save water

GreenTech 101: WaterSense Helps You Save Water

jplatt — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0500

Every product that claims to be green seems to come with a half-dozen logos on the package to back up their eco-claims. But what do they all mean? Well don't worry, we're going to tell you.

Today we're focusing on the WaterSense logo. The WaterSense program is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and identifies quality, water-efficient products for home and business use. Products that earn the WaterSense logo use less water, and help to protect the environment.

Only products that have been independtly tested by a third party to show that they meet the EPA's specifications can carry the WaterSense label. Qualifying products include bathroom sinks, toilets and urinals, irrigation systems, showerheads and a whole lot more.

How you can benefit from WaterSense:

1. Use the WaterSense website to find water-efficient products.

2. Read tips for saving water (along with plenty of reasons why you should conserve water).

3. Find WaterSense resources in your part of the country.

4. Find local rebates offered for purchasing WaterSense products.

There's a ton of great information scattered around the WaterSense site, so give it a read, and then, the next time you're buying a product that uses water, look for the logo to make sure you're doing your part to help the environment.

Save Water with a Smart Sprinkler

jplatt — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0400

Got lawn? If so, then you've probably started watering it already this season. But have you given much thought to your water bills, and how much water you are using?

One way to reduce your water consumption is with a new device called the Cyber-Rain XCI. This sprinker-control system hooks up to landscape watering systems, then wireless connects with the internet to check the day's weather. It adapts your lawn's daily watering schedule depending on the amount of heat, sun and rain you're expecting in your area.

Obviously, not having a lawn is more environmentally responsible than a big expanse of green that needs constant upkeep. But if you're going to have grass, you may as well do it wisely.

The Cyber-Rain XCI costs $349 for a unit that will control up to 8 watering zones. It comes with a USB wireless access point that you hook up to your computer. The device may not pay for itself in one season, but it will put you on the path toward a "greener" lawn.

Tips to Save Energy & Water at Home

jchait — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:55:07 -0400

Most of us have a washer and dryer at home and this is an area where your actions and habits can end up saving or wasting lots of water and energy resources. Of course, hopefully, your goal is to save resources, not waste them. If that's the case follow these tips.

When looking for a new washer and dryer, look for energy saving features, such as the ability to run larger loads and cooler rinse cycles, even if you sometimes wash on hot.

Run the largest load you can as often as possible. It takes less energy and water to run one huge load then it does to run two or three small loads.

Wash everything in cold - I swear it'll work, even if you use cloth diapers.

Use the least amount of detergent you need to get the job done, More is actually less when it comes to laundry soap, because one, it may take a second rinse to get too much soap rinsed, and two, some research shows that massive suds can make your washer work harder and use more energy.

Invest in a clothesline and some clothing pins, and hang your laundry to dry. Or, if you're lazy like me, you could hang your clothes on hangers to dry, then it's just moving them to your closet. In the winter, you can hang a load of wash in the bathroom, and it'll dry fine.

If you do use the dryer dry heavy clothing first and then lightweight items or vice vs. Because a hoodie takes longer to dry than say, socks, it's wise to seperate them.

Clean the lint filter after each dryer use.

If you can, keep your dryer where it's warm. For instance, a dryer in a dryer room, conserves more energy than a dryer in a garage.

Home Water Efficiency Options

jchait — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:31:09 -0400

Everyone and their dog has heard of Energy Star - it's truly the darling of the eco-energy world. However, Energy Star, while good, is not the only energy and water saving option available when it comes to home appliances and even whole water systems. Don't forget that even more important than the appliances you purchase, and the systems you set-up, is the difference you can make based on basic water conservation principals.

If you're researching water saving options for your green home, visit the following resources:

WaterSense is a partnership program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Research at the WaterSense site is a really simple way to locate all sorts of water saving and energy saving options. The WaterSense label is now being applied in stores to specific items, so if you don't happen to carry your laptop shopping, you can still make smart choices.

Jerry Peek's Off-the-Wall (but simple) Water-Saving Ideas: this little guide just might have some ideas you haven't heard before (rare). I especially liked his thoughts on garbage disposals; although I'd have added that you could compost the garbage too - not just toss it. But good theory on the water wasting that comes with a disposal.

Water Saving Plumbing Products Faucets and Fittings: Covers many products and even though it's a storefront, is not too salesman like at all. They offer good information.

Water-Saving Plumbing Fixtures - a nice video from This Old House.

And in my totally bizarre link o' the day - Hack a Toilet for free water. Um, it's a little odd, maybe not for everyone, possibly not for me, but still, it's something interesting to consider.

Four Easy Tactics You Can Use In A House To Conserve Water

jchait — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 02:47:35 -0400

If you’re building or renovating a your house, there are some things you can do to conserve water.

Install ultra low-flush toilets. This is more of a renovation tactic, since Federal law actually already requires that all currently manufactured residential toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. If you have an older toilet though, you could be wasting lots of water. Per flush, most toilets designed before 1994 waste about four to six gallons more water than the newer ultra low flush toilets.

Consider a composting toilet: Composting toilets can save even more water than a low-flow; cutting up to 50% of your water and cutting your water storage costs up to 60%. Also, a composting toilet is not the outhouse you might think – many are super nice, they aren’t too hard to manage, and it’s not as if you simply have a big hole in your bathroom floor. People are really misguided about composting toilets. We looked into them for the house we built two years ago, and our real estate person was dead set against it – based on “Poor resale value.” However, you can learn more and see for yourself that composting toilets are not something to freak out about.

Install some $5 faucet aerator: One little aerator can save an average family around 6,000 gallons of water per year – or more. A faucet aerator is a low-flow device that can be easily installed (or more attached) to the water faucets in your house. This tiny adjustment can reduce water flow up to 50%. This also helps to conserve energy. Depending on the model you need, an aerator can be super cheap; I’ve seen them for under $2 at Home Depot.

Collect your rainwater: Rain water can be used for a multitude of things – washing your car, watering your garden, and more. When you’re building your home, or making changes, look into how to build or buy a rain barrel, and how to get started with saving rain water.

[photo via stock.xchng]