Water the next shortage crisis?

We all take it for granted however water could be the next major shortage the world faces. Water is the basis of all life, and less than one percent of all the earth’s water is available for the many billions people on the earth. We only have a tiny share of freshwater available to meet our many needs. Crop/Garden irrigation, industry production needs, drinking water, and even sanitation all require fresh water yet we seem to quickly forget this or take it for granted.

The average  lifestyle requires almost 1,800 gallons a day to support, with much of this going to support our dietary needs. If we all realized this and  learned how to conserve just a little more water each day, it could add up to tremendous savings not only in conserving fresh water but also in energy used to create it. Below are a few easy to do things that if done in a big way can have a huge impact with water conservation. They include:

1. Be smart by choosing your landscaping to make sure it is tolerant for your climate. Use native plants and grasses that are drought tolerant that can thrive on natural rainfall.
2. Install low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators and fix leaky faucets. Also turning down the temperature on your hot water heater to 120F. By reducing the need for mixing hot and cold water to get the ideal shower or bath temperature will not only save water but will reduce your energy bill as well.
3. Replace your old toilet with a low-volume, ultra low-volume, or dual-flush model. Or better yet if you are a commercial property owner install the “no-flush” urinals now found in many airports. Doing above this can cut your water usage by almost a third!
4. Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full saves water usage and reduces your energy bill. If the appliances are more than 10 years old consider replacing them with a water and energy efficient model.
5. Do away with buying unnecessary items. By buying less things you shrink your water footprint. Also rather than throw away what you no longer need recycle or repair the broken item. One man’s trash is another mans treasure so recycling them, giving the item away or donate them to a charity. Get into the habit of  buying higher quality longer use re-usable products rather than throw-aways.
6. Shave time off your shower time. Millions of people doing even the little things makes a difference. See our article in one of the posts below on a nifty device to help you do this.

Also see our SAVING $ tab for more ways to conserve and save money!