Recycle Water
Reuse & Recycling of Water
Throughout the United States, periodic droughts can leave water in short supply. Reusing and recycling water helps decrease demand and ensure more water is available for everyone. Water can be recycled at an individual level by homeowners, or at a municipal or county level through nonpotable and indirect potable reuse.
How Can I Recycle Water?
Water is perhaps the most wasted natural resource, due to its abundance in many U.S. regions. Americans use water for drinking, landscaping and washing, often disposing of it after one use. You don't need a big treatment facility and a laundry list of chemicals to recycle water at home. You can easily establish standard practices for recycling water to conserve this valuable natural resource.
Water Recycling at Homes
The United States and many other heavily populated countries may face prolonged and severe drought conditions in the next several decades (see References 2). Faced with the potential for water-usage restrictions, many homeowners are investigating ways to reuse greywater, which is water from sinks and showers that is not contaminated with human waste. Approximately 74 percent of water used in most homes becomes ...
Ten Ways to Keep Our Water Clean Globally
Nowhere is the relationship between healthy ecosystems and healthy people more apparent than in the global water system. Clean water is the single most important building block of ecosystems around the world, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s also our most valuable resource, the EPA asserts. However, contamination of the world’s waters leaves 2.5 billion people without access to ...
More Articles on Recycle Water
How to Recycle Standing Water
Standing water is water that does not flow off, which can occur for a variety of reasons. It could be that it is a clogged sink, a rainwater filled hole or even a kiddie pool. This water will sit unused until repairs are made or it evaporates, and in the meantime it will get old and algae ridden. According to the EPA, it is best not to let the water stand due to the risk of mosquitoes and bacterial growth. If you get to it right after the pool or puddle forms, it might be of some use, depending on where the standing water is located.
Science Experiments on Recycled Washer Water for Plants
Using recycled washer water is tempting if you are looking for ways to conserve water. It is, after all, money going down the drain. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average washer load uses about 41 gallons of water. On the other hand, washer water or gray water may not be the eco-friendly choice it appears. A few simple science experiments can bring to light why washer water may not be the best choice for plants. (See Reference 1)
Devices for Recycling Shower Water
An average American family's daily shower habit uses about 30 gallons of water per day, which translates to about 1.2 trillion gallons of water used annually in the United States just for showering (see Reference 1). In addition to conserving water by installing low-flow showerheads and taking shorter showers, reusing this relatively clean water can conserve water, save money and grow a lush landscape.
Organic Shampoo for Clogged Pores
Conventional haircare products are often touted as being essential for optimum scalp health and lush locks; however, deciphering ingredient lists can be frustrating if you lack a chemistry degree or fail to understand how specific man-made chemicals can negatively affect the human body. Those who embrace a 100-percent-natural or organic personal-care regimen aren’t even exempt from dangerous endocrine-disrupting compounds since they aren’t always fully disclosed on labels (see References 1). Although marketing campaigns convince us that clogged scalp pores can only be remedied with chemical-based formulas, there is a safer, organic option that you can make at home.
Non-Toxic Cleaning Sprays for a Dry Mop
Using a dry mop in combination with a floor cleaning spray quickly reduces dust and dirt buildup on your floors, but traditional floor cleaning sprays are often harmful to both the environment and your personal health. As an alternative, you can use a manufactured green floor cleaning spray, or create your own green cleaner using common household ingredients.
