Conserving energy in the home can be hard, and some of the options may seem a little too “out there.” At Tundraland, we’ve compiled 9 simple, common-sense ways that you can reduce the amount of water used in your home.

1. Check pipes and faucets for leaks

Often, leaky pipes and faucets can be left unnoticed. Routinely checking them can help prevent wasted water usage in the home.

2. Turn off the water while brushing teeth

Let’s face it; there’s no reason you need to run the water while brushing your teeth. Turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, even for a short period of time, will help conserve water.

3. Only wash full loads of laundry

If you’re hoping to find ways to reduce water usage in the laundry room, you’re in luck. Washing only full loads of laundry will make you use your washer less frequently, saving you both water and energy.

4. Take shorter showers

Reducing the time spent taking a shower can save you huge amounts of money on your water bill.

5. Plug sink while shaving

There’s no reason to leave the water running while you’re shaving. By plugging the sink, you’ll use less water and still have a way to rinse off your razor.

6. Store drinking water in the fridge

Rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cold glass of water, store a pitcher in the fridge.

7. Don’t let the kitchen faucet run

Instead of letting the kitchen faucet run while thawing food, plan ahead and defrost it in the refrigerator, or use the microwave.

8. Water the lawn when necessary

If it’s recently rained in your area, don’t waste water and time sprinkling the lawn. In general, lawns only need to be watered every 5 to 7 days in the summer.

9. Soak pots and pans

Rather than running water over your pots and pans, consider soaking them in a sink basin filled with soapy water. You’ll find that they turn out just as clean, and without using excess amounts of water.

Using less water is good for the environment, and saves you money! As you can see, there are a number of quick and easy ways to reduce water usage in the home. While it may be difficult to break old habits, these small changes can add up quickly, so spread the word! Get your family, friends and roommates involved and make a difference.