Water consumption is one of the largest threats facing global sustainability, and poses detrimental risks to future generations.
A drought map of the U.S. released by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the week of June 17 shows drought-like conditions across almost all the Southwest, with extreme or exceptional drought happening in North Dakota, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, environmental organization Sierra Club reports.
Listen to your favorite News/Talk station now on Audacy
While a massive global issue with no easy answers, there are ways for each of us take personal responsibility. Check out these 6 easy ways to reduce water waste right at home.
Improve your dishwashing skills
Getty Images
If you're washing dishes by hand, be sure to cut the water off in between dishes. A great water-saving alternative to traditional hand washing can also be achieved by filling up the sink with soapy water and washing all of the dishes in one go.
Avoid putting food into the sink disposal, as it takes additional water to wash away remaining pieces of food. Instead, try scraping unwanted food into a compost bin to give your garden a nutrient boost.
Fill up your washing appliances
Getty Images
Wait to run your next dishwashing cycle until the dishwasher is completely filled. Take time to organize dirty plates and cups neatly to maximize space and reduce the amount of washing cycles. This habit will also help reduce your output of harmful chemicals and save on your next shopping trip.
The same rule applies to laundry. Avoid washing few items at a time, and set the machine to "quick wash" for lighter loads. Spot cleaning small stains won't only help cut back on water use, but also extend the wear on your clothes.
Track your energy use
Getty Images
To achieve a more eco-friendly household, it is important to have an understanding of how much water you are consuming in a day. In-home monitoring systems allow you to see how much water is being consumed throughout the house, and when. These devices can help you identify water waste and easily fix problems you may not have known you had.
Turn the faucet off sooner and more often
Getty Images
Turning off your faucet whenever possible is a great habit to get into. Encourage everyone living in your household to turn off the running water when brushing teeth, shaving, washing your face, or doing dishes. These small efforts can make a significant effect on your water bill, and will save you money in the long-run.
Water smarter
Getty Images
The EPA estimates that between 30 and 60 percent of residential water usage happens outside, according to environmental organization Sierra Club. While many municipalities have severe enough drought conditions that it's already forbidden to use hoses and sprinklers, people trying to keep their garden green with sprinklers should water their plants at the coolest time of the day to avoid evaporation. If you have a sprinkler system on a timer, consider setting it for 2 A.M. If you're watering by hand, wait until the sun goes down, or get up before dawn to give a good sprinkle.
Plant smarter
Getty Images
There's no need to sacrifice a beautiful garden. Stick to plants that are native to your area and more likely to be tolerant of local conditions. Among these are some that will be more drought-resistant than others, along with succulent plants that require less water and maintenance to thrive. Other ways to mitigate drought in your garden is to leave less space between plantings, for a smaller, less water-needy plot.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
