Give thanks to water
Over the past number of months I have been looking at ways to conserve the valuable water that we receive in our taps.
This water costs so much to produce and relies on good quality natural water resources like rivers or lakes.
I try every day to conserve it even if there is plenty. It is a good habit for us all to conserve the really valuable resource.
We’re all washing our hands for longer now. Typically, when I turn the hot water tap on, it’s not until I have almost finished washing my hands that the water’s got hot. The mechanical action and the soap itself is responsible for cleaning our hands more than the temperature of the water. Washing our hands with a cooler, more comfortable water temperature, along with soap and a bit of elbow grease, is kinder to the climate and just as hygienic.
Other ways that we can conserve water involve the shower of course.
Is my shower longer than my favourite song? Short showers save water!
If I start with Stairway to Heaven, this 8-minute classic is not one of the most sustainable approaches to my shower……
Ooh, it makes me wonder
Ooh, it makes me wonder
There’s a feeling I get
When I look to the west
And my spirit is crying for leaving
In my thoughts I have seen
………………….
Ooh, it makes me wonder
Ooh, it really makes me wonder
Or sometimes better is my 7 minute rendition of Hotel California
………………Last thing I remember
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
“Relax”, said the night man
“We are programmed to receive
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave”
Generally we need to take shorter showers, less than 5 minutes and catch the water as it warms for watering plants.
We can install a low flush toilet or use a displacement device in the cistern. Outside we can catch and use rainwater. Generally I water outdoor plantings in the early morning or early evening when there is less evaporation. Something I have started to do recently is I use a lint filter when washing synthetic fabrics like fleeces to keep microplastics out of rivers and oceans. I try to wash a full load with liquid rather than powder detergent. These are really small things that I can do at home, but if they catch on, they can make a big difference.
Finally, take time to thank the water before you drink it