Photo: Sterlic / Flickr

With World Environment Day coming up tomorrow, it’s a good time to think about what you can do – in your own home – to use less power, reduce the waste you produce, and consider how to save water. According to charity Waterwise, the average person in the UK uses 150 litres of water a day. The government is hoping to reduce this to 130 litres a day by 2030. Here are some tips that will help you reduce your water consumption, and your utility bills.

The Hippo

Every time you flush your toilet, you use about 8 litres of water, at 1.25p per flush. That really adds up. Here’s how to save water when you flush: Hippo, the Water Saver, can help you reduce this water consumption by a few litres a flush, and it’s a device that isn’t too expensive to invest in. The Hippo is made from polyethylene that should last a lifetime, and is designed almost like a piece of origami that will unfold into a block once placed in your cistern. Note that if your toilet was installed after 2001, it will be about six litres in volume, and the Hippo won’t be necessary.

Time your shower

Photo: Energy Star

The average shower takes seven minutes, using between six and 15 litres of water a minute. Many people spend a lot longer in the shower, though, making the daily shower a huge water guzzler. A shower timer will aim to reduce the time spent in the shower to four to five minutes, and while you may feel rushed at first, you’ll soon get used to it. A shower timer can save up to 60 litres a day – that’s a massive 21,900 a year.

Washing machines

A washing machine uses an average of 65 litres a wash, so you have a very good excuse to invest in a new washing machine if you’re wondering how to save water. Just make sure it has a good Energy Star rating – aim for A+ if possible. The AEG L76650 can save you up to 2,280 litres of water a year, with prices starting at a little over £500.

Tags: energy star, Save water, washing machines