Tips to make your kitchen more eco friendly
Nationwide water restrictions are tightening, so it’s no surprise that everyone’s trying to keep their water usage to a minimum. Whether you’re hoping to save the planet or just plug the leak in your dwindling bank balance, these tips from the appliance experts at LG, will help you get started.
The recent rain showers have brought a little relief and hope for the alleviation of the national drought crisis that the country is currently facing. Although this may be the case, the water restrictions still remain tight and it is important for consumers to remain cognisant of various ways in which they can save the little reserves that we have. But how can homeowners ensure that they do this, and ultimately for their own benefit decrease their monthly cost on water rates?
Tighten any leaking or dripping taps
It may surprise you to know that a dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water every year. Don’t believe it? Let your tap drip for a day and leave a bucket below it (Just remember to recycle that water when you’re done; put it in the fridge for later or use it to water your garden). By the time you get home from work, that bucket will probably be overflowing. Have leaks fixed as soon as possible, and always ensure you’re closing the taps tightly.
Reduce your water pressure
If your water pressure is too high, it will not only waste more water in general, but could cause damage to your pipes, resulting in leaks that will lead to even more waste. You may want to consider installing Water Pressure Reducing Valves to avoid this.
Don’t drink from the tap
Pouring drinking water from the tap often means leaving the water to run for a few seconds until it’s at its coldest. This means you’re effectively going through at least two glasses of water for every one you drink, because the rest goes down the drain. You’d be better off filling up a few bottles at once to store in the fridge instead.
Don’t rinse or wash dishes under the tap
Washing dishes by hand usually means two sinks full of water – one for the soap and one for the rinse – or turning the tap on and off again to rinse each individual dish; using even more than a sink full if you’re cleaning more than a few plates. A dishwasher uses a third less water, especially if they have an ‘economy’ cycle. If you choose one with steam technology, you won’t even have to pre-wash pots and pans. As an added bonus, you don’t need to get your hands wet either. Try to fill your dishwasher as much as possible, to avoid multiple washes. Some dishwashers also give you the option to wash the bottom or top rack separately, so that you can do small loads as well.
Get a new washing machine
If you’ve had your washing machine for more than five years, you’re probably missing out on a whole host of water-saving technology advancements that you’d find in newer models. It might be time for an upgrade. Look for a washing machine that uses True Steam™ technology that will clean your clothes in less time, using less water. Hybrid models that combine washers and dryers can also save water.
Many of these water wise tips will save you time, money and energy. What are you waiting for?