thenextmile

Each day, the typical American household uses around 260 gallons of water! That translates to nearly 95,000 gallons a year. While most of that water is waisted down the drain, there are some simple things you can do to help preserve water each time you step in the shower. Not only will you save water and help preserve the environment, you’ll also save money. Here are some simple tips to help get your started.

1. Make a trip to the hardware store and ask bout a low-flow shower head These shower heads limit the flow from the shower to less than three gallons a minute. Most people don’t even notice the change.

2. Take a shower instead of a bath. Despite what many people may think, showers, especially when using low-flow shower heads, use substantially less water than filling a bathtub.

3. If you must take a bath, be sure not to fill the water all the way to the top of the tub. This wastes water. Try sitting in the tub as the water fills, and only let it rise an inch or two above your skin.

4. Take a shorter shower. You can achieve this a few ways. You can set a timer and when the timer goes off, the water goes off. Or, you can turn the water off while washing with soap, and then turn the water back on to rinse.5.

5.  Turn your heat water heater down a couple degrees. This will help save the energy used to heat the water while keeping the water warm enough for bathing.

Here’s how to tell if you need a low-flow shower head First, set a 2qt. Saucepan on the floor of the shower, and position it in the middle of the shower stream. Turn the shower on and count how many seconds it takes to fill the pan. If it takes fewer than 12 seconds, you could use a low-flow shower head A low-flow shower head will only fill the pan about 2.5 grams per minute or less.

If you do decide to invest in a low-flow shower head, you don’t have to shell out a fortune. Most low-flow shower heads cost $10 or less, and they’ll save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Because low-flow heads deliver less water, there is a chance to scald if your toilet is flushed during use. However, scalding shouldn’t occur in newer or updated homes where newer pipes have been installed.

For years, chlorine pools have been the most popular type of pool to own. But these days, saltwater swimming pools are gaining in popularity for a number of reasons. They’re easy, they’re budget friendly, and they’re more environmentally safe than chlorinated pools.

First of all, salt is softer and easier on your skin than chlorine. Chlorine can also cause itchy skin and red eyes. And we’ve all seen greenish hair that has become discolored because of chlorine. Saltwater pools eliminate all these discomforts.

Saltwater swimming pools are lower in chemicals, meaning those who own them don’t have to store and handle toxic chemicals on a regular basis. This also makes saltwater pools more environmentally safe. And that absence of chlorine means there are no overwhelming odors.

If you’re looking for a pool with that doesn’t require as much maintenance, look no further than saltwater. Saltwater pools virtually clean themselves and require little attention. But despite the fact that they are saltwater, that doesn’t mean they are 100% chlorine free. Saltwater pools do have a chlorine generator which produces chlorine and when functioning correctly, produce chlorine constantly. This process keeps a small amount of chlorine in the pool that prevents algae from growing throughout the year.

Studies show that saltwater pools are safer for your health. Medical studies have shown that chlorine pools can cause certain types of cancers, reduced fertility and immune system abnormalities. Chlorine can also worsen emphysema and asthma.

Although saltwater pools are more expensive to buy and get started, they pay for themselves after just a couple years. With saltwater pools, you end up saving more because you don’t have to buy as many chemicals to keep the water clean and clear. Often times, the cost to maintain a saltwater pool is less than half the cost to maintain a chlorine pool.

The popularity of saltwater pools is growing so much, that even some hotels and cities are jumping on the bandwagon. Many hotel managers say that saltwater is not only becoming a budget friendly option, but one that appeals to environmentally conscious customers.

The age of ‘Going Green’ is here. And with an increased focus on protecting the environment and the rising cost of living, there’s no better time than now to start looking for ways to conserve energy and help reduce waste and harmful emissions. There are small things that you can do today in your home and small changes to your everyday life that will turn into big savings and help protect our planet in the process.

5 Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption in Your Home:

1. Stop Wasting Energy Turn off appliances, lights and other equipment when they’re not in use. According to a study by the government’s Energy Star program, 40% of the electricity that home electronics use is consumed while the produces are turned off, but still plugged in. Unplugging unused electronics and appliances could slash your electric bill by as much as 26%. And don’t forget to unplug that computer!

2. Watch your Thermostat During warmer months, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or even higher when you’re away. Doing this can save you up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is set above 72. During cooler months, set your thermostat for 72 degrees when you’re home or even lower when you’re asleep or away.

3. Use Energy Efficient Lighting Replace those old incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs use about 75% less electricity and last for up to seven years.

4. Install Energy-Save Showerheads Older, traditional showerheads use four gallons of water a minute. Low flow showerheads use just over two.

5. Replace your Air Filter You can eliminate unnecessary energy and save money by changing out a clogged air filter. Not only does it cause your system to run slowly, but it can cause a fire or burn up the motor.

5 Ways to Reduce Energy Consumption throughout your Day:

1. Recycle- Set up small bins in your garage or near your back door to collect recyclables such as plastic, tin, metal and paper. Many towns offer recycling pick up, or you can drop off your recyclables at a designated drop-off point. You’ll cut down on your trash, and help reduce waste that would otherwise sit in a landfill.

2. Paper or Plastic? How about neither! By bringing your own reusable grocery bag to the store, you’ll help cut down on the billions of bags that end up in landfills each year. Plastic bags eventually break down into toxins and pollute soil, lakes and rivers.

3. Brown bag it Save money and gas by bringing your lunch to work. Use up leftovers, make a sandwich or salad and carry it to work in a reusable lunch bag. Not only will you save money and gas, you’ll also have more time to get your work done.

4. Buy Local When you can, buy local. You’ll not only get the freshest food possible, you’ll also cut down on energy used to ship food and other items. You’ll also help local farmers and businesses. Plus, local is often cheaper, you’ll enjoy that extra money in your pocket.

5. Walk, Ride or Combine When running errands, combine errands to help cut down on gas and harmful emissions. Or, when possible, walk or ride a bike. You’ll not only cut down on energy use, but you’ll also get some exercise.

Going green might feel intimidating at first, but its small steps that make a difference. Set goals, it’s important to see your progress over the first month. Since immediate 100% eco-conformity isn’t realistic, consider what you can do. Set goals to reduce your household waste by 25%, or increase the amount of local food you buy each week. Try bringing your lunch to work three times a week instead of one. You have the power, with each choice you make to help make the world a better place today, and for the future.