14 April 2021

Although water covers 70 per cent of the earth's surface, less than 1 per cent is deemed drinkable. As the global population grows, the amount of available water remains constant and becomes more limited. Here are three tips for finding ways in our everyday life to conserve water and protect our planet.

 

2:00 Min

At home

Start by examining and repairing any broken or leaky taps in your house. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household's leaks can account for nearly 38,000 litres of water wasted every year – that's 100 litres a day! Another approach is to switch to a locally sourced and seasonal diet to reduce "unseen" water waste. Non-local or unseasonal crops carry a high carbon footprint and require a lot of water to produce. Give these plant-based recipes a try for your next meal.

 

In the bathroom

Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save over 15 litres of clean drinkable water, surveys show. Opting for "power showers" will also conserve water in the long run. A bath filled about one-third of the tub requires 75 litres of water, while a five-minute shower puts out 20 litres each time. When you hop in the shower, choose a song from the Waterwise Playlist on Spotify and try finishing your shower before the song ends for a greener lifestyle.

 

The outdoors

Before watering the garden, do a quick weather check. If rain is forecast for the next day, then think about skipping a watering session as a regular garden hose uses approximately 1000 litres of water per hour. If you have a sizable garden, opt for drought-resistant varieties, such as geraniums and succulents, to preserve water during drier months.