Personal H2O

Personal plastic bottles of water bought in multiples not only add up in cost but apparently put us at risk from leaching BPAs. Replace your plastic habit by purchasing stainless steel water bottles almost anywhere (as low as $4.99 each)and fill them with your own filtered water—better for you and better for the environment. Most must be hand-washed and not put in the dishwasher. We tried the BPA-free plastic bottles but they leaked, broke and melted; they were much more expensive than the stainless steel for their size.

Water Conservation

We’ve learned in our area (NC), during recent years of drought, the importance of conserving water--for the environment and for ourselves since neither lasts well without it. As it turns out, conserving water is also good for saving money, especially since water rates are increasing! When you’re running water in the kitchen to get it hot, put a container in the sink to catch the cold water for use in rinsing dishes or watering plants; you can put a container under the bathtub faucet to catch the water that runs before the shower engages and at the end when it returns to the faucet. A short pitcher or a gallon jug with the top cut out (leave the handle) work well (sometimes in the kitchen, I use a glass or whatever is handy). Of course, turn the water off any time you’re not specifically using it, such as while you’re brushing your teeth. A portable kitchen timer can help with shortening showers (the average American shower runs 7-10 minutes; depending on which report you read).