How to Save Water, Energy, and Money (While Doing Your Bit for the Planet)

by Anna Mizrahi January 14, 2020

We all want to save a little money while making a positive impact on the environment, especially when it comes to caring for our little ones. There’s no need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight—start with a couple of changes that feel right for you. Then, once you've got them down, pick a few more. And remember, even small steps deserve a pat on the back!

In the Laundry: Simple Tricks for Big Savings

You probably spend more time in the laundry than ever before. Here are some tips to help save water, energy, and money:

Wash in Cold – You might think hot water is essential for hygiene, but it’s actually not necessary. Cold water works just fine to get clothes clean and fresh, and it saves energy!
Stubborn Stains? Try Soaking – Instead of cranking up the hot water, try soaking clothes overnight in regular detergent, or use something like Sards soap. A good soak followed by some time in the sun can work wonders on stains, especially food stains from your little one.
Wait for Full Loads – Old washing machines can use up to 140 litres of water per load. Run your machine only with full loads to save both water and energy. And, if your washer has a small load setting, remember it won’t save energy—it just uses less water but the same amount of electricity.

Drying Clothes: Minimize Your Use of the Dryer

Clothes dryers are energy hogs, so let’s find ways to avoid using them too much. Here are a few simple ideas:

Air Drying: String up a clothesline on your balcony, verandah, or carport. Or, set up a clothes rack inside in a heated room. A pulley system that raises the clothes to the ceiling is great because it makes use of the warm air up top.
Partially Dry with a Rack: Try drying your clothes on racks and lines for most of the drying process, and then just use the dryer to finish them off if needed.

Bath Time: Water-Saving Tips for Baby

Baby bath water is a great resource for keeping your plants healthy, and here's how to use it wisely:

Reuse Baby Bath Water: If your baby’s bath water doesn’t have anything gross in it, use it to water your garden! Just rotate where you pour it to avoid soap buildup in the soil, and don’t use it on edible plants.
Safety First with Grey Water: Be careful about storing grey water for too long, as it can cause issues. If you’re using it for plants, never let it sit for more than 24 hours, and make sure pets and babies stay clear. For more grey water safety tips, check out your local guidelines.

Extra Water-Saving Hacks

Catch Water While Waiting for Hot: Keep a container handy to collect the cold water that runs while you're waiting for the hot water to come through. This water can be used for boiling bottles, filling the kettle, or flushing the toilet.
Get a Hot Water Recirculator: Consider investing in one of these gadgets that sends cold water back to your system, so you're not wasting it while waiting for the hot water to flow.
Use Efficient Dishwashers: Modern dishwashers can actually use less water than washing by hand, especially if you scrape your dishes instead of rinsing them and wash only full loads.
Switch to a Water-Saving Showerhead: If you haven’t yet, get a water-saving showerhead. Your water retailer might even offer one for free. It can save up to 40,000 litres of water a year—plus, you won’t even notice the difference in water pressure.

Saving Energy: Small Changes, Big Impact

Standby Power Drain: Did you know appliances in standby mode can use more energy than when they’re actually in use? Always turn off your microwave, TV, and chargers when you’re not using them. Power strips with individual switches make it easy to switch off several devices at once.
Boiling Water: If you don’t have a microwave, use an electric kettle. It uses less energy than boiling water on the stove. And, only heat the amount of water you need—no need to fill the kettle to the brim.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes: Insulating your hot water pipes helps to keep the water warm as it travels through your house, saving energy and improving efficiency.

Keep Your Home Comfortable Year-Round

Heating and cooling can be expensive, but with a few changes, you can keep your home cozy without cranking up the thermostat:

Install Insulation: The more insulation you have in your home, the more energy-efficient it will be. This could save you almost half on your heating and cooling bills.
Use Thick, Lined Curtains: Thick curtains help keep the warmth inside during winter and the heat outside in summer.
Seal Gaps: You’d be surprised at how much heat escapes through tiny gaps in windows and doors. Sealing those gaps keeps your home comfortable without extra heating or cooling.
Adjust Thermostats: In winter, set your thermostat between 19° and 21°C to save energy. For every degree above 21°, you add 10% to your heating bill. In summer, aim for 26°C for the best balance of comfort and energy savings.
Fans over Air Conditioning: In summer, start with a fan to circulate the air. If it’s too hot, then turn on the AC, but remember that fans cost just a fraction of what air conditioners use.

Shopping Smart: Save Money and the Planet

Food production uses lots of water and energy, but you can make more sustainable choices:

Buy Seasonal and Local: Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season and grown locally. They’re often fresher, more nutritious, and cheaper.
Organic Choices: If possible, go for organic food. While it might be a bit more expensive, it reduces the harmful chemicals that can affect both your baby and the environment.
Grow Your Own: Even if you don’t have a big yard, growing your own herbs or vegetables on a balcony or windowsill is an easy way to save money and enjoy fresh food.

Tackle Food Waste

Babies generate a lot of food scraps. Here's what you can do:

Start Composting: Set up a compost or worm farm for food scraps. It’s a great way to reduce landfill waste and turn your scraps into rich soil for your garden.
Consider Backyard Chickens: If you have the space, consider getting chickens. They’re great pets and will help reduce food waste while providing fresh eggs.

By integrating a few of these tips into your daily routine, you'll not only save water, energy, and money, but you'll also be making a positive impact on the environment for you and your little one. So, which tips are you going to try first?