Water Conservation at Home

Preserving a high standard of living depends on a healthy environment. In order to keep the environment healthy, it is necessary to keep pollution to a minimum and prevent excessive waste of natural resources. One of the most important natural resources that humans depend on for survival is water. Among the threats that human activity presents to its own water supply is the generation of electric power. Power plants can pollute water in various ways. Coal plants, for example, produce acid rain and mercury that gets into the water supply and not only harms people but also contaminates fish. Therefore, it is necessary to conserve both water and electricity at the same time in order to keep the environment healthy and protect water supplies for everyone.

Water Conservation

Although the majority of Earth's surface is covered by water, very little of this water is available for human consumption. Only one percent of the water in the world is safe for drinking or for use in agriculture. In order to ensure that everyone has access to clean water, it is necessary to protect water supplies from pollution and to reduce waste. At home, families can do their part by cutting down on unnecessary water use and by keeping pollutants such as pesticides from entering the water supply. Homeowners can replace water-hungry appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers with newer, more efficient models. Replacing old plumbing or fixing leaky pipes will not only save water but also reduce the chances of severe and expensive water damage in the future. Low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads can also help conserve water. Parents should also teach children to fully turn off faucets to prevent water waste due to dripping. Families also should take shorter showers, avoid baths, which use large amounts of water, and turn off the faucet when brushing their teeth.

Energy Conservation in the Home

Reducing electricity use in the home cuts down on the need for electricity generation by pollution-producing power plants. Installing solar panels can save electricity by allowing you to generate it at home. Homeowners can also check for and seal gaps in the home that may be allowing air to escape, and they should replace old or insufficient insulation. Opening blinds and curtains to allow more sunlight and warmth into the house during the day can reduce heating costs in the winter, while reducing the amount of sunlight can help keep homes cooler in the summer months. Families should also get into the habit of turning off and even unplugging electronic devices such as computers and game consoles when not in use, as it can help conserve energy and save money. In homes with children, it is important that parents begin teaching children how to conserve energy at an early age, as even small children can learn to turn off light switches when leaving a room.