SAVE WATER, SAVE THE WORLD

Motivation:

As we know, all creatures cannot live without water. It is such an important natural resource that the United Nations puts it as SDGs goal number 6.

Some countries lack water all year round, some have too much. And still others, like Taiwan and Japan, have uneven monthly rainfall.

Water Problems

The annual rainfall of both Taiwan and Japan is above the average of the whole world. Besides, it seems Taiwan has more rain than Japan does. Though this, there was the most serious drought in Taiwan that has been recorded within 100 year. People had no choice but face water rationing (分區限水) this April. Such extreme weather is related to uneven rainfall. We human beings actually suffer for our own wrong doings. We pollute the earth and cause global warming. In turn, global warming causes climate change and it causes floods and droughts.

What can we do to solve the water shortage problems?

Water Solutions

Recycling and reuse wastewater is the only way we can count on.

#Household Water Conservation Practiced in Taiwan

1. Collecting Air Conditioner Water: Some families have a habit of collecting the air conditioner wastewater to reuse it to water flowers and plants. That saves money and water at the same time.

2. Reusing Kitchen Water: While cooking, families wash vegetables, the rice. They tend to reuse the waste water to mop the floor and water the plants.

3. Reusing Bathtub Water: Bathtub water accounts the most household water use. Therefore, people may reuse it to flush the toilet, wash clothes, and mop the floor.

#Household Water Conservation Practiced in Japan

Families in Japan also have some tips on saving water. But first, let’s check the following number. The average household water per day is about 220 liters. Bath takes 40 percent, Toilet 22 percent, Cooking 17 percent, Laundry 15 percent, and the rest 6 percent.

1. Taking a Shower instead of Taking a bath: If we leave the shower running for one minute, we will waste 12 liters of water. We normally have about 180 liters of leftover water in the bathtub. If we reuse half of it, we can save 650 yens a month.

2. Flushing the toilet by using separate buttons: We separate large and small toilet use. Most toilets use 13 liters for large and 6 liters for small. By using only small ones, we can save 7 liters per use.

3. Using Kitchen paper to remove the oily dishes: When washing dishes, we seldom leave the faucet running because that equals 60 liters. When we wash oily tableware, our families may remove oil with kitchen paper before washing them.

4. Reusing Bathtub Water: After taking a bath. we often reuse the waste water to water the plants in the balcony.

5. Using a Container to Fill the water: When brushing teeth, never leave the faucet running for 30 seconds, because that’s about 6 liters of water. If we fill a glass with water, we only use about 0.6 liters. By doing so, it may save about 5 yens per day.