With World Water Day coming up on March 22nd, it's important for us to take the time to think about how fortunate we are to have access to clean drinking water, hot showers, etc., while so many around the world don't. It's equally as important for us to think about how we are consuming water and the ways in which we can learn to conserve it daily. Here are 5 ways you can conserve water today:
- Shorten Your Shower. Do you really need to sing the full rendition of Mama Mia while you suds in hot water? Didn't think so. Make a conscious effort to reduce your shower by 3-minutes. Just 3-minutes can save over 7 gallons of water. For all my shower performers out there, that's basically one less song ;) Bonus: Instead of letting the water pour down the drain while you wait for your shower to heat up, stick a bucket under the faucet. You can use the water for flushing the toilet or watering your plants.
- Don't Toss it Down the Drain! Got leftover water from the night before? Or half-filled water bottles? Rather than tossing it down the drain, feed it to the plants or the grass outside. There's no need to waste! If you don't have plants or grass, then let the water evaporate in a bowl. It will be gone in a couple of days.
- Turn it Off While You Suds. Turn the faucet off while doing the dishes, brushing your teeth and even washing your hands. While it might not seem like a lot, think about how many times you do these things a day? A week? A year? It adds up and a little can go a very long way!
- Be Mindful. When boiling water for pasta, tea, etc., be mindful and try boiling only what you need. Take the extra few seconds to measure it out and reduce your consumption and waste.
- Conserve. Get in the habit of running your dishwasher or laundry machine only when it's completely full. If you really need something washed in the interim, try hand-washing it while you're in the shower.
- Bonus: Collect Rainwater. If you live in a home and are able to do this, do it! To learn the benefits of collecting rainwater, click here.
More Ways You Can Help
Today, 663 million people live without access to safe drinking water. That's twice the population of the U.S.! This not only has lasting implications on health, but it also affects education, women and the economy. Here are my two favorite charities that focus on providing clean water and education to those in need:
Charity Water: Charity Water funds clean water projects throughout the world. Not only does it have a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator but it's one of the few charities where 100% of your donation goes to bringing clean water to people in need, thanks to donors who cover their operating costs.
Surge: Surge invests in communities through safe water and sanitation solutions to help end the cycle of poverty, while also working to increase awareness of the global water crisis to protect our water resources. 100% of public donations fund safe water, sanitation and education projects across the world. I've had the pleasure of getting to know the members of the Surge team in Chicago, and they are fully committed to this cause!
Love + Light,
~Smita :)