Rivers are essential for the well-being of wildlife and people. Every year they are reduced due to communities taking away water that is not replaced by rainfall, which has decreased due to climate change. Fortunately, you can do your part to save rivers by reducing your water consumption, using river-friendly products, getting involved, and encouraging others to change. No matter how small these actions seem to you, they do help reduce pressure on these bodies of water and create a brighter future.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Decrease Your Water Intake
Step 1. Take a faster shower to conserve water
An easy way to do this is to decrease your shower time. Practice showering for 10 minutes, then 7, and finally 5. Challenge yourself to take a shorter shower each day.
- If you are shaving or conditioning your hair, turn off the water until you need to rinse.
- If you let the water run until it gets hot, collect the cold water in a bucket to use again.
- If you're taking a bath, plug the tub first instead of letting the cold water drain off. When the hot water starts to come out, it will heat up the cold one.
Step 2. Wait for a full load of laundry before using the washing machine
These machines use a lot of water and electricity, so it is inefficient to cycle a few items of clothing. Put off the wash until you can fill the washing machine.
- If you need an item of clothing that is dirty before, try hand washing it.
- You can wash a small load of clothes in the laundry room. Then hang it up to dry.
Step 3. Turn off the water when you are not using it
Don't let it run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Keep the hoses and taps closed as much as possible. When you need them, use them sparingly.
Hoses, in particular, use up a lot of water to spare. Keep them closed as much as possible and don't use them to clean
Step 4. Collect unused water for reuse
A large part of the water that is lost comes from showers, air conditioning systems, and similar sources. It is often possible to collect it and give it another purpose. Place a few containers underneath to collect the water, then reuse it to water your plants or lawns.
- The water that comes from the toilets is called gray water. Also, if you are going to use it, use biodegradable cleaners.
- For example, collect the water that falls while you wait for the shower to heat up. Use the melted ice in your drinks to water the plants.
Step 5. Install a low-flow showerhead and toilet
Low-flow models use at least half as much water as conventional ones. You can buy them at any home improvement store. Since everyone uses these devices frequently, the water saved each year with low-flow models adds up to a lot.
You can buy a shower head for about $ 40. This will decrease your annual water use by 24,200 liters (6,400 gallons) or more, which will also help you save money on your water bill
Step 6. Fix leaky faucets
A leaking faucet will not only drain water from rivers, it will also make your bill for this service more expensive. Even minor filtration can waste up to 80 L (20 gallons) a day. If you want to collaborate with the rivers, fix the leaks as soon as you see them.
Call a certified plumber in your area if you can't repair it yourself. This option is better than waiting
Step 7. Conserve water even when you are not at home
When you are in a hotel or other area, act as you would at home. You will be tempted to let the water run because you don't have to take care of the service bill. Remember that this still comes from rivers and other water sources, so it will have an environmental impact anyway.
- Always try to limit your water consumption and avoid wasting it.
- Never waste water in school, the work office, or any other public restroom.
Step 8. Turn off the lights to conserve electricity
Although this measure does not preserve it directly, the water is used for the production of electrical energy. Keep the lights off when you don't need them. Make sure your electronic devices are turned off and unplugged. This will reduce your electricity bill in addition to keeping more water in the rivers.
- Some items like cell phone chargers use a little power even when not in use. Unplug them to avoid it.
- Alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind, use less water than conventional electricity.
Method 2 of 4: Use river-friendly products
Step 1. Select biodegradable cleaning products
Any chemical you use in your home will end up in a water source. Choose natural detergents or make your own disinfectants based on vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and other natural products. These products will have a much less negative impact if they reach the river.
- Products that say "Toxic" or "Danger" are always harmful to rivers. Even the ones that say "Danger" or "Caution" will have a negative impact.
- Always use cleaning products near a drain. Do not put them directly into the water even if they are natural.
Step 2. Choose recycled products over new ones
A new product requires much more water than a recycled one. Reuse what you already have when possible. If you have to buy something, choose products that are made from recycled paper or other reused materials.
- Check the labels and research the products on the Internet to learn more about how they were made.
- For example, recycled paper reduces the use of trees, water, and landfills.
