Water & Resources

Water Saving Devices
There are several products that make it simple to save water. Many are available through Anglian Water for free or at a reduced price, these include:

• Water Butts
• Save-a-flush cistern water displacement devices
• Water efficient shower heads
• Tap adaptors (which aerate water to reduce flow without noticeable difference)

For full details, visit Anglian Water's water efficient products webpage

Water Meters
Anglian Water encourages the use of water meters. By only paying for the water you use you could save money on your bill.

Water meters allow you to keep track of your water use making it easier to reduce the amount you use, which benefits you, society and the environment.

Water meters are fitted for free, and you can return to unmetered supply within 12 months if you are unhappy.  For further details contact Anglian Water on 08457 145 145 or see Anglian Water's meter information webpage.

Water Saving Behaviour
The average person uses 150 litres of water per day. There are many ways for you to reduce your water use.

In the Home:

• Turn off the tap when cleaning your teeth
• Wash dishes and vegetables in a bowl
• Use the half load setting on your washing machine and dishwasher or preferably always run on a full load
• Choose water efficient appliances
• A 5 minute shower uses 40 litres, a bath uses 80 litres and a power shower uses over 100 litres of water
• Fix dripping taps quickly
• Insulate your water pipes to prevent bursts, and subsequent leakages, in the winter

In the Garden:

• Use a watering can to water your garden
• Water your garden at dawn or dusk to avoid excess evaporation
• Use drought-resistant plants in dry parts of your garden
• Use washing-up water in your garden
• Wash your car with a bucket and sponge

For more tips go to http://www.waterwise.org.uk/, or you can try out the Energy Saving Trust's water saving calculator.

Resources

The more we consume the more pressure we place on the planet's natural resources, such as plants, minerals and wildlife that are used to produce the items we buy. Therefore the best way to reduce your impact is to buy fewer new products.

That's not to say you can't buy anything, but think before you buy. Could you buy a second hand item from a charity shop or internet auction site? Or perhaps you could borrow or hire what you want (for example DVDs, CDs and books from libraries)?

You may even be able to get something for free! Try Freegle, or Eastex (for building supplies).

When you do buy an item from new, try to shop responsibly. Look for products that are recycled, fair-trade, locally produced, or bear an official certification, such as the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) for sustainably sourced wood.

If you really want to commit to ethical buying, sites such as Ethical Consumer and The Good Shopping Guide even allow you to research the ethical values of the company you are considering buying from.