Celebrate World Water Day on 22nd March by changing the way you use and consume water in your home. Here are our top tips…
Update your shower head: Generally speaking, a shower with an efficient shower head uses less water than a full bath, but be aware that long showers or power showers can use more! We've picked out a few of our favourite water-saving shower heads here to help you find the perfect match.
Cut your shower time down by 5 minutes: According to waterwise.org.uk, baths and showers account for the highest water consumption in the home, at around 34%.
Check for a leaky loo: Your toilet could be wasting between 200 and 400 litres of water per day! Installing a dual-flush toilet will save water by using a less powerful flush, while adding a Cistern Displacement Device (CDD) to the cistern will save around 1 litre of water with every flush. CDDs are easy to install, free from most water companies, and can save up to 5,000 litres of water per year.
Turn off taps when not in use: For instance when brushing your teeth, as a running tap can waste around 6 litres of water per minute! Dripping taps are another culprit – usually they are easily fixed with a new washer, which could save around 5,500 litres of water a year. If you're fitting a new tap, check out our handy guide to installation.
Find a use for leftover cooking water: If you used it to boil veggies, it’ll be rich in vitamins, so let it cool before using it as a base for stocks, soups or sauces. If you can't re-use the water for culinary purposes, pour it into a watering can and use it to water indoor or outdoor plants – as long as it doesn’t contain salt!
Use the most eco-friendly appliance cycles: Read your washing machine and dishwasher manuals to see which cycles are the most water-efficient – look for ‘Eco’ or ‘Economy’ settings.
Skip the pre-rinse: Whether it's your washing machine or dishwasher, to maximise efficiency, make sure your appliance is full before turning it on, and avoid pre-rinsing your dishes or clothes. Many of us do it out of habit, pre-soaking is usually unnecessary with powerful modern appliances.
In the market for new white goods and want the latest green technology? Check out our pick of the most eco-friendly washing machines, tumble dryers and fridge-freezers!
