It’s not hard to do, and you can get your kids involved too!

When I saw this assignment come through, I was pretty excited. Being a mom is a huge job, and I thank God for mine every day. But then I got to thinking, “What parent, mom or dad, wouldn’t like a few tips for going green and saving money on the water bill?” (Pretty much all of them, as far as I know.)



So, I hereby officially declare these water-conserving tips gender neutral! Aren’t you excited? Of course you are.

In my research, I came across this fabulous site called Water – Use It Wisely, which I of course had to spend some time browsing. Imagine my delight when I found their article on “100 Ways to Conserve” (there are actually 111). Hooray!

Rather than overwhelm you with all 100 of them, which you can read on your own, I’ve selected my favorite 10. Here it goes:

#5 – “Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.” Parents, kids get their clothes dirty. It’s an unavoidable fact. But if it’s not a setting stain, the
laundry can wait, because you’ve got other things to do. Amen?

#16 – “If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.” Oh yes, most kids LOVE to take long showers… time’s not a concern for them. Efficient showerheads can help reverse some of the wallet drain.

#28 – “Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.”  Alright, let’s get real folks: What child would not want to help out with this task? Putting food coloring in a toilet? BRILLIANT. (In fact, I’m totally on my way to do this now…)

#37 – “Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.” Handy-Dads and Moms, this is a great way to teach your kids a fun lesson and spend some quality time.

#54 – “Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.” Yep, another lesson you can teach your kids. You can’t pass this one up – IT’S SO EASY.

#55 – “Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.” I smell a science project! Help your kid out and give them an educational experience that they can take back to the classroom.

#68 – “When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.” (No explanation needed on this one. ☺)

#75 – “Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.” And then, ask junior to take the trash out for you. Yes, I like this plan…

#94 – “Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.” Fido needs a bath. Check. Junior loves soapy bubbles and playing with the hose. Check. Suggest Junior has fun outside for the next 10 minutes and brings in a nicer smelling Fido. Check, check and check.

#111 – “When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.” Again, another good lesson for the kids.

And here’s my own tip: Remember that you are one of the biggest role models your kids will ever have. What monkey sees, monkey will do. So, do well.

What tips to do have to share? Post them in the comment section for all to read. The more the merrier!

by Gingerly Green of Two Girls Go Green

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