Frugal and Energy Efficient Living

Today, I could never imagine letting the water run while I brush my teeth....it is just habit. (I couldn't imagine huddling in the corner of the shower with cold water streaming down and brushing my teeth either, but to each his own, I guess.)

All of those are great practical tips. I went through a time when there was strict water conservation where I was living, and I learned a lot of things....

Keep a large kettle/pot in your sink, and when you must run the water (mine was always waiting for hot water), catch all the water and use that to water plants, cook with, etc.

Use bath water to water the plants outside by collecting it in a bucket. Or scrub the bathroom after your bath with the water in the tub. Same goes with dish water if you don't have a dishwasher (which I don't have and never used when I had one).

When I wash dishes, I start with less than an inch of water and first wash the silverware. Then while I rinse them, I get more water in the sink. Then I do glasses and cups, rinse and get more water in the sink. I still will only have half a sink of water by the time I finish the pots and pans.

I think almost all of this is just "think". Think of what you are doing out of habit. You will usually find a way to be more efficient.