Day 9 - Knowing How Much You Use

I broke down today and finally shaved. Since the beginning of the challengeI had really been avoiding it because, well, shaving in the shower is just the best and most comfortable way. Since even using a low flow shower head uses 4.7-9.7 litres per minute, there is no way I could shave and shower in under 25 litres. Not being able to do that, I knew shaving was going to be quite irritating.

What I did instead was heat up less than half a litre of water and keep it in a bowl beside the sink.  This might not seem out of the ordinary, but think about the amount of time you run the fact when shaving; even if it is only for a combined 60 seconds that is still 3 gallons or 11 litres. 

Here is a short video of shaving on very little water http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViTrcfBK1dM

Quite a few people have taken the Environment Canada Water Use Calculator and told me that they were astounded at the amount they used. They have asked what they can do to cut back, and there are hundreds of ways, but the first step is actually just being aware of what you are using and how. Do you know how much water it takes to flush your toilet? To run the dishwasher? To turn on the tap?

Here is a chart that gives a rough estimate of water quantity used in different ways around the home:

http://www.fi.edu/guide/schutte/howmuch.html

Tomorrow, I will have plenty of simple and accessible methods to save water. Enjoy the weekend and donate to Sierra Club!  https://secure.sierraclub.ca/