Water Conservation at Home and On the Road
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Earth is covered with large oceans, lakes and rivers full of water. In fact, Earth has much more water than it does land. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered with water. Unfortunately, however, only 3% of this water is fresh water. Even more shocking, only 1% of this fresh water is fit for human use. Fresh water is vital to sustain life for both humans and many animals. With fresh water being such a priceless resource in our world, it is vital to conserve as much as possible. Whether at home or on vacation, there are numerous steps that can be taken to help protect and save fresh water resources. Although these steps may seem miniscule in comparison to all of the water that is used around the world on a daily basis, water conservation is truly a matter where every drop counts.
Conserving Water at Home
When traveling for business or simply taking a vacation away from home, there are a lot of matters around the house to consider before leaving. Of course, one of the first thoughts that come to mind for most vacationers is the safety of their home and possessions. Taking measures such as having neighbors keep an eye on the house or check the mail, along with locking all windows and doors, is a great way to start. Many vacationers, however, often believe that simply turning off their stoves and turning out the lights is a great way to ensure that their homes are safe. For those that wish to save money, conserve resources and eliminate the possibility of a catastrophe while away, there are other steps to take. One of the most important steps a vacationer can take before leaving home is to simply turn off their water supply. Not only is this a great way to conserve water and electricity, it is guaranteed that a major leak will not spring up with the water turned off. Leaks in pipes that are unattended can lead to major damage of cabinets, floors, furniture, and personal belongings. For those that also must pay for their water, this could also mean a very hefty water bill upon returning home. Unfortunately, it would also mean that a huge amount of water has gone to waste. Other ways to save water while away include using timed sprinklers, pool covers, adding antifreeze to toilet bowls and packing lunches for the car.
- The main water supply in a home should be completely turned off before leaving for vacation.
- If a neighbor or friend is unable to attend to outdoor plants or gardens, consider a soaker hose or sprinklers that operate on timers.
- For those with a private pool, placing a pool cover over the pool before leaving can eliminate evaporation and the need to re-fill a pool.
- For those that live in cold regions or those that are traveling during the winter months, add non-toxic antifreeze to the water remaining in the toilet bowl after turning off the water supply. This will ensure that the remaining water does not freeze and crack the base or bowl of the toilet.
- Vacationers can conserve water and money by packing lunches and water in re-usable containers instead of buying fast food or bottled water on their trip.
Conserving Water on Vacation
When a traveler reaches their destination, they often want to relax. Taking steps to conserve water may seem like a lot of hassle, but the truth is saving water while on vacation is simple. By continuing to use a re-usable water bottle and packing lunches, a lot of water and money can be saved. By eliminating a large amount of fast food, or eating at restaurants, the amount of water wasted on washing dishes can be eliminated. Other steps such as re-using hotel towels and linens for more than one night, reporting any leaks in the hotel, taking short showers instead of baths or pouring melted ice on plants, all make a guaranteed difference in saving water.
- Travelers can continue using re-useable water bottles and packing lunches instead of eating fast food or bottled waters.
- Vacationers staying at hotels can re-use hotel towels and linens for more than one night to cut down on the water needed in hotels.
- Those staying at rental vacation properties or hotels should report any drips or leaks. Fixing a dripping sink or bathtub may seem simple, but in fact, a leaky faucet that drips every second equals out to around five gallons of waste water each day.
- Instead of taking long baths while on vacation, short showers can save a tremendous amount of water.
- For those traveling to warm regions, ice cubes in drinks may melt quickly. The water from these ice cubes can be dumped onto a plant instead of simply being thrown away.
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