Here it is: we turn off the water heater. That's it! We find the breaker switch for the water heater and always have it turned off. When we're going to run the dishwasher or take showers, we turn it on about a half hour before, sometimes earlier in the winter and I've turned it on only about ten minutes earlier in the summer! It keeps the water heater from heating and reheating water that we're only going to use a small amount of. Even if you forget to turn it off (which you may in the beginning!), and leave it on for hours, or even a whole day, that's still 1/30th or less of what the normal usage is!
My husband said that his family grew up doing that and I had never ever heard of it! And even now, when I read articles about being eco-friendly, they'll recommend replacing your water heater, but no one suggests just having it off.
Any unusual ideas you have for responsible environmentalism?
I don't know if you've seen the new 'Karate Kid' movie with Jackie Chan & Jaden Smith, but there is a scene in the movie in which Chan explains to Smith that the reason there is no hot water in the shower is because he needs to turn the hot water switch on. Same concept I would think, but in the movie it was implied that, that was how it was in China in general. {:
ReplyDeletesorry for the random lurking post!
Krista
Great idea! I have never heard of that before. I believe there are so many small, easy things everyone can do in their homes to help out. I try to be very careful how much water I use in the shower and stuff. I also started hang-drying my clothes.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! I've never heard of this before, but thanks for the tip, Emma! Hope you're doing well:)
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I was happy to see this, Emma! We do the same thing at home. It really does make a significant difference. There are undoubtedly more things I can do to be more ''green,'' but for now I try my best to limit my water and energy usage. A big one for me is hanging clothes up to dry. It's surprising how many things don't really need dryer or iron touch-ups afterward.
ReplyDeleteThat's great! We always have to turn it on in Portugal, never thought about it here, duh. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteThese is one of the great information which you can share with us. It really does make a significant difference. There are undoubtedly more things I can do to be more ''green,'' but for now I try my best to limit my water and energy usage.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great thing to do my dear. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Giovanna
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