Tree Hugging Family » water footprint

10 Handy Water-saving Tricks

Peggy — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:00:39 +0000

Not tricks exactly, but they’ll work like magic to keep you from wasting water. Most of us know about low-flow shower heads, but have you thought of all the other little ways to save water?

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

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Mid-month Water Post Roundup

Peggy — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:00:47 +0000

We’re not finished splashing about with water conservation month yet.

There’s still much to discuss, but since it’s July 15, let’s take a look at our posts so far.

Conserving in the Kitchen & Bath

One Small Step: Scrape Instead of Rinse

Dishwashers Use Less Water

Do you really need a water filter?

No Runny While Soapy

Easy Toilet Leak Test

Water Awareness

Water for People

What’s Important About 350?

Your Water Footprint

What’s Your Yearly Water Bill?

Reusable Water Bottle Reviews

Green Product Review: SIGG Water Bottle

Green Product Review: Klean Kanteen Water Bottle

Other Water-related Posts

Saving Water Outside

Proper Disposal of Oil

Water Water Everywhere

Green Review: Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets

Please check out our water conservation poll in the sidebar if you haven’t yet.

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

Your Water Footprint

Peggy — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:03 +0000

H20 Conserve offers a quick test to help you understand your water footprint. It’s not just about low-flow shower heads. The test also looks at the hidden water use inside your food choices and driving habits.

I learned a few things when I took my test. If I “let my yellow mellow” I’d save 10 or more gallons of water a day. And if I didn’t eat meat or dairy, I could reduce my water use by hundreds of gallons a day. It takes 1,500 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef!

Learn more and take your water footprint test at H20 Conserve.

Logo via H20 Conserve.

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