"Thousands have lived without love", mused WH Auden. "not one without water." Water truly is precious. In South Africa, we use 235 litres each day to keep us going. It's up to everyone in Mzansi to play their role to conserve it.
The Department of Water and Sanitation recently urged people to reduce the demand and make an effort to save every drop. It can be done and it starts at home. Here are some simple ways you can make a difference.
Save water in your bathroom
Some thoughtful changes to your routine can be instantly beneficial. You should turn off the faucet when you're not brushing your teeth and while soaping your hands.
Long bath soaks are lovely but can waste up to 36 gallons. Switch to short showers - they're better for your skin and can pep you up in the morning.
You should also make every toilet flush count. The old saying applies: if it's brown, flush it down. If it's yellow, let it mellow.
Finally, consider upgrading old toilets, showerheads, and taps to water-saving models. If a home renovation isn't on the cards, ensure these are free from leaks.
Save water in your kitchen
The next time you whip up a meal, do it as a green chef. When preparing food, cook in a pot that's the right size for your ingredients. Use your microwave to thaw frozen food instead of water. Cooked or steamed your food? Your garden will enjoy the leftover water.
Be smart when washing dishes. Always fill your dishwasher with a full load. If you're washing by hand, plug up your sink instead of running dishes under a flowing tap.
Save water in your laundry room
Yes, you can be fashion forward and still care for the environment. For starters, instead of washing small loads at a time, let your washing basket pile up for a full wash.
Investing in a high-efficient model can reduce the amount of water used. If you're handwashing, use a plant-friendly soap so you can reuse the water in your garden.
Overall, try to skip a wash altogether. You'll extend the life of your clothes and cut down on consumption.
Save water in your yard
You can make a big water-saving effort outside. Replace thirsty invasive plants with drought-resistant indigenous ones. When watering your garden, aim for the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Mulching your garden also helps.
Love the earth just as much as your car. Instead of a hose, opt for a bucket and sponge when washing it. If you use a car wash service, choose one that recycles its water.
Don't forget about Fluffy and Tabby. Place your pet's water bowl in shady spots to reduce evaporation. Dust-free areas will also keep refills to a minimum. With a non-toxic soap, bath time on the lawn can also reduce the amount needed for watering.
Sedgefield houses for sale that save water
Sedgefield is a delightful seaside town. A Garden Route gem, the residents are aware of the need to conserve water to protect the environment. You'll find homes in the area are often well equipped so you can lead a positive lifestyle. Here are some of them:
- 3-bedroom house in Meedingsride: This magnificent nest has its own borehole and irrigation set up. Your garden will stay green all year round.
- 3-bedroom house in The Village: This double-storey clinker brick home has a spike (underground water source). Self-sufficiency here you come.
- 4-bedroom house in Zeegezicht: This architectural masterpiece comes complete with 2 x 2500-litre rainwater tanks. Reducing your water bill has never been easier.
At Century 21 Sedgefield, we believe in preserving the area's natural beauty and resources. Sedgefield has so much to offer and with our expert help, you can discover it for yourself. View our listings and give our property professionals a call or email.