Plumbing Tips for Earth Day!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EARTH DAY

The world’s first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, but the environmental movement truly began in 1962 after the publication of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” During this time in the United States, people didn’t think much about the possible effects of industrial and personal pollution on our environment. The idea for Earth Day came when Senator Gaylord Nelson saw how damaging a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California was to the natural resources in the area. He decided to rally some of his colleagues and raise awareness of protecting the environment by proclaiming April 22nd a “national teach-in on the environment.” (source: earthday.org) On that day, Americans across the country demonstrated for a healthy environment. This was the beginning of a movement that led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and the Endangered Species Acts.

Waste water in the world. Grass die and all life on the Earth.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

Because we’re a plumbing company, we like to share information on water conservation with our customers.  Here are a few ideas that will save water, and save you money on your water bill:

BATHROOM

  1. Install low flow shower heads and low flow toilets.
  2. Time your showers. Cutting your shower by one or two minutes can save hundreds of gallons of water per person per month.
  3. Turn off the sink while you are brushing your teeth. Letting the water run wastes up to five gallons in one tooth brushing session.
  4. Fix your leaks! A quick and easy way to find out if your toilet is leaking? Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank and wait for about 20 minutes. If your bowl water starts to turn colors, you have a problem.

OUTDOORS

  1. Compost. Did you know that composting saves water? The compost is quite spongy, and therefore holds water quite well. The use of compost from multiple sources, including food scraps, yard debris, and even some paper products can stretch your summer watering budget and help your plants develop healthy root systems.
  2. Buy Local. Buying your produce from local farms and markets have a definite effect on our water. Here’s why: the fuel and energy used when moving produce and other food items from far away increases air pollution, which does end up in our water supply. Locally-grown produce also helps create a thriving local economy.
  3. Invest in a rain barrel. We certainly get enough rain in our region. Why not save some? Rain Barrels redirect water from your downspouts into collection barrels for re-use in your lawn and garden. 

GENERAL IDEAS

  1. Turn your water heater temperature down. Setting your water heater’s temperature ten degrees cooler can save over $100 per year in demand loss. 120 degrees provides adequately heated water and saves energy, too.
  2. Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full.
  3. Monitor your water bill for any spikes in use. This could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere. (Then you can call us for help!)

These are ideas to get you started. The more awareness of our water use we bring to Earth Day and every day, the more we can share in making sure our planet stays a nice place to live.

Happy Earth Day!

If you are looking for a plumber in The Woodlands, Tomball, Spring or surrounding areas call us at (281) 351-6661 or contact us online to get your plumbing problem taken care of quickly. We have 24 hour service 7 days a week and there are no special charges for after- hours calls.

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