Mecology Moral Philosophy Environmental Ethics New Zealand Moral Philosophy Auckland Mecologist

Results						Steps to Take

						Make sure you know where your homes master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst
						Check for leaks and drips, as these cost you money and waste resources.
						Harvest rainwater for reuse in your house and garden by installing a rainwater tank. You will make savings on your water bill, whilst reducing preassure on local water infrastructure and the potential for erosion or flooding around your home.
						If the water pressure at your house is high, this is costing you money and wasting water. Contact your Council or Plumber to help you reduce the pressure.
						Consider water efficiency when choosing a new dishwasher or a clothes washing machine
						Only turn on your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load.
						Use the fridge to cool water rather than running a tap till the water is cold.
						Reduce your meat consumption, as the production of meat requires a large use of water. For example, producing a kilo of meat requires 100 times more water than a kilo of wheat.
						Put food waste in a compost bin as this allows for natural decomposition rather than being chemically processed. It also generates compost for your garden, and reduces the cost of disposing of your waste.
						For rinsing dishes or washing fruit and vegetables etc, use a bowl of water or half-fill your sink, rather than leaving the tap running.
						Defrost food in the fridge not under running water. This helps keep your fridge cold and reduces your water use
						Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean. This saves your effort and saves water.
						Install low-flow showerheads and taps to reduce your water use
						Reduce your toilets water consumption by installing a water saving device in the cistern, such as a brick or milk bottle full of water
						Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth or shaving so you don’t waste water
						Take a short shower, rather than a bath
						Only take your car to a carwash that recycles its water
						Wash your car and house windows using a bucket rather than a hose, and empty soapy water into the garden, as this reduces water use.
						To reduce pollution of local streams with detergents, oils and toxic metals, don’t wash or rinse your car when it is on the road or concrete driveway. Park it on a permeable surface such as gravel or lawn to allow water and pollutants to be absorbed.
						Don’t pour anything but rainwater down your street drain, as this goes directly into the nearest waterway
						Install permeable paving to allow rain water to be absorbed onsite, rather than flowing down a drain. This stops pollutants being washed into waterways and can reduce flooding and erosion.
						Don’t hose down or ‘water-blast’ your yard or paths - buy a strong bristle yard broom to sweep them instead
						Water your garden in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
						Do not cut your lawn shorter than 6cm, and do not cut more than 1/3 off its length at a time, as stresses the grass and makes it thirstier
						Grow plants that are suited to the local conditions as these will require less watering
						Find out the water requirements of your plants, and do not over water them
						Group plants with similar water requirements.
						If you install an irrigation system for your garden, control it with a timer or set an alarm to remind yourself to turn it off
						Mulch your garden. Your plants and flowers will need a lot less watering
						Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water

12 Month Plan Water