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How to Save Water in the Kitchen
The average brit uses 150 litres of water every day. That feels like a lot, doesn’t it? It may not feel like it, but you could be using a lot more water than you think. And in turn, you could be contributing to a water crisis that you didn’t know about.
What is water wastage?
Water wastage is the used and unwanted water from individuals and communities. It’s generally taken from toilets and drains such as kitchen sinks. More specifically water wastage refers to the overuse and misuse of fresh water.
Water is a valuable natural asset. Drinking water (or ‘safe’ water) in particular, only accounts for less than 1% of the water across the world. A precious resource like that needs protecting, both on a global scale and an individual one.
Being aware of how much water you’re using is essential to helping future generations. Obviously the kitchen and bathroom are each big contributors to the water crisis, and as a kitchen appliance retailer, we thought this would be a great place to start.
How am I contributing to a water shortage?
Washing machines use about 40 gallons of water per load…
21% of Brits fill up the kettle too much!
Up to 5 gallons of water can be wasted when brushing your teeth
How to reduce water wastage in the kitchen…
1. Steam your vegetables
Steaming your veggies offers a healthier and more eco-friendly way of cooking. This 2009 study found that the ultimate super food broccoli held the most nutrients when steamed compared to boiling, microwaving and stir-frying. Vegetables are more likely to retain their flavour, colour and nutrients, whilst also using less water. Win win!
If you do have to boil, try using a smaller pot for your vegetables. You’ll use less water and it’ll heat up quicker.
2. Use a dishwasher (on a full load)
Ditching the rubber gloves and painful manual washing up for a dishwasher will save water and save you energy. Especially if you go for an energy efficient one. The dishwasher will use water more efficiently than washing up; the water goes exactly where it needs to. Use it on a full load every time to reduce your water wastage even more.
3. Re-use cooking water
This is a garden hack as well as a water saving tip! Let the water from cooking cool, and use it on your garden plants instead of tipping it down the drain. Foods such as eggs, or spinach, will transfer all that lovely nutrients into your plants. Please avoid using salted water though.
If you don’t want to wait for it to cool, use the hot water on your weeds. It should kill them and prevent the use of harsh chemicals in your garden.
Image credit: Cassidy Phillips
4. Thawing foods
If you’re used to thawing foods in a pot of water, stop. You’re using a lot of water for a simple task that could be done differently. Instead, cover your meats and thaw them in either the fridge or microwave.
5. Avoid half full laundry loads
A full load of water on a half load of laundry is an unnecessary waste. We know it’s really difficult to keep on top of laundry, especially if you live in a large household. But making sure you’re using your washing machine to its fullest capacity will really reduce your water wastage.
Why not invest in a more energy efficient washing machine too? Here are some of our most energy efficient models.
6. Go vegetarian
Now I know that this isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth a mention considering that vegetarianism and veganism are playing a big part in reducing our impact on the climate. Meat has a surprisingly large water waste footprint.
The water footprint of beef per gram is 6 times larger than pulses such as lentils and beans. We’re not saying it’s time to go cold turkey and get rid of beef in your diet. But making a small change like meat-free Monday could reduce your water waste significantly.
7. Other water saving tips
Soak pots & pans
Instead of leaving the tap running the whole time you wash up, soak the most burnt-on pots and pans in water with a little baking soda overnight. It’ll lift the food crusts and remove the need for lots of hot running water to get rid of the grime.
Collect water as you wait
How long do you think you wait for running warm water? Half a minute? A minute? Collect this water as you wait for it to heat up, and either use it on your plants, or put it in a jug in the fridge for drinking.
Fix your leaks
More than 3 billion litres of water is lost through leaky pipes every day in the UK. That’s insane! Finding where your leaks are and fixing them can save on your water bill, and on your water footprint.
Reducing our water wastage as a species is essential to a more eco-friendly future. Being mindful of your water waste in the kitchen is a great place to start. Taking action to reduce your footprint with these tips is even better.
Facts, figures and inspiration taken from: https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk/our-services/business-water/global-water-waste/
