Remember last summer when we all gaily chucked buckets of water over our heads for charity? It was a great collective effort that raised a staggering amount of money for MND charities but, with hindsight, perhaps we should have chosen something other than water…
Video credit: E3G/YouTube
Sunday was World Water Day and it should serve as a reminder to be more aware of how much water we use and how we can reduce that amount. When it flows freely from our taps, it’s easy to take it for granted. The average person in the U.K. uses around 150 litres of water per day, while in developing countries the amount is only 20 litres per day — the same as the average Brit used in the 19th century.
10 Ways to conserve water today — and every day
1. Take a shower instead of a bath — and reduce your shower time by 60 seconds.
2. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
3. Fill a basin of water to wash dishes instead of using running water.
4. While waiting for hot water, collect the running water and use it to water your house plants.
More: Conserving water in the garden
5. Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car.
6. Reduce the number of glasses you wash by using only one glass for your drinking water each day or refilling a water bottle.
7. Cook your food in as little water as possible; this also retains the nutrients in your food.
8. Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and veg and use it to water your house plants.
9. Check all your hoses, connectors, pipes and taps regularly for leaks.
10. Always use full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine to cut down on unnecessary washes in between.
Visit UN Water to learn more about water, how we use it and how we can conserve it.
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