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Unless you are an ethical hunter or know who is, try to stop eating meat one day a week. Domestic meat production is a major cause of water consumption and can have a negative impact on rivers and other natural landscapes. Try cutting out beef, pork, and chicken from your diet, if only for one day a week.
Help Save the Rivers Step 11 - It takes 1800 gallons (7000 l) of water to produce one pound (500 g) of beef.
- Once you feel comfortable going meat-free for 1 day a week, try increasing to 2-3 times a week for even greater positive impact.
Step 3. Reduce your coffee consumption
Growing coffee beans requires a lot of water and even more is needed to prepare it. Replace it occasionally with tea, which requires less water. A natural fruit juice can also be a nice treat from time to time.
Dairy and almond milk are not the best replacement options, as both animals and almonds use a lot of water. Instead, try natural soy milk
Step 4. Cut down on pesticide use
Insect repellent is a chemical that eventually returns to water sources as spills. To reduce pests in your home, keep your yard well-drained and well-maintained. When you think you need a pesticide, spray a small amount directly on your body or the plant.
Pesticides hurt plants and animals too, so exercise caution
Step 5. Throw the waste in the trash or recycling (if possible recycle)
Don't boat anything directly into the river. This includes not running garbage down the drain, as it could end up in the river anyway, polluting and clogging it. Some examples are baby wipes, coffee grounds, and medications, as well as toxic chemicals. If you are unsure about a product, put it in a trash can.
- Also avoid washing camping gear in the river. Take them home with you so the water doesn't wash away anything. While it is sometimes more practical for men and boys to urinate outside when camping, this should not be done within 60 meters (200 feet) of a water source.
- Try not to go to the bathroom near the river, as doing so also counts as pollution.
Method 3 of 4: Get Involved
Step 1. Volunteer in a project to clean up rivers
Do a quick internet search for "river conservation groups." If you live near a body of water, it is likely that there is a non-profit or community group that contributes to its conservation. There are volunteers who go out in groups to clean the garbage from the streams.
Volunteer groups may also offer other ways to get involved, such as helping out in their offices
Step 2. Make a donation to a river conservation group
Visit the website of a river conservation group or speak with one of their representatives in person to find out their policies on donations. You can find many groups on the Internet and around the world. Most of them are non-profit, so they depend on donations. Even if you don't clean a river, your donation will help the group stay active.
- Many of them also offer annual memberships. With a small donation, you can receive benefits such as a subscription to a newsletter and a discount on merchandise.
- Some examples of national and international river protection groups are American Rivers and International Rivers.
Step 3. Report the contamination you see in a river
It acts as a watchdog by communicating to other people the problems you see when you go to the river. When you notice something is wrong, it is usually possible to call a river conservation group and tell them. Otherwise, call the government nature or environmental offices in your area.
- For example, finding dead fish or garbage near a river is a sign of pollution.
- Do not grab animals or dangerous waste, such as nails, unless you have received training from a conservation group.
Method 4 of 4: Encourage Others to Preserve Rivers
Step 1. Take other people to the riverbank
Go for a walk near the river with your friends and family. If other people learn to value rivers more, they are more likely to join your effort to protect them.
Try river-related activities like swimming or kayaking
Step 2. Spread conservation news on social media
Post about this on Facebook, Twitter, and other sites. Tell other people about the need to preserve the water and what they can do to protect the river. Maybe you can teach them and get them to join the cause.
- For example, post about any volunteer work you do.
- Share stories from conservation groups to spread your message.
Step 3. Tell other people how water can be preserved
Notice the ways others waste or pollute their water. Sometimes they don't realize the extent to which their actions affect rivers, so maybe you can help them with that. Give them courteous advice on what they can change to become an engine for positive change.
For example, you can say, “Did you know that making a bottle of water requires 15 pounds (7 kg)? Could you use a reusable bottle in the future, please? "
Advice
- Conserving water in your home saves you money as well as helping to preserve rivers.
- When you are outside, never throw anything in the water. Dispose of the waste in a safe location, such as a garbage can.
- If you have any chemicals that you want to dispose of, make sure you do so in a suitable place.