Recently, Beacon Hill began a three-part series of blogs, known as “Sustainability in Action.” The series focuses on three key metrics: energy, water, and materials.
Created to increase awareness of Beacon Hill’s Sustainability Plan, the series’ first blog highlighted strategies to minimize your waste and the second blog discussed some ideas you can implement to reduce your daily energy usage. By doing so, you’ll also decrease your carbon footprint and provide a more sustainable world for your grandkids.
For the final part of this series, here are some suggestions concerning an aspect of sustainability that’s often overlooked: water conservation. After all, you live in the Great Lakes State. It’s easy to take these water resources for granted!
But to ensure Beacon Hill becomes a more sustainable community, you must not take them for granted at all. Instead, focus on the planet’s future, while bearing in mind those who will need these precious resources, including your loved ones.
Add Greenness to Your Residence—with Drought-Tolerant Plants. Without question, plants add so much to your residence. The greenery. The reminder of spring and summer during the winter. The health benefits (like better air quality). Try to purchase as many drought-resistant plants as possible though, as they’ll save a substantial amount of water.
Check Out Your Dishwasher. Most likely, your dishwasher will have a water-saving setting you can use. In addition, consider buying an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher, which will save nearly 6,000 gallons of water throughout its lifespan, according to energystar.gov.
Decrease Your Dishwasher Usage. Also, strive to only use your dishwasher once it’s fully loaded, rather than running it when it’s half empty. You’ll be conserving water in no time!
Ensure Your Water Heater is Serviced. If possible, try to have your water heater serviced once a year, thereby guaranteeing that it’s working properly (and not wasting any water usage). If necessary, replace it with a high-efficiency model.
Full Loads of Laundry are Ideal. Much like you should only use your dishwasher when you have full loads, only utilize your washer when you have full loads of laundry, too. Half loads or quarter loads will waste water unnecessarily!
Landscape with Native Plants. When you add plants to your outdoor landscaping, consider purchasing plants that are native to the Grand Rapids area. They’ll require far less water than plants that are exotic.
Lower the “Flow.” You can also ask a Beacon Hill staff member to install showerheads that are lower flow than other options on the market. You won’t notice much of a difference—and you’ll reduce your water consumption consistently.
Report Any Leaks You Notice. If you happen to notice a leak in your shower or sink, report it to a staff member as quickly as possible. A Beacon Hill professional will solve the issue and guarantee that water isn’t wasted long term.
Shorten Your Showers. Far too often, people take longer showers than they need to, resulting in significant water waste. To positively impact water sustainability, simply shorten your shower time. Consider using a timer whenever you shower too, leading to accountability. Perhaps have 5- or 10-minute-long showers?
Take the Time to Learn. Finally, research some other ways that you can reduce your water usage. Never be afraid to learn and improve!
Through each of these ideas, you’ll provide future generations with a more sustainable world, while also ensuring they’ll have ample clean water to drink and use.
