It’s no surprise that the earth’s natural resources are used, abused and running low. Contrary to what you may think, little actions–small changes in everyday habits–can make a big difference. This week’s One Small Step involves reusing water for multiple purposes.
The next time you run water before you crank up the shower (because it’s ice cold when you first turn it on), slip a watering can, pitcher, bucket or other container to catch the water that would otherwise go down the drain. Use this salvaged water to quench your indoor and outdoor plants. Of course, you can’t do this everyday (unless you have that many plants), but even a couple of times a week makes a difference.
Take this One Small Step one step further: Think of other ways to use your salvaged pre-shower water, like filling up humidifiers, replenishing a fish bowl, cooking (it is clean water after all), mopping, handwashing delicate clothing, soaking dishes…get resourceful!
I really like this idea. It bugs me to have to let the water run to get it warm for a bath or shower and it’s so easy to put a bucket under the faucet. In our household there always seems to be something–a coffee cup, a pot or pan–that needs to soak so that is my favorite use for that water.
Living in an area where it’s wise to not be a fanatic for washing your car (because of gravel roads and such), sometimes you still want a clean windshield after a few too many bugs have bitten the dust and the windshield wiper cleaning fluid doesn’t seem to be cutting it. Saving the “warm-up water” would be a great source of water for that. It would enable me to have a clean windshield without feeling guilty about wasting water.
I LOVE this idea! Thanks! It will come in handy during the dry summer Utah months!
[…] One Small Step: Water […]
[…] One Small Step: Water […]