Unique Ways to Save Money and Reduce Water Use
Making Changes in the Bathroom Cuts Costs
Jan 6, 2009
If you are like most households, you are struggling right now. Here are some ways to save money - some are obvious, unique, easy, difficult, and strange.
Finding new ways to save money can be challenging. The following is a list of unique ways to save money in the bathroom.
- Open the Blinds. If the bathroom has a window, open the blinds during the day (while not in use). Mold and scum thrive in dark, damp places. Letting in natural sunlight decreases the need to scrub with harsh (and often expensive) chemicals.
- Short(er) Hair. For women (and some men) - go with a shorter hair style. This saves money by requiring less shampoo and conditioner, less time to blow dry (electricity), and long hairs won't be clogging up the shower, sink, or vacuum.
- Use Less Shampoo and Conditioner. Even with long hair, use less. Most people use much more than necessary to get hair clean. To make this easier, recycle the next hand pump bottle you have and fill it with shampoo. A single pump will be plenty.
- Every Other Day. Do you need to shower every day? Shower every other day and you'll save money on your water bill, electricity bill (heating the water), and laundry (less towels to wash). Can't go every other day? Then just skip a day here and there. Every little bit helps.
- Bar Soap. Bar soap is cheaper than the expensive body washes and shower gels. Go with bar soap and use a loofah to exfoliate your skin while keeping it clean.
- Drink More Water. Why is this in the bathroom section? Your body will naturally moisturize your skin...if you are drinking enough water. So drink more of the free stuff and use less lotion.
- Cut the Shower Curtain. By cutting the bottom of the shower curtain in a zig-zag, the water will easily drip off the curtain, removing the need to buy shower-spray. (and remember to keep the blinds open to let in the sunshine if possible)
- Suave Conditioner for Shaving Cream. Instead of buying over-priced shaving cream, buy a big bottle of good-smelling cheap conditioner. It actually moisturizes your skin better while shaving, and you get more per bottle, which saves money in the long run (gas and sales tax).
- Stop that Hair. If the drain gets plugged up with long hair, don't buy expensive and harsh chemicals like Drano. Instead, go to the Dollar Store and buy a mesh drain plug. It lets the water through but will stop your hair and other scum.
- Spoons for Puffy Eyes. Instead of buying expensive eye products for puffy, swollen, or dark circles around the eyes, put two spoons in the fridge. let them cool, and places them over the eyes. Also, don't rub your eyes or under your eyes; this breaks the little capillaries and will make your eyes look more swollen.
- Turn Off Water While Scrubbing. To reduce the use of water during a shower, turn the water off while scrubbing down. It may not seem like much, but it adds up.
- Shaving Water.The water does not need to be running while you are shaving your legs. Instead, fill up the tub (or a cup) with a little water so you can rinse out your razor, sit on the edge of the tub (or stand) and shave easily without the shower water washing off all your shaving conditioner.
- Dry Your Feet. Before getting out of the shower/tub. It will make the bathroom rug last longer, and it will save socks from getting soaked when you come back in (which saves in laundry costs).
- Turn the Fan Off. The fan uses electricity to run, so while it can be used for extra stinky sessions – be sure to turn it off. Also, leaving the fan on sucks out all the air in the house, which is the equivalent of leaving the doors open. Don't send all the heat (winter) or cold air (summer) out. The steam may seem bad for the bathroom, but the moisture in the air actually helps the house feel warmer in the winter.
- Shorter ShowersIf you aren't showering in 10 minutes or less, you have some work to do. Be more efficient in the shower and get out faster. You'll save money on water and gas. So get showering faster!
Some of these are obvious, unique, and strange. If you like something, give it a try. If not, try something else. Good luck and happy saving!
The copyright of the article Unique Ways to Save Money and Reduce Water Use in Water Conservation is owned by Angela Wilson. Permission to republish Unique Ways to Save Money and Reduce Water Use in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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