* When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water. Some refrigerators, air conditioners and icemakers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings. Never run the dishwasher without a full load. This practice will save water, energy, detergent, and money. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time. For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain. Use a small pan of cold water when cleaning vegetables, rather than letting the water run over them. Then, collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, and reuse it to water house plants. Use only a little water in the pot and put a lid on it for cooking most food. Not only does this method save water, but food is more nutritious since vitamins and minerals are not poured down the drain with the extra cooking water. Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash. Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety. If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones. If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer or when you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant, instead. Always keep water conservation in mind and think of other ways to save in the kitchen. Making too much coffee or letting ice cubes melt in the sink can add up over time. By making these small changes in the kitchen, you can count on bigger savings on your yearly water bill.
