World Water Day
By Melissa Briske World Water Day is celebrated annually all around the globe on March 22. It’s a day for us to focus attention on the water crisis we currently face and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and water conservation around the world. According to a report published in 2013 by the World Health Organization, 768 million people in the world do not have access to safe water. For perspective, that’s roughly one in 10 of the world’s population. Rainbow International supports improving worldwide health conditions, education and food security through safe and responsible use of our water resources. We have some tips to aid you in energy and water conservation in your home: 
It’s important to us. It’s important to you. It’s important to the rest of the world.
- Fill it up– don’t run your just-stained favorite sweater through the washing machine alone. Wait for a full load of laundry to start the cycle and wash in cold water then line-dry as much as possible to conserve energy. If you have to run the dryer, do loads consecutively to take advantage of the heat already contained in the dryer drum.
- Heatin’ up!– On top of being uncomfortable, it’s unsustainable to have a poorly insulated home and it costs you more money in your electric bills!
The thermostat is a battle in many households, so let us settle it for you. Install a programmable thermostat (not expensive) and program 68 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler when heating and remember to turn the thermostat down when you aren’t home. Our sister company Mr. Appliance® can help you with this. The U.S. Department of Energy says turning the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees lower than usual for eight hours can save up to 10 percent a year in heating bills.
- Patch those pipes– Don’t let plumbing leaks linger. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that a single leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons (757 liters) of water every day. For perspective, the average family of four in the U.S. will use about 400 gallons every day.
- Dinner Tips - Set out frozen food ahead of time to defrost instead of running it under hot water.
- Lose the leaks– A dripping faucet is a water nightmare - one drip per second wastes almost 8 gallons (30 liters) of water a day. Find out how much that leak is really costing you with the Drip Calculator from our sister company, Mr. Rooter Plumbing®.
- Don’t just stand there, move! - Shorter showers save water and energy (water heaters account for nearly ¼ of your home's energy use!!). Look at installing a low-flow showerhead for your home and you can reduce your water usage by as much as 25 percent.
Sources:
- http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday
- http://www.puco.ohio.gov/puco/index.cfm/consumer-information/consumer-topics/energy-and-water-conservation-tips/#sthash.g9MEN5lI.dpuf
- http://homeguides.sfgate.com/save-water-electric-79510.html
- http://www.powerwater.com.au/customers/save
- http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/saving_energy/