We need to rethink what we mean by reduce, reuse and recycle. As the human population exceeds the 7 billion mark, the creation of garbage and use of natural resources grows as well. The average human being uses 15 gallons of fresh water per day, averaging 1,280 gallons per year just for basic necessities. However, there are numerous ways to conserve these natural resources.
Here are a few suggestions to conserve and reduce your fresh water use, which I currently do. Turn the sink water on only to rinse when brushing your teeth. Turn the shower water on only to lather up and rinse off during showers. Use filters on your faucets instead of buying bottled water. Set your water heater at 75 degrees all year round. Wash your clothes only in cold water. If you have a leaky pipe or fixture, turn off the central control valve under the sink or behind the device while you are waiting for the repairman. Use rainwater to wash your car, water the lawn, or plants by collecting it in rain barrels; make sure you put mesh covering on the barrels to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
Electricity is another important resource we should conserve. Turn off all lights when you’re not using them. In the summer months, turn off the air conditioner when you are not home, keep the temperature at 65 degrees during the winter months, and turn the heat off at night. Buy energy-efficient appliances, or use solar-powered and motion-detecting lights for outside. Keep your home well insulated. In general, all electrical appliances can be repaired rather than replaced. For example, most lamps can be rewired, which costs less than buying a new one; they’re very simple to repair.
Conserving fresh water and electricity are important, but using less is probably the biggest way to protect the planet. Walking, riding bikes, carpooling, taking public transportation, purchasing smaller vehicles, not idling your car while you wait, and driving only when necessary would not only help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but also promotes a wealthier and healthier you.
We can all play a vital role in conserving natural resources, it starts when we begin applying just a few of these simple suggestions today. Let’s encourage each other to make our future brighter by conserving and reducing.
