water conservation...

The heat of the summer is already upon us and luckily for the east coast the weather has been quite mild, however we are getting forcasts for heat and humidty in the very near future.

Water is an extremely funny thing. During the hot summers months many places are drought prone with their rivers, lakes and reservoirs drying up and are warned to conserve their water usage, but even in areas that are flood prone, as has been widely in the news recently, though these areas are now being inundated with water they are also warned to conserve their fresh water due to the contamination from the overflow of spillways and sewers. I thought this week would be a fabulous time to throw out some hot little tips for using water wisely...and maybe we can save a little money for our gas tanks.

First tip - lawn waterings, we spend so much money keeping our little patch of heaven lush and green it is unthinkable to have it turn brown and dusty, if you cruise across the grass and leave footprints this is a good sign you really need to plump up those blades with a good soaking water, not just a quick spray with the hose but a nice sprinkler visit for a least thirty minutes per area. The best time to water is actually in the evenings after the sun has gone down, mornings are a good choice also, but when the sun gets hot the water can be evaporated so try to go with evenings when the cool down and dew can work with you.

Tip two - Although it seems faster and easier to spray off your patios and walkways with the garden hose opt instead for a push broom, it takes a little more work but think of the water you will save and the fabulous work out you will receive in return.

Tip three - Along with the grass, check with your local nursery or online to find the best plants for your area, whether you have droughts or an abundance of water if you choose native plants they tend to fare better and require less maintenance.

Tip four - This tip may seem like common sense to most people, yet in my house I feel myself repeating it almost every morning to my darling husband...only run you dishawasher or clothes washer when they are totally full and if you have a water-saver cycle, use it. Don't forget to re-adjust the water level with every load to match the size of the actual load AND many of the newer dishwashers do not require you to pre-rinse dishes before you pop then into the washer.

Tip five - If you or you husband can do it fabulous, otherwise enlist the help of a plumber to regularly check your toilets, faucets, and pipes for leaks, and if you find one have it fixed as soon as possible.

Tip six - Check into water-saving shower heads, toilets and faucet aerators which can also help cut your water usage. Our local water company advertises that they will actually send you a shower head for free or a low price if you can not afford to buy a new one.

Tip seven - Though many newer toilets are low-flow, if you have an older one look into placing something inside the tank to cut down on the amount of water that needs to be replaced with each flush. You can use almost anything, a brick sealed in a plastic bag works well, however as long as it does not float you are cool.

Tip eight - such a no brainer, yet again between four kids and my husband i hear these words crossing my lips at least 5 times a day..."Turn OFF the tap while brushing your teeth!"

Well I am off to shut the tap off while I brush my teeth, remember all it takes it one small change to make a big difference!

Have a fabuolus week!!!