Tackling drought: 10 water saving tips for businesses

Summer has yet to officially begin, and yet a large part of Europe seems already parched. The early onset of drought is an increasingly frequent phenomenon, caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, poor water management, and lack of water saving.

Residents of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, for example, have already dealt with muddy conditions as a result of extreme weather differences. Furthermore, research has shown that more than half of the world's large lakes are drying up.

Availability

It may seem obvious, but the simple reality is that we not only need more water but there is also increasingly less available. Various reasons contribute to this, such as overfishing, pollution, and the increasing temperatures that are further straining the natural water reserves on our planet.

Water-saving tips

These problems may seem large and abstract at first glance, but they affect us all, and soon too. That's why it's crucial to start working on water management solutions as soon as possible. Here are ten water-saving tips for businesses to improve water management and reduce water consumption:

  1. Green for grey: Imagine, instead of a boring, grey-tiled desert, you have a vibrant, green oasis right outside your office window. It not only looks nicer, but it also absorbs excess rainwater and reduces heat during hot summer months. And let's be honest, a bit of nature does wonders for those Zoom backgrounds.
  2. Smart appliances: Take a moment to really look at your office building. How much water do those old taps and appliances actually waste? Upgrading to water-saving taps, efficient dishwashers, and other appliances can have a big impact on your water consumption.
  3. Rain is free water: Don't forget, every time it rains, that's free water that you can collect and reuse. Think about flushing toilets, watering plants, or washing company cars. Take advantage of this free gift from nature with a rainwater collection system.
  4. Water awareness is cool: Start a water-saving campaign at the office. Make employees aware of the importance of water conservation and the simple ways to do this. Make it a competition, reward the most water-saving department - creativity knows no bounds!
  5. Leakage detective: Leaks are the sneaky enemies of every water saving. Regular checks can help detect invisible water loss. Remember, every drop counts!
  6. Know what you consume: To measure is to know, as they say. So how can you save if you don't even know how much you use? With a water management system, you can track your consumption and implement effective saving measures.
  7. Wastewater = reusable water: Wastewater may not sound so appealing, but with the right treatment, it can be reused. It's a great source for irrigating your new green office garden.
  8. Weatherproof garden: Invest in drought-resistant plants for your office garden. They're attractive, easy to maintain, and can withstand both drought and excess water. Plus, they attract bees and butterflies!
  9. Clean with less: Take a look at the cleaning products and techniques you use. Are there water-saving alternatives available? You'd be surprised how much water you can save by making minor adjustments.
  10. Waterless toilet? Why not! Yes, you read that right, a toilet without water. It may sound strange, but waterless toilets are an innovative and eco-friendly solution that saves a lot of water. Plus, they're more hygienic than you think. It's definitely worth considering.

Small businesses, big responsibility

It is clear that the fight against drought is a task that we all must take on. As small businesses, we have the opportunity, and also the responsibility, to play a leading role in this challenge. By taking proactive measures, such as implementing these ten tips, we can make a substantial contribution to a more sustainable and resilient future for everyone.

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