Every precious drop.
It’s the last day of May and as I was lazing in bed this fine Saturday, I heard the Radio 4 programme of the time telling me hose pipe bans were likely to be introduced as much of the country is “in drought”.
I live in the part of England that is declared as “semi-arid”. Yet, we haven’t had a hose pipe band for over 12 years. This year, thanks to a wet autumn and winter (that grey January was good for something) our reservoirs are still at over 90% full.
We use water butts for the garden watering and no unused drinking water is poured down the sink. That is for our indoor plants.
To save energy, I only barely cover my vegetables, rice, and pasta when cooking. Despite having long hair, I don’t have long showers. While I soap, I turn off the water – much like I do when I brush my teeth.
It it’s yellow, let it mellow is interesting advice: one that was used in Cape Town during their drought 6 years ago. Basically, don’t flush the loo if you have only urinated. We try to do our bit in that respect during the drier months…
TMI!
Human urine is antiseptic – some even drink their output. Which is further than we’re keen to go. If you are keen on going further than letting it mellow, this website explains how to dilute your output with your stored rain water… liquid-gold-urine-as-fertilizer. Not sure it’s something we’re willing to do this year…
As I am on HRT, it might not be a good idea to use it on the fruit trees or herbs, mind…
Switching from baths to showers is always a prudent step and even that can be taken further – why not share bath water? It seems a bit silly if you are having sex and sharing a bed not to make use of relatively clean bath water.
A shower cap is my friend, allowing a quick shower in the morning or evening without the hassle of having to dry my hair. If I’m planning on doing sport, I do not shower in the morning.
Using plaits and buns during sports keeps it cleaner after a wash too.
Short and economic programmes on the dishwasher and washing machine are worth their weight too. Cheaper on both water and electricity.
And let’s not forget the car and bikes. Lights and windows need to be clean, but the car shouldn’t suffer if it’s not washed as often!
Posted: June 21st, 2025 under 42, Driving off the grid.