Talkin’ About the Car Wash

Are you the DIY type? Even though most would assume washing your car at home seems like the most economical solution, it is actually something you should think twice about. Basic calculations have proven that it might be more cost effective to head to the local car wash. Besides the lack of cost-savings, washing your car at home can actually be damaging to the environment. DIY car washes directly expose our environment to different types of oils, soaps and brake dust.

Be on the lookout for car washes that recycle or return the water to the environment cleanly. A typical home gardening hose could use 60 gallons or more in less than five minutes!

Delicate Decisions

Did you know the average home laundry machine can use 45 or more gallons of water? Hand washing your delicates is a great alternative to running the wash repeatedly. Never tried hand washing? It is actually a fairly straight forward process.

For best results, check online for tips and tricks on how to safely hand wash items. Make sure to check the tag for instructions catered to the specific material. TIP: Hair conditioner works wonders on delicate items!

Think Outside of the Box

Most Americans cook pasta on a regular basis. Have you ever thought to reuse the water for boiling the noodles? Once the water has cooled down it could be potentially used for watering plants or gardens.

It is the small things which count the most! Think outside of the box when it comes to water conservation. Never throw out water which could be repurposed.

Fix that Leak!

Not sure if you have a leak? A good place to start when investigating potential issues is by evaluating your water bill. A simple rule of thumb is that on average the water consumption for a family of four should not exceed 12,000 gallons per month.

Exceeding 12,000? Wait until you can be completely sure no one in your home is using water, and go check the water meter. Monitor the meter for approximately 15 minutes, taking note of any changes. If the meter reads consistently for 15 minutes straight, you probably do not have a leak.

Water Footprint

Direct water use isn’t the only consideration to be mindful of regarding conservation. To be fully dedicated to water conservation you must also consider how much water the food, services and goods you consume require. Both hydroelectric and thermoelectric power companies have huge water footprints.

Conserving water and electricity go hand-in-hand. When you work towards sustainable usage of our natural resources you aren’t just saving your pocket, you will be creating a better world for all of us to share.