasher is actually more economical.
2. Collect shower water
Do you leave the shower running in the morning before you jump in? While we understand that no one wants to start the day with a cold shower, this is a terrible waste. A great tip is to collect the water in a bucket and use it to water your houseplants!
3. Repair that leaky tap
Every drop makes a difference. If a tap leaks 10 drops per minute, that is 2000 litres of water per year. A tap that leaks constantly costs even 35,000 litres a year!
4. Clean windows with vodka instead of soapy water
An average cleaning product consists mainly of alcohol. Run out of methylated spirits? Put some vodka in a plant spray and start cleaning.
5. Use a spray, not a bucket when cleaning
Instead of filling a bucket with water, you can also put the mix of all-purpose cleaner and water in a plant sprayer. This is much more efficient because you use less water. Spray it on, wipe it over and you’re done – quick and easy!
6. Don’t pre-rinse!
Do you keep your pans and plates under the tap before putting them in the dishwasher? Save water and sprinkle baking soda on the dirty dishes. If you let it soak in for ten minutes, you can then tap it off. The food residues will have all but disappeared by then.
7. Washing fruit and vegetables
You can also save a lot of water by not leaving the tap running when you want to wash fruit and vegetables. Instead, you can wash them in a layer of water in the sink or rinse them in a pan of water. You can then use the water for something else afterwards.
