earth week 2021 - wednesday
Between bathing, flushing, washing, and brushing, the bathroom can easily become a water wasteland. California's ongoing drought makes it increasingly important to save every drop we can.
The good news is that making simple, sustainable changes like cutting a few minutes from the shower can have a positive impact.
Combine saving water with other sustainable actions, like changing the type of toilet paper and cleaning solutions you use, you can start restoring our earth from the comfort of your bathroom.
In preparation for Earth Day, pick one or more of the tips below and try it out for a full week. If something works for you, keep it up for a more sustainable lifestyle.
DID YOU KNOW?
An average shower uses about 5 gallons of water per minute. If you shorten your shower by 2 minutes, you can cut your water use by 10 gallons.
According to wastewater treatment plants, "flushable" wipes shouldn't actually be flushed because they don't break down fast enough.
Worldwide, the equivalent of almost 270,000 trees is either flushed or dumped in landfills every day and roughly 10 percent of that total is attributable to toilet paper. Source
Logging trees for toilet paper releases carbon dioxide stored by trees back into the atmosphere.
Flush Only the 3P's
Pee, poo, and (toilet) paper is all that your local wastewater agency wants coming down the pipes from your toilet. Try this at-home experiment [video] to find out why.
Reduce Shower Time
Save water, energy, and money simply by taking a shorter shower. Double your impact when you use a low-flow showerhead. Look for the WaterSense label when upgrading showerheads and other water-saving fixtures for the home and business.
Swap Your Hygiene Products
From harsh detergents to excessive packaging, there are many reasons to reconsider which personal hygiene products. Check the labels for natural ingredients or try out shampoo bars to help reduce packaging waste.
Take Issue with Tissue
Fight climate change while taking care of bathroom business: purchase toilet paper and tissues made with recycled paper, opt for products that use sustainable ingredients like bamboo, go with reusable toilet paper or drop the T.P. altogether and use a bidet.