Didn’t finish that glass of water? Pour it into your window box or the flower bed outside instead of down the sink.

Drop an ice cube? Your dog or cat might like that in the water bowl, or you can place it in the bird bath.

Changing the water in the fish tank? Feed it to the plants. They’ll love the nitrogen!

The kids insist on running through the sprinklers? Have them do this early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The lawn will be able to absorb more water before it evaporates.

Need hot water from the tap? Keep the container you use for watering house plants close by the sink. When you’re letting water run to heat up, stick the watering can under the tap.

Didn’t drink the whole pot of coffee? Save it for frozen coffee drinks or popsicles. Yum.

Runny nose? Remember to throw tissues in the wastebasket, not toilet. Extra flushes waste water.

Don’t have the extra cash for mulch? Use pine needles to help plants retain water. If you don’t have a pine tree, you probably know someone who does.

Do you need to thaw some food before cooking? Don’t run hot water in the sink. Use your microwave’s defrost setting or thaw in the refrigerator overnight if possible.

Having trouble rinsing all the shampoo off your dog’s coat during baths? Fill an empty shampoo or dishwashing liquid bottle halfway with water, then add a couple tablespoons of shampoo. Shake. Squirt this on your dog instead of full-strength shampoo. It will lather very well and rinse quickly! (Don’t do this for medicated shampoos.)

Image via flickr.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in July 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family