2020: About 20-30% of the world population will experience water scarcity.
2030: 40% of the world will face a water deficit if the current water usage continues.
2040: There won’t be enough water in the world to quench everyone’s thirst if nothing is done to address water and energy issues.
Will people just twiddle their thumbs and do nothing to stop this?
Projections from various environmental, government and non-government agencies
project that a worldwide water shortage will happen if people do not take steps to curb
wasteful water consumption and environmentally unsound practices.
Do your part
Even if you are not working on energy-efficient cars or cutting-edge water-saving technology, you can still do your share in ensuring that everyone will still have enough water not only for this lifetime, but for generations to come.
It is not even a question of why this should be done. It is imperative for all to work together to save the planet. It doesn’t matter where you are right now; if everyone continues doing business as usual, then one day, people will wake up parched and find that there is no more water to drink.
Even in your little corner of the world, you can take part in this global call to conserve water. And you can start in your own home.
Two things that make the most use of water in residences are toilets and showers. Even water heaters consume nearly 17 percent of a home’s energy use. With the water and energy crisis looming above everyone’s heads, people should really be mindful of how they can save on water and energy costs, for the general welfare of the world.
Useful tips for Sustainable Bathroom Renovations
1. Reduce behavioral waste
The way people use bathrooms also accounts for energy and water wastage. Habits like turning on the tap to wait for hot water to flow or leaving the lights on when not in use contribute to energy use and wasteful consumption.
You can save as much as 60 percent of water if you take quick showers instead of baths. Avoid riding the multi-head shower trend as you really do not need multiple body spray jets at the same time.
Opt to use a glass while brushing your teeth to conserve water. Also, turn off the taps while shaving instead of just letting it run.
2. Choose environment-friendly fixtures
If you are planning a home bathroom renovation, remember to choose bathroom fixtures like shower heads, toilets, faucets, lights and even appliances that are energy- and water-efficient.
In some countries like the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency has launched a program that labels certain bathroom fixtures that are at least 20 percent more water-efficient compared to other plumbing products in the market. This guides buyers toward environment-friendly fixtures.
Check if you have the same local or national policies in place as theseenergy and water-efficient products help increase water savings, improve the residents’ or tenants’ satisfaction, and reduce maintenance concerns.
3. Don’t ignore leaks
Repair leaky faucets and other fixtures. One drop a minute can equal to 34 gallons a year.
Call a professional plumber for tap repairs and assist you with your plumbing problems, and also to avoid unnecessary and costly messes.
4. Lighten up
Choose energy-efficient lighting fixtures. There are a wide selection of low-wattage lighting systems that can tremendously cut down on your energy costs. Better yet, opt for LED lights to replace conventional lights since they use very little electricity and emit less heat. This then cuts down the need to use air conditioners or fans, as well.
According to the US Department of Energy, these lights only consume a quarter of the energy used by old bulbs and may last up to 25 years. They may cost a little bit more than traditional lights up front, but if you consider the savings over time, they will end up giving you more value for money.
Thirst for change
People should not need messianic messages or predictions of doom to urge them to save the environment. Simply look around to see that if no conscious effort is made to reduce waste and stop the wasteful use of natural resources, everyone will rue the consequences.
In your own little ways (or go big, if possible), you can answer the alarming call of Mother Nature. Quench that thirst for positive change. If people move as one towards an environmentally sound way of life, then all will have a better chance to live in a better world.
Author Bio: Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer.
Since 2001 the company has specialized in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.