Can you be thrifty and environmentally-friendly at the same time? Whilst the two don’t go exactly hand in hand, there are a number of ways in which you can live green whilst saving cash.

If the dry, hot summer of 2018 taught us anything, it’s that water is a precious commodity. And, if average temperatures continue to rise as predicted, saving water will become more and more important.

With many families unable to afford water bills, the time to act is now. That’s why we’ve come up with 7 thrifty ways in which you can save water in your home.

Tip 1

One of the simplest water-saving tips is to swap your daily bath for a shower instead. Showers, on average, use around 40% less water than a bath, so it’s a quick and easy switch to make. If you really cannot be without your bath (after all, they are so relaxing!), look upon it as a rare treat, rather than something you do regularly.

Tip 2

Another incredibly simple yet effective tip is to turn your tap off when cleaning your teeth. If you leave the water flowing as you brush, you could be wasting a staggering 350 litres every week. If you educate your children to do the same, it will soon become second nature.

Tip 3

If you have a toilet that is over 15 years old, it could be high time to swap it for something more water-efficient. The WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) advise that any new toilet should have a dual flush, with the larger of the two not exceeding 6 litres, and the smaller of the two having a capacity no bigger than two-thirds of the larger flush. This allows you to use less water for flushing.

Tip 4

Following neatly on from tip 3, one controversial way to save water is not using the flush every single time you visit the toilet. In some countries, where water is even scarcer than in the UK, there is a saying: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow”. If this is a motto you and your family can live by, it could really help bring your water bills down over the course of a year.

Tip 5

A dripping tap isn’t just irritating, it could also be literally pouring your hard-earned cash down the plug hole. Many of us simply put up with minor issues in the bathroom, instead of fixing them. However, this is counter-intuitive. Replacing a dripping tap is actually really easy, with “how to” videos available online and plenty of advice available to help you save money on home improvements. Plus, a new tap is relatively inexpensive and will probably end up saving you more in the long-run.

Tip 6

When choosing a new shower, look for models which allow you to restrict the water flow. Most modern designs come with this feature built-in, so you can still enjoy a refreshing and invigorating shower without using excessive amounts of water. Many electric showers come with an “eco” button, which does much the same thing.

Tip 7

Last but not least, make sure your bath is made from a material which retains heat efficiently. Acrylic is ideal for this purpose and it means you won’t need to keep topping your bath up with hot water.

There are many other ways you can save water around the home, not least in your kitchen and garden, and by making a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle, you’ll certainly notice the difference when that bill lands on your door mat.

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