25 Ways to Save Water

25 August 2020

Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are using it faster than the planet can replenish it. The good news is that small changes in your daily habits can make a significant difference. And if you are already vegan, you are off to a head start — a plant-based diet uses roughly 50 per cent less water than a meat-based one.

The Vegan Connection

It takes approximately 15,400 litres of water to produce one kilogram of beef, compared to just 322 litres for one kilogram of vegetables. By choosing plant-based foods, you are already saving thousands of litres of water every week. But there is more you can do beyond diet.

25 Practical Tips

1. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Saves up to 8 litres per minute.
2. Take shorter showers. Even cutting 2 minutes saves 20 litres.
3. Fix dripping taps. A single drip can waste 15 litres a day.
4. Use a bowl to wash vegetables instead of running water.
5. Reuse vegetable washing water to water your plants.
6. Only run the washing machine with a full load.
7. Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
8. Use a watering can instead of a hose in the garden.
9. Water plants early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
10. Collect rainwater for garden use.
11. Install a water-efficient shower head.
12. Use a dual-flush toilet or put a brick in the cistern to reduce water per flush.
13. Steam vegetables instead of boiling them — uses less water and retains more nutrients.

14. Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it is cold.
15. Choose plant-based milk — oat milk uses 80 per cent less water than dairy.
16. Buy seasonal, local produce when possible — imported crops often rely on irrigation in water-scarce regions.
17. Reduce food waste — wasted food means wasted water.
18. Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash your car.
19. Insulate hot water pipes to get hot water faster and waste less cold water while waiting.
20. Choose drought-resistant plants for your garden.
21. Mulch your garden to retain moisture in the soil.
22. Reuse pasta or rice cooking water — it makes excellent plant food when cooled.
23. Report water leaks in public spaces to your local council.
24. Support companies that prioritise water conservation in their supply chains.
25. Eat more whole foods and fewer processed products — processing uses vast amounts of water.

Going vegan is the single biggest dietary change you can make to reduce your water footprint. Combined with these everyday habits, you can make a meaningful difference. For more on sustainable living, explore our sustainable fashion guide.