Being Green And Simple

Its so important to protect our resources. I recall working with a fellow from the middle east a few years ago who told me that one pail of water had to make do for everything in their household. They had three children and this one pail was for drinking, cooking and bathing.

Our water bills are rising at an alarming rate and there are ways to cut down if we just think about it for a bit. Here are a few ideas to get started with:

Never let the tap keep running when you are brushing your teeth. In the morning when you run the water to get it warm, catch that run off water in a pail to be used later for cleaning. Likewise for "getting the lead" out in the morning before filling the kettle. Put the plug in the tub when you shower. Later you can grab it up in a pail and use it for cleaning and flushing the toilets. Also, with the plug in during the shower it is good for soaking your feet. Make bath time, shower time. Cut down on your shower time by one minute each time. Many Europeans just get wet in the shower and turn it off, soap up and then turn the water on to rinse off. They say that this is the proper way to shower. Wash your hair only twice a week. Its better for your hair, and the environment.

Did you ever wonder why your bathroom sink has a plug? Put the plug in when washing your face and hands. Steer clear of letting the water keep running. Let nature water the grass; Only water the flowers. Catch rainwater for flower watering.

Experiment with the levels in your washing machine. Don't use the highest level if the lowest will do. Clothes need to wash against each other to come clean. Unless it's a very dirty, soapy load, use only one rinse cycle in the laundry. It rinses again anyway as it is spinning.

Touchy subject is the toilet. If your toilet tank is large, you can place articles into it that will save on water. an example would be to put a couple of bricks in or a container with a few stones. make sure they don't interfere with the "workings". In time you will have saved a lot of water and money.