Green Kitchen Tip #13

Reducing Water Waste

I don't know about you, but when I need hot water in my kitchen, it has to travel from our basement waterheater across the width of a small room and then up through the floor boards. During its journey heat is disipated into the pipe and therefore a lot of water is wasted while I wait for hot water. This can be a significant source of wasted water.

In drier months, especially in drought years, I try to conserve every drop of water. This is the time of year that my plants begin to demand regular waterings, so I need to re-learn my seasonal habit of collecting otherwise wasted water. I bought a watering can specifically for indoor water collection, both at the kitchen sink and in the bathtub, so while I'm waiting for hot water, I have something productive to keep me occupied.

Once in the watering can, I usually let the water sit for at least half a day. This allows most of the chlorine to disipate before I use it on my plants. It also allows the water to come to room temperature, which is ideal for plant roots.