Each of us uses about 340 liters of water each day, just indoors! Of that, 30% is flushed down the toilet and another 35% is used in showers and baths.

• Reduce water use in toilets by installing a toilet dam, or placing a water filled plastic bottle in the toilet tank
• Low flush toilets reduce water use by 50 to 80%
•   Install low flow shower heads
• Install water reducing attachments to faucets
• Look for EcoLogoM certified plumbing products
• Turn taps off tightly, drips cost money and waste resources
• Repair leaks promptly (one leak can waste several thousand liters per year)
• When hand washing dishes or cleaning fruit and vegetables do it in a partially filled sink and rinse them quickly under the tap.
• Use automatic dishwashers only when full and use the shortest cycle necessary to get the dishes clean.
• When washing or shaving partially fill the sink and use that water rather than running the tap continuously
• Short showers use less water than baths
• Check regularly for toilet tank leaks by putting some food coloring into the tank and observing if it seeps into the bowl without flushing
• Insulate hot water heaters and pipes to obtain hot water more quickly. Do not insulate gas water heaters or pipes within six inches of a gas heater flue
• Locate your water meter and record the reading at bed time, check the reading first thing in the morning before any water use. Compare the readings to see if there was any leakage during the night. If so track down the leak and have it repaired as soon as possible.

Clothes Washing & Drying

Clean your clothes without cleaning out your bank account.

• Always use cold water for the rinse cycle. Using warm or hot water does not get your clothes any cleaner.
• If you’re shopping for a new clothes washer, invest in a front-loading model. They cost more than conventional top-loading machines, but use roughly half the water per load. Plus, they are better at squeezing water out of the clothes – which lowers the electricity costs of drying them. Also, clothes washed in front-loading washers last longer because they are gently tumbled rather than twisted around the agitator.
• An ENERGY STAR®-qualified washer uses 35-50 per cent less water and 60 per cent less energy per load than most conventional washers.
• Run full loads whenever possible but don’t overload the machine.
• Wash your clothes in cold or warm water. A whopping 85-90 per cent of the energy used by washing machines is for heating the water.
• Make sure your clothes are as dry as possible before putting them in the dryer. Hang them until they are just damp or ensure your washer removes as much water as possible
• Separate loads into heavy, medium, and light items. Lighter loads will take less drying time than a mixture of items.
• Clean the lint filter after every load. A clogged lint filter can increase energy use up to 30 per cent and may be a fire hazard.
• Use a clothesline to dry your laundry – it’s the most energy efficient option of all. It’s free!

Energy efficiency

Canada is one of the highest users of energy in the world. You can significantly cut energy consumption and costs, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change by taking a few simple steps around your home.

• Check the EnerGuide label when buying home appliances and choose those with the lowest energy consumption ratings. Look for the Energy Star symbol.
• Turn off lights, television, stereo, computer and radio when you leave the room.
• Many appliances have an “instant on” feature which continues to draw power even when it is turned off. Connect these appliances (TV, Computer etc.) to a power bar and turn the power bar off when they are not in use.
• Compact Fluorescent Bulbs use 75% less electricity to produce the same light as an equivalent incandescent bulb.
• Use a pressure cooker or microwave instead of the regular oven whenever possible, the use less energy and cook faster.
• Install a programmable thermostat to adjust heat down during the night and for periods you are away from home
• Upgrade your insulation, applying weather stripping and caulking can reduce heating bills in the winter and keep your house cooler during hot summer months.
• Your furnace will run more efficiently if you change or clean the filters regularly and have it serviced once a year.
• Clean the coils in the back of your fridge so it will run more efficiently
• Turn the temperature down on your hot water heater to 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) and turn it off when you’re away for vacation or travel.

For more information and tips about making where you live one of Canada’s Healthy Neighbourhoods go to Environment Canada at: 

www.atl.ec.gc.ca/community/down_to_earth_choices/in_your_home.html

For more information on saving water visit the Government of Canada site at:   www.on.ec.gc.ca/reseau/watertips/watertips_e.html

Or the Halifax Regional Water Commission where you’ll find helpful tips and an offer to sell water saving devices at cost.

www.halifax.ca/hrwc/ConservationTips.html

You may be interested in the Environment Canada Publications:

“A water efficiency planning guide for building owners and managers “  OR

“A renters guide to wise use of water”  OR

“A wise use of water guide for owners and tenants of condominiums and housing cooperatives”

OR any of the other publications available at:

www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/info/pubs/e_pubs.htm