Hello lovely, lets talk about water! Did you know that freshwater is one of the most precious resources on Earth? Only 0.5% of the world’s freshwater is usable and available to us. This fact can feel a little heavy. But it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to save water and make a real difference. Starting right from our own homes.

It’s easy to think of water conservation as a big, overwhelming task, but I’ve discovered it’s all about simple, small habits that add up to big changes. Every small choice we make has a ripple effect, and together, we can become mindful guardians of this vital resource. So, let’s dive in and explore some easy, everyday ways to conserve water, one drop at a time!

I recently took a fun Water Footprint Calculator quiz to see my personal impact, and my jaw dropped a little! I was honestly surprised to see that my personal usage was 4,118 litters a day, and my households was 20,588 litters. The calculator pointed out that my flats older fixtures—like our showerhead and toilet—were major water guzzlers. This was a fantastic wake-up call and has inspired me to take on a little challenge: to see if I can reduce my water footprint over the next six months using the very tips, I’m about to share with you! I can’t wait to share my progress.

Water Saving Kitchen Habits ️

Let’s start in the heart of your home, which is an amazing place to start your water-saving journey.

1.Don’t let the Tap Run

Instead of letting the water continuously flow while handwashing dishes, try filling the sink with water for washing. You’ll be amazed at the difference! Leaving the tap on for just five minutes can use about 56 litres of water every 5 minutes, while a full sink only uses about 18 litters. Such a simple switch to save water!

2.Only run the Dishwasher when it’s Full

This one’s a classic for a reason! An efficient dishwasher uses as little as 15 litres of water per load, so make sure you’re getting the most out of every cycle.

3.Give cold water a Second Life

Ever wait for the water to warm up at the sink? Instead of letting it go down the drain, keep a container nearby to collect it. You can use this water for so many things—watering your beautiful houseplants, boiling pasta, or even giving your fruits and veggies a quick rinse before cooking.

4.Double-duty Boiling

When you’re boiling rice or pasta, pop a steamer basket on top and cook your vegetables at the same time! It’s an easy way to save water, energy, and even reduce the number of pots and pans you have to wash.

Easy Bathroom Upgrades

The bathroom is another spot where small changes can make a huge impact.

5.Make your Showers Shorter

I recently tried a fun behaviour change experiment for a university class where I timed my showers. The biggest win came from simply turning the water off while I was washing my hair and shaving. Another great tip: switching to a water-conserving showerhead can reduce your water use from 18 liters per minute to just 7 liters!

6.Turn off the Tap while you Brush

It sounds so simple, but it makes a massive difference. Leaving the tap running while you brush your teeth can use up to 15 liters of water! By turning it off, you only use about 0.9 liters. To help yourself remember, try a fun little Post-it note on the mirror with a sweet reminder for you and your family!

7.Check for Leaks and Upgrade your Toilet

A leaky toilet can quietly waste hundreds of liters of water a day! To check for one, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank; if the color shows up in the bowl a little while later, you have a leak to fix. Consider switching to a water-saving toilet, which can reduce water use from 18 liters per flush to only about 5 liters. If a new toilet isn’t in the cards, a clever trick is to add a plastic bottle filled with water to the tank—it will displace some water and will save water with every flush.

Water-Wise Outdoor Practices

Let’s not forget our gardens and yards! They can be a source of joy and a wonderful place to save water.

8.Water your Plants with Care

In the warm summer months, water your garden in the early morning or late evening. This helps the water soak into the soil instead of evaporating in the sun. It’s also a kind way to protect our pollinator friends who are busy buzzing around during the day!

9.Capture the rain, Save water

A rain barrel under a downpipe is a fantastic way to collect free water! It can catch an average of 15 litters per rainy day, which you can then use for watering your plants, cleaning your car, or topping off your lawn.

10.Choose Plants that Love your Climate

Opt for native plants! They’re already adapted to your local environment. So they’ll thrive with less water and provide a perfect habitat for local birds and other wildlife.

Thank You for Reading!!

Thank you so much for starting this water conservation journey with me! It’s amazing what a little bit of awareness can do.

I’d love to hear from you! What small changes are you feeling inspired to make today? And if you take the water footprint quiz, tell me if you were as surprised as I was! Let’s cheer each other on as we work to reduce our water footprint.

Georgia xoxo