In the U.S. alone, 1.7 trillion gallons of water is wasted each year. While it’s easy to focus on things like climate change and energy waste (which are also important!), far too often businesses and individuals alike ignore the dangers of water waste.
Wasting water impacts your carbon footprint. This is mostly because water treatment requires sufficient energy. We can’t expect water control systems to work overtime just because we’re being wasteful with our water consumption.
As a business, you can certainly do your part to be more sustainable. That includes adopting an environment where water isn’t wasted, and usage throughout your building is taken seriously.
Let’s look at three strategies your business can put into place to save water.
Install Low-Flow Options
Whether you want to make bathroom breaks or hand-washing more efficient, installing low-flow toilets and faucets is a great way to start.
High-efficiency toilets use about 2 gallons of water per flush, compared to older models that tend to use around 5. If you have multiple employees using the restroom each day, that can add up quickly.
Consider any other types of water-efficient equipment your business might need and make an investment. Yes, it may cost more up front. But, you’ll end up saving money in the long run when it comes to the energy you use and the amount of water wasted.
Look At Your Landscape Water Use
Many businesses invest in landscaping to make the exterior of their office or building look just as good as the interior. While it’s true that quality landscaping can be great for your business’ appeal, it can also use a lot of water that you don’t necessarily need to waste – up to hundreds of gallons each day!
You can combat so much outdoor water use by using native plants in your landscaping that require less-frequent watering. Or, have a rain-harvesting system installed to collect rainwater that will naturally irrigate your plants.
Get Your Employees On Board
It’s not enough to just make a few small changes on your own. If you truly want to save water in your business, everyone has to be on the same page the way they would be with any other sustainable choice.
Make sure your employees know about the importance of saving water and the initiatives your business is going to take to be less wasteful. Establishing that culture can get people excited about making changes and doing their part to use less water at work.
Is Your Business Using Too Much Water?
If you haven’t given much thought into how much water your business uses on a regular basis, contact a local company to perform a water audit.
This will give you a clear picture of how much water is being used, so you can keep your employees informed and understand where water is being wasted. It’s a great place to start, and provides you with the accurate data you need to inspire positive changes in the way your business works.