TORONTO – Each day the average Canadian uses 6,392 litres of freshwater by consuming products and services that utilize the world’s most precious commodity.
The United Nations is focusing on numbers like this in an effort to raise awareness for freshwater availability for World Water Day on Thursday.
The United Nations General Assembly dubbed March 22 World Water Day in 1993, and highlights a different theme each year to advocate the sustainable management of freshwater resources across the globe.
This year’s theme, “Water and Food Security,” links the need for fresh water resources with food scarcity issues throughout the world.
Globalnews.ca put together a list of ways to conserve water, so you can do your part at home.
Changing your habits at home
Guys, if you are guilty of letting the water run while shaving, you are wasting 10 to 20 litres of water per five o’clock shadow. To put that in perspective, the average person needs to consume only three litres of water per day to stay hydrated. Filling the sink with water will prevent this.
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Ladies, if you are in need of a bubble bath, watch how much you fill the tub. Baths should only be filled to the half way mark, or else the excess water goes down the overflow drain.
Remember your bathroom etiquette
Despite the small amount of time we spend in here per day, the bathroom is responsible for 65 per cent of water usage in the home, according to Environment Canada. Becoming more water wise in the loo could save you thousands of litres of water per year and it all starts with changing your personal habits.
While preventing cavities, make sure to turn on the tap in short bursts to rinse only, instead of leaving the water running. Another tip is to use discretion when flushing: only do so when necessary.
Planting your spring garden
During the months when gardens flourish, outdoor landscaping is the largest drain of water resources in your home. According to Environment Canada, the average suburban lawn will need about 100,000 litres of water per season. Preventing water waste outdoors may take some planning.
Make sure not to “drown” your lawn. According to Environment Canada, as a general rule, lawns only need two to three centimetres of water per week. The best time of day to water your lawn is early morning or late afternoon. This allows you to avoid evaporation and wasted water.
Be careful about your plant selection when heading to the garden centre this season. Perennials, such as daylily’s and peonies, are water efficient plants that can handle direct sunlight and don’t need constant watering.
Preparing food
There is no doubt that water is a vital part of your cooking routine, but changing your water consumption in the kitchen may have added health benefits in addition to big water savings.
Steaming vegetables, for example, is a great way to conserve water and have a health conscious meal. Vegetables that are steamed contain more nutrients, improve digestion and are lower in fat.
Keeping up with home repairs
Here is some inspiration to fix that leaky faucet you have been avoiding; leaks of one drop per second can waste 10,000 litres of water per year, according to Environment Canada.
Environment Canada suggests retrofitting your home to replace old or broken appliances and fixtures, with new water saving models on the market. Consider water efficient faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads and replacing any toilet that is over ten years old.
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