Worried about the long-term effects of over-use of water? Looking for ways to make a difference - think globally - act locally? Got a teenager who spends too much time in the shower?
The handy steps listed below are from a new book called “How to take a 3 minute shower...and other things one person can do to conserve water” , by the family of local author Theo Graham. Theo recently won first place in the Royal Canadian Legion’s Regional Public Speaking contest for his speech on the same topic. Now, a book published by Habit Five Publishing is available for those seeking to gain a greater awareness of some of the things a family or individual can do to make a real difference, right now, right at home.
For instance, the book explains that while people in developing countries might use only 6 litres of water per day for all of their needs - including drinking - the average person in Canada and the US uses 350 - 400 litres of water every day for their domestic needs!
By using a low-flow shower head, for example, and taking shorter showers, a family of four could save up to 250,000 litres of water every year! Other tips, facts and pointers are listed, as well.
Using simple graphics to illustrate each point, the book is a good reminder that conservation - especially water conservation - is something we should ALL pay attention to, and that there is always something we can do about it. Instead of just reading about it, you can act on it.
Here’s how Theo’s family does it at their place. (Send these tips to someone you know!)
How to Take a 3-Minute Shower - by Theo Graham
First of all, Be Prepared, Move Quickly, Stay Focused!
Step #1 Get your soap, shampoo, and towel ready
Step #2 Undress; turn the shower on
Step #3 Check temperature, adjust, and get in
Step #4 Get hair wet. That will get the rest of your body wet, too. And remember: Move Quickly!
Step #5 Shampoo hair first, (using 2 in 1, shampoo & conditioner)?
Step #6 Soap up while it’s conditioning (use the time wisely)
Step #7 Rinse off: start with the hair, the rest of your body will rinse off in seconds
Step #8 Shut the water off. Don’t linger, you’re done!
© 2004 Theo Graham; excerpted from the book by Habit Five Publishing
The 36-page book is now available. Retails for $3 each plus shipping and GST. Quantity discounts available. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 1-866-4-HABIT-5 for more information.