Sensible Green Tip #2

Conserve H2O
Again, this tip sounds so cliché but I feel it's one that really needs to be emphasized. With water being a finite resource it's going to run out someday. So in order to meet the demand of the planet scientists created water purifying processes like desalination. However, these advanced processes require a lot of energy, a lot. So to save water in the present, these little tips do a lot.

• Shorter Showers - yes, taking 1-minute less showers can save up to 60 hours of running water each year (assuming you shower every day). Think about it the next time you decide to daydream at that sea-shell wallpaper.

• Dishwashers - If you have a recent model (past 7 years or so) using this can actually save you up to 1000 gallons of water per month. So instead of washing dishes by hand, put them in the dishwasher. You'll save time and effort, too. (Be sure to only run the dishwasher on a full load; otherwise you'll waste water.)

• Car Wash - Instead of washing your hybrid in the driveway, go to a car wash instead. The water that runs off your driveway can contaminate the local watershed, assuming you use soap and what not. Most car washes recycle their run-off or properly dispose of it through the sewer system. Be sure to visit the car wash when you're off doing erronds since you're out and about anyways.

• STOP USING THOSE AWFUL PLASTIC BOTTLES - As you may have heard on the news, most water bottling companies just use municipal water. Also, the plastic can leach potentially harmful BPA (Bisphenol A) that can disrupt your hormones (and who knows what else). So to save money and your health, buy a reusable water bottle. Nalgene bottles are a good choice, but only the ones that are BPA-free. They sell them at Target stores and Dick's Sporting goods. An even better choice (since Nalgene is plastic) are stainless steel bottles like Klean Kanteen and SIGG.

So these are some very useful tips that I use all the time. They are also the most sensible and easy-to-do ones I know. So do the planet (and your wallet) a favor and follow these simple steps.