The planet is running out of clean, safe water. It is a finite resource that many of us take for granted, and we should all try to do our part to conserve water. We’ve all heard the advice about fixing leaks as soon as possible, and making sure taps are closed all the way to prevent dripping, but there’s still more we can do. Showering is one way most people in the western world consume large amounts of water that can easily be reduced. Keep reading to find out how I started taking more environmentally friendly showers in a month.
Take Shorter Showers
Obviously, spending less time in the shower will reduce your water consumption significantly. If you find it difficult to gauge how long you’ve been in there, then you can get a waterpebble to help you slowly spend less and less time in the shower. I’ve tried to reduce my time in the shower on my own, but was never able to do it as effortlessly as when I used the device, so I highly recommend it.
Use Soaps Instead Of Shower Gels
Shower gels take a lot more time to rinse off, and thus increase your water consumption. Switching to regular soap can significantly reduce the amount of water you use in your shower. Most people avoid soap because they assume that it will dry their skin out, but that is only true of older soaps. Today’s soaps are manufactured with this in mind, and there are many different options available for you to choose from. You can opt for soaps made with entirely natural ingredients, or opt for a specific formula that treats dry or oily skin, or a combination. Regardless of your choice in soaps, it will be easier to rinse off and effectively reduce the time you spend with the water running.
Take Less Frequent Showers
Most of us lead very sedentary lifestyles that do not really require us to shower daily. However, the majority of people in western countries take daily showers out of habit alone. There is absolutely no reason for you to shower if you haven’t done any significant physical activity (such as working out) or if you don’t feel the need for a shower. Even if you decide to take a shower every other day instead of your daily habit, the amount of water you will be saving can add up. Some people even get by with showering three times a week, unless they feel the need to hop in the shower. You’ll need to rely on your judgement for this, which may be a little difficult at first.
Summary
It took me a month to develop the aforementioned habits and reduce my water consumption significantly. With a little determination, we can make a difference and conserve water for future generations. The world is using up too much water already, and every small effort counts towards saving this finite resource that is quickly diminishing.
