Lower Your Water Bill, Help Others

There are an estimated one billion people in the world who do not have access to clean water. That is not a typo. One billion men, women, and children who do cannot wake up in the middle of the night, walk down the hall, and grab a glass of the most precious commodity we have. The world is going through serious problems with water availability and believe it or not, water scarcity. There are ways however to help this problem that will not only help people around the world, but the size of your wallet as well. Here are a few tips to lower your water bill and help the cause:

1. Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth. This is an idea so simple I'm surprised more people do not do it. I myself heard about this idea and started implementing it into my daily routine. Today, I still find myself shutting off the water as I brush; it's no longer a thought, just a reaction.

2. Take shorter showers. I know, I know, I love my long showers every morning too. Who are we kidding though? Do we really need to spend an extra five minutes just soaking in the extra couple gallons of water because we don't want to go to school or work? Try washing you hair only 3-4 times a week and wash yourself quicker.

3. Men, when you shave, fill the sink. I found myself guilty of this as well. Whenever I shaved I kept the water running and after every stroke I washed off the blade for a cleaner stroke. Instead, fill the sink with hot water and just dip in the razor, the effect is exactly the same.

4. Don't wash your own car. It's getting into the fall season anyway and a lot of people won't be outside shirtless washing their 67' Mustang anyway. This is a typical use of over abundance of water usage. Keep it simple, go to your local car wash and pay the eight bucks. Save some water, help out a neighbor.

5. Don't run the dishwasher until it is full. Many people tend to over use this common household appliance, especially when there isn't even enough to fill the whole cart yet. Wait it out and get everything you possibly can into it. Just ask a cook or a boy scout or anyone that's ever worked in a kitchen, the more you fit the better.

6. Water fountains. Yes, most public water fountains are not the most sanitary of places to hydrate you these days especially with the dreaded Swine flu going around. But a few sips from a clean one can save you the whole day of carrying around that reusable made in America water bottle you bought the other week, because I know you don't still drink the plastic ones anymore.

7. Donate. Donation is the ultimate form of altruism. Or is it? Yes we donate because we want to help others in need and want them to flourish and be given the opportunities we've been given, but that little tax incentive at the end of the April looks pretty good as well. Look up charity-water (www.charitywater.org), you'll be impressed.