ReTHINK your water consumption
Water is a limited resource on our planet. In West Michigan, the threat of our fresh water supply running out is less severe than in other parts of the country, but this does not mean that water conservation or care should not be addressed by the Calvin community. Pollution of the Great Lakes or even the Grand River puts water degradation on a very local level. As caretakers of the earth, we can take small steps in our dorms, homes and lifestyle to cut back on our water consumption which can have a significant positive affect on water conservation.
Tips for reducing your water usage:
- Run only full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher to save 300-800 gallons of water every month.
- Reduce showers even a minute or two to save up to 700 gallons of water every month.
- Wait for hot water to come to the tap at the sink or shower and capture the running water to use for drinking or watering plants. This will save 200-300 gallons of water every month.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving to save three gallons every day.
- Wash dishes by hand and rinse them in water plugged in a sink or wash basin to save 200-500 gallons of water a month. If washing dishes by hand, use as little detergent as possible to avoid having to rinse more, thereby saving 50-150 gallons a month.
- Rinse fresh vegetables in a filled sink or pan instead of running them under water to save 150-250 gallons of water a month.
