Simple Tips for Conserving Water from WaterSavers {Prize Pack Giveaway!}

 

After I casually mentioned Earth Day in conversation a few weeks ago, Big Sister E's curiosity took over and, before I knew it, we were having an in-depth discussion on all things environment and eco-friendly (if this kid grows up and saves the world one day, there's a chance that I might claim a little bit of credit).

While we all know that we should turn off lights when we leave a room and recycle as much as possible, it is important to think of all of the ways that we use our resources and, in turn, about the simple changes we can make in our lives to be a little more eco-friendly.

Which is why now during Earth Month it is the perfect time to turn to WaterSavers, a consumer awareness campaign from the International Carwash Association (ICA), for all of their great tips to conserve water.

WaterSavers is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly car washes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment.

Think that any old car wash is the same as the next one or that it doesn't matter how often you run your washing machine or dishwasher? Think again with these 3 Simple Tips for Conserving Water:

1. How to Be Green and Clean Your Driving Machine – Keeping your car clean with regular washing is an important part of responsible maintenance, but washing at home with a garden hose can use more than 60 gallons of water in as little as five minutes. Furthermore, you're putting harmful chemicals and detergents down storm sewers and that ends up polluting our rivers and streams.

You may be surprised to learn there is a greener way to keep your car sparkling: a professional car wash. A common misconception is that professional car washes waste water, when in fact the opposite is true.

WaterSavers professional car washes, for example, use an average of no more than 40 gallons of fresh water per vehicle – less than the average home washing machine, which uses 41 gallons per load, according to the EPA. Professional car washes also responsibly dispose of — and in many cases recycle and re-use — the water runoff.

2. Go Green and Keep Your Whites White – It’s easy to take steps to conserve water and keep your wardrobe fresh. First, only run the clothes washer when you have a full load. Make this habit for both your clothes washer and dishwasher, and you can save up to 1,000 gallons of water a month, according to WaterUseItWisely.com.

You get extra green points if you use cold water when washing your clothes. Approximately 86 percent of the energy used by washing machines is for heating the water. Washing with cold water eliminates 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year from just one household, according to the Sierra Club.

3. Break Bad Bathroom Habits – Bathrooms are water hogs, accounting for about 75 percent of a home's water usage. Adopting a green mindset in the bathroom can save major water and money.

Start by switching to a low-flow showerhead, which National Geographic says saves 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Keep the occasional bath for a special treat because the average tub takes about 70 gallons to fill, so showers are much more efficient.

For much more great information and tips on how to conserve water this month (and all year round), visit WashWithWaterSavers.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be even more prepared to be eco-friendly this month and beyond, because...

One lucky person will win a WaterSavers Prize Pack*!

*Prize Pack includes: (1) Tote Bag, (1) Folding Umbrella, (1) 22 oz. Guzzy Water Bottle filtering water bottle, (1) Jelly Stick Non-Slip Grip for Car Dash and (1) 16 oz. ThermalView Insulated Travel Tumbler

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I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips for conserving water. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.