Kids Can Help Save Energy

Q. I want to do my part to help my family save water and energy. I’ve heard taking showers uses less hot water than baths. Is this true?

A: Sometimes. The amount of water you use in the shower depends on two things: how long you stay in the shower and how much water flows out of the showerhead each minute (flow rate). On average, a three- to five-minute shower will use less water than filling the tub.

Why not experiment? Close the drain during your next shower. If the water depth is lower than if you had filled the tub, then you’re saving water and energy.

You can do other things to use hot water efficiently. If your family hasn’t already done so, install a water- and energy-saving showerhead. It will use only 2.5 gallons of water (or less) per minute. Older showerheads may use as much as eight gallons of water per minute. When you turn on the water and wait for the temperature to warm, use a bucket to catch the water that would normally go down the drain. (The water in the bucket can be used for houseplants or the garden.) If your showerhead has a shut-off valve, stop the water as you lather with soap or shampoo, then turn it on to rinse.

If you want to do more to save energy, read on. Parents may make most of the energy decisions, but kids can make a difference, too.

Turn off the TV, stereo, and lights when you’re not using them.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. When water simply runs down the drain, it’s wasted. Instead, fill a glass with water to rinse your teeth.

Use a reusable lunch bag or lunch box. When packing lunch, use reusable containers for drinks, sandwiches, fruits and vegetables.

Walk or ride your bike.

Use a compact fluorescent light in your bedroom. Compact fluorescent lights use less electricity than regular light bulbs and they last 10 times longer. If you install a compact fluorescent light bulb when you’re 10 years old, it could still be working when you graduate from high school.

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