Contributed by Nora DePalma
Last week, we made a few points about fresh clean water not being an endless resource.
Regardless of how blue our planet looks from space, less than one percent of the water on earth resembles anything you would want to drink. Right here in the US, 36 states are anticipating water shortages by 2013, and ten metropolitan areas expect critical water shortages in the near future.
Did you try any of our indoor water saving tips?
This week, we step outside with tips to save water. No, it doesn’t mean an ugly yard, anymore than saving water indoors means giving up brushing your teeth. Just a few changes, that’s all we ask!
Changes You Can Make Today
-This is pretty much a no-brainer. Adjust outside sprinkler so you’re not watering the sidewalk, driveway or gutters.
-Step away from the mower. Keep your grass a little longer during summer months saves water, and reduces your chore list!
-See water running down the street during your daily walk? If it hasn’t rained for a while and no one is watering, you might have a pipe leak in your neighborhood. Report it to your local water authority.
-Sweep your driveway and walkways, instead of hosing them down. This also prevents debris from entering the drainage system.
-Wash your car at a carwash, instead of your driveway. Preferably, use a carwash that recycles its water. If the siren call of hand carwashing is too compelling to ignore, turn off your hose while scrubbing.
Long-Term Changes for Conservation Champs
-Instead of constantly running the garbage disposal, start a compost pile. Get the kids involved and grow yourself some awesome gardening soil for next year’s planting season.
-Work with a local landscape professional or garden center to start converting your yard to less grass and more decorative, water-sipping plantings.
-Install a rainwater capture system. Use rainwater to water plants.
Posted: 3/8/2012 11:33:36 AM by
Heather Wallace | with 1 comments