
Take a used 2.5 gallon plastic water container (Target sells bottled water this way and so does Super Walmart and BJs) that has a pull tap and cut a large, 3 sided hole in the back, leaving a plastic flap that can be opened or closed. When you take a shower, take the container in with you. As the water is warming up, hold the shower head so the water fills the container. I was surprised to find that it took almost 2 gallons of water to get it up to temperature! I then use the water for plants, our dogs and cats, and even to wash my hands. This conserves water when the weather is dry, saves money for those who have town water, and is a great emergency resource if you lose water if you lose electricity. It is also good when camping - put it at the end of your picnic table and you have an on site faucet!
By Rita from Whitinsville, MA
Hmm... this has gotten me thinking. Those of us on city water don't think so much about how much we waste. It's a good argument for more people adopting the old-fashioned "sink bath method." That's what I do between showers, or on days when I just don't feel up to the extra work a shower entails. Just remember to turn off that faucet when soaping and rinsing!
Thank you! Great thought. I've been thinking about this the last couple of times I stepped into the shower.....what a waste of water ($$) while I wait for hot water. I'm also going to try to catch the cold water at the kitchen sink before it runs down the drain.
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(Archived Mar 30, 2011)Waiting for the shower to get hot? Collect that water.
By Lynn