6 easy ways to cut down on water use and boost your eco-friendly household

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.