Water and Energy Conservation Tips in Honor of #WorldWaterDay

World Water Day is a time when people can not only bring up the topic of water, its scarcity and how it relates to our energy sources, but it is a time when people can ban together to do something about it. Water plays an intrinsic role in our world. Not only do we need water to drink but water is an essential part of our food supply, our transportation, our energy sources and much, much more. Unfortunately water is also one of those resources that because there seems to be so much of it around, with close to 70 percent of the Earth’s surface covered in water, many people do not truly realize the impact a lack of this particular resource can have on not only their ability to survive, but the survival of so many others. Think about it…only 2.5 percent of the Earth’s water is fresh water. So, shouldn’t it be a priority for us to conserve water and take steps to become less dependent non-renewable energy sources? I think so.

Water and energy conservation is vital in California, as California is in the middle of a drought. Many areas throughout the state have experienced the driest year on record (for 2013), and it seems like we are not going to see much difference in 2014. So this year, in honor of World Water Day, I wanted to share a few water and/or energy conservation tips that can help save money, in addition to some of them helping people gain a better understanding of the connection between water and energy.

• When you wash your car, do so using these easy, cheap and ec0-friendly car washing tips.
• Set sprinklers on timer so you don’t waste water. Or better yet, get a more drought-free and environmentally-friendly yard. Capturing and using rain water is also a smart way to water your yard.
• Turn off water when brushing teeth.
• Fill up sink to wash dishes, rather than running water the entire time.
• Only run appliances when full e.g. dishwasher and washing machine. This will require you to use your machines less thus saving both energy and water.
• Limit shower time.
• Get or make your own DIY low-flow toilets
• Opt for more vegetables and grains rather than meat. One pound of beef can use up to 2500 gallons of water.

You can also take a look at the infographic I’ve added to the right in order to get an idea of the interdependence between energy and water. I’m sure if you look, you can think of many other ways in which to conserve water and energy in honor of World Water Day and every day hereafter.

Ocean image by Hadi Zaher via Flickr Creative Commons license