Making Every Drop Count: Water-Saving Resolutions for a Greener 2024
February 21, 2024
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Introduction
Here we are at the end of February, and though we meant to release this post at the start of January, let's face it: time is fake, yet another construct of capitalism, and well, we're doing our best here, all right?
Thankfully it’s never a bad time to start making more eco-friendly choices. So, if you’re ready to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, here are some practical yet fashionably belated New Year’s resolutions to kickstart your journey towards environmental consciousness.
Reduce Your Shower Time
We all love a long, relaxing shower, but did you know that cutting down on shower time can significantly reduce water consumption? Consider filling your bathtub halfway or less to save 17-25 gallons of water per person every bath. Additionally, take on the shower bucket challenge: keep a bucket in the shower to collect excess water, which can then be repurposed to water plants, gardens, or even flush toilets. Try these out in the Dashboard.Earth app and check out our other shower-themed water conservation actions here.
Update Your Water Appliances
Making small changes to your water appliances can lead to substantial water savings. Wait to run your dishwasher until it's fully loaded to save 5–15 gallons of water per load, and consider installing high-efficiency toilets, which can save up to 6-35 gallons per day. Don't forget to regularly check for indoor leaks in your home to prevent unnecessary water wastage. Are you interested in starting the new year with new water-saving appliances? Check out these rebate programs from LADWP!
Get a Rain Barrel
Harnessing rainwater with a rain barrel is a fantastic way to conserve water and reduce runoff from your property. Rain barrels collect water from your roof for later use on lawns, gardens, or indoor plants. Many online retailers offer rain barrels for purchase, and you can keep an eye out for rebates or free giveaways from your water retailers like LADWP.
Start Composting
Composting not only reduces waste but also plays a significant role in water conservation. By adding compost to bare soils, you create a moisture-retaining barrier, reducing the need for additional watering. Plus, composting enriches soil quality, allowing it to hold more water and nutrients. Research has shown that even a small 5% increase in organic material can quadruple the soil's water holding capacity, significantly reducing the need for irrigation.
Eat Less Meat
The environmental impact of meat consumption is staggering, particularly in terms of water usage. Consider incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, as they can significantly reduce your water footprint. Even something as simple as participating in Meatless Mondays, where you skip meat for one day a week, can make a meaningful difference in water conservation efforts. According to Dana Hunnes at UCLA Sustainability, a plant-based diet can reduce water consumption by up to 50 percent. Take the pledge to make every Monday Meatless on the Dashboard.Earth app!
Learn to Spot Greenwashing
In an age of increased environmental awareness, it's essential to be vigilant against greenwashing. Many companies make dubious claims about their environmental practices to attract customers. Educate yourself on common greenwashing tactics and scrutinize claims such as "carbon neutral" or "the greenest option." By being more informed consumers, we can hold companies accountable for their true environmental impacts.
Talk About Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and discussing it openly is essential for raising awareness and fostering collective action. Whether it's at the dinner table, at the bus stop, or at the office holiday party, don't shy away from conversations about climate change. By sharing our concerns and feelings, we can combat the pervasive culture of climate denial and inspire positive change in our communities.
Take Action
At this point, it feels like it’s important to address the elephant in the room, which is the tension between individual action and systemic change.
While many of us grew up with the mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle," many now recognize that most environmental damage requires large, systemic changes to fix, rather than relying on individual actions.
This realization can often (and understandably) lead to feelings of apathy and resignation. However, while seemingly insignificant, individual actions can contribute to mental well-being, foster community discussions, and eventually lead to systemic changes. For instance, shopping secondhand can prompt people to delve into the environmental damages of fast fashion and then share that knowledge with others.
Moreover, activism can bring about major changes, as illustrated by LA Waterkeeper's own track record. For example, through legal battles and advocacy, we have successfully transformed the city's sewage system from one of the worst in the western US to one of the highest performing in the nation, with spills reduced by over 90% since 2000.
While it's absolutely true we can't just individual-action our way out of the climate crisis, small steps can nevertheless help us connect with our community, feel more grounded, and offer a sense of agency. Every little bit helps, and to solve the climate crisis, it’s going to take all of us.
Sources: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-12-29/12-new-year-s-resolutions-for-more-sustainable-livinghttps://www.dober.com/water-treatment/resources/water-conservation-new-years-resolutions-for-2023https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-barrels#:~:text=Rain%20barrels%20capture%20water%20from,for%20use%20in%20your%20landscape.https://www.forbes.com/sites/briankateman/2022/02/15/to-save-the-planet-we-need-systemic-change-but-your-individual-choices-still-matter/?sh=449ebec31ee1https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101#benefitshttps://saveourwater.com/new-years-water-resolutions/https://saveourwater.com/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-saving-water-check-your-water-footprint/https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=16800https://www.watercalculator.org/news/articles/eat-less-water/https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve-water/?view=listhttps://www.yournec.org/individual-action-vs-systemic-change/