We're on a mission to do what we can to teach our kids about being environmentally friendly, and we're starting by being more mindful about how much water we're using…
What with it being World Water Day today, we’ve been thinking about Mother Earth and all the ways we can help her out. And that includes changing our habits to help save water here in Singapore. Not only will thinking more about water conservation help teach our kids about the environment, but it will also save us some money too! Win-win!
12 ways to save water in Singapore
1. Turn OFF the tap
Like when you brush your teeth or scrub your dishes. Leaving the water running uses around six litres of water per minute! Even Pinkfong and the Baby Shark family are onto it!
2. Don’t do half loads
Make sure that when you’re using the washing machine and the dishwasher, they are loaded to full capacity. Also, check on the water-saving rating of your appliances – it can make a huge difference!
3. Break out the toolbox (or call a plumber)
Get those dripping taps or pipes fixed: this can save a whopping 5,500 litres of water a year!
4. Take shorter showers
Yes, we know it’s hot here in Singapore, but take shorter showers. Go for a quick, cold blast rather than a long, lazy shower, and you’ll save between six and 45 litres per minute.
5. Mulch your plants
We had to Google that, too (we’re still learning the ropes of urban gardening here in Singapore). Did you know that adding bark chippings, heavy compost or straw to your plants will help reduce water evaporation? Now you do!
6. Use a watering can and not a hose to water your plants
A hose uses a shocking 1000 litres of water per hour! Watering in the early morning or late evening will also help with evaporation.
7. Install a cistern displacement device
It doesn’t sound sexy, but it certainly saves water. Add a cistern displacement device into your toilet cistern, which will reduce the volume of water per flush.
8. Refrigerate your drinking water
If you prefer cold drinking water, fill a jug with tap water and place it in your fridge rather than running the tap until it’s cold.
9. Don’t overfill the kettle
Remember not to overfill the kettle when you’re boiling water – just boil as much as you need.
10. Reuse and recycle!
Wash your vegetables and salad greens over a bowl, and then use the excess water to give your houseplants a drink!
11. Purchase appliances that save water for your home
If you’re looking for a new washing machine, dishwasher, or even taps, be sure to take note of the Mandatory Water Efficiency Label System (WELS) rating. The more ticks a product has, the more water-efficient it is.
12. Request for a water-saving kit from PUB
Save as much as 5% from your monthly water bill with this free PUB kit! Each kit comes with a set of thimbles that help regulate flow rates from your taps and showerheads. Request a kit for your home here.
See, we told you saving water in Singapore was easy!
