http://www.allconnect.com/blog/how-to-save-money-on-your-next-water-bill/
This week my SMART goal was to save water. The way I measured it was by taking five minute showers, and washing dishes with less water by filling up a sink with warm water and using that.
It was a success for the most part except for a few showers. Our house is really cold, like fifty five degrees, so I caught myself staying in the shower longer to warm up a few times. But when I set my mind to it, a five minute shower is very generous, plenty of time to do what needs to be done. We don't realize how much time goes by sometimes unless we are conciously thinking about it.
Washing dishes was a success. Instead of running water the whole time and rinsing every dish individually, I would run a batch of clean, hot water with soap and then rinse all of my dishes in that. It worked even better when I let them soak for awhile. I loved the feeling of knowing I was saving water by doing something that worked better than it would if I had used more water. Funny!
This week I learned that being eco-friendly is more about creativity than it is about convenience. It is a lot of fun to take on a challenge when you are willing to explore options and try them out. And my roommates were pretty impressed by my taking a five minute shower, it was kind of made into a game, who can take the quickest showers?!
You might be wondering how my goal this week pertains to my lifestyle change which is to use less electricity. In our house we have a dishwasher. Not only does it use a lot of water, but also a lot of energy to run. By handwashing dishes, we are saving energy and money.
You might be wondering how my goal this week pertains to my lifestyle change which is to use less electricity. In our house we have a dishwasher. Not only does it use a lot of water, but also a lot of energy to run. By handwashing dishes, we are saving energy and money.
There are no limits on ways in which we can help the environment. I know I have barely touched the surface and am excited to try more things in order to save energy and money.
Sounds like you're meeting your goals! I like how you mentioned that being eco-friendly is largely about creativity. I never thought about it that way, but you're right. Definitely a cool way of looking at things.
ReplyDeleteThat is funny that you turned your time in the shower into a game with your roommates. I agree with you that it is hard to keep track of how long you have been in the shower. It is especially hard to take short showers when your house is cold and the warm shower feels great. Washing your dishes by hand is also a great way to reduce your electricity use. I am also hand washing my dishes now for my smart goal. Sounds like your doing great on your SMART goal.
ReplyDeleteNice job on the showers! I should actually time mine. I know I have room for improvement. I'll have to get a timer! :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for living in a house that is 55 degrees. I think I'd curl into a ball and die! Me and being chilled are not friends. I envy your heating bill! :) And your eco-savings.
It is fun to read your, and other people's ways of making changes. your right. Creativity is greatly helpful. It's fun when you feel like your making a difference.