Monday 7 August 2023: Kitchen Water Challenge

 

Monday 7 August 2023: Kitchen Water Challenge

Affinity Water has invited me to take part in a kitchen water challenge.

Here are six water-saving tips we’ll be challenging you to take part in this week:

1.      Save 20 litres every day by only running the washing machine full and on ECO mode

2.      Save 65 litres every day by only running dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full

3.      Save 15 litres every day by using the same glass or mug all day

4.      Save 12 litres every day by scraping your plates instead of rinsing before putting them in the dishwasher

5.      Save 24 litres every time by washing/peeling vegetables in a bowl rather under a running tap

6.      Save 36 litres every day by washing up in a bowl instead of under a running tap

Do you currently practice any of these water-saving behaviours? If so, which ones and how do you find them?

1.      The washing machine has been run 10 times over the past month. It is used only when it is full. The washing machine is rarely run on eco mode because the mode does not wash the clothes adequately for the degree of soiling. Each load uses about 50 litres of water, although this varies according to the programme (type of clothing in the load).

2.      The dishwasher has been run 24 times over the past month. It is used only when it is full. It is not run on eco mode because it does not wash the dishes adequately. Each load uses about 20 litres of water.

3.      We each use the same mug and glass throughout the day, before it goes in the dishwasher for its overnight run.

4.      We do not waste food. Neither cutlery, nor crockery nor cookware are rinsed before being stacked in the dishwasher.

5.      Not only do I clean and peel vegetables in a bowl, instead of under running water, but once used, the water is poured into a bucket for secondary re-use.

6.      Washing-up (non-dishwasher safe items) has happened 6 times over the past month. A washing-up bowl is used. Once finished, the used water is poured into a bucket for secondary re-use.

All of the practices described above are fully incorporated into our routine.

If Affinity Water would be willing to loan us a washing machine with an eco mode that cleans soiled clothes adequately, we should be happy to accept the offer.

I am at a loss to see what the challenge could be.