Even though it’s not convenient to think about, we all need to consider our water consumption and make an effort to conserve. Parts of the country are experiencing a drought and even those parts that aren’t experiencing drought conditions need to think about conservation and not be wasteful.

I know that being a product junkie often goes hand in hand with too much water usage. I certainly would like to do my part to save water so I started thinking about my routine. Here are some tips on how to save water in the bathroom:

1. Turn the water off at the faucet when you’re not using it. For example, when you wash your face, turn on the water to wet your face and while you’re lathering and massaging with your cleanser, make sure the faucet is off. Turn the water back on only when you’re ready to rinse.

2. Take quick showers rather than baths. When you install a water saving shower head, you’ll use much less water than with a bath. Filling a bath tub requires a large amount of water.

3. Leave the water off in the shower while you shave. Once again, try not to leave the water running unnecessarily. Shave with the water off. When you’re ready to rinse, turn it back on.

4. If you’re really motivated not to waste water consider doing this: while the water from the shower is warming up, catch that water in a bucket. Use it later to water the plants.

I must admit I have a ways to go before I consider myself to be truly water-wise. Changing old habits is hard and constantly trying to be conscious of one’s water consumption takes a big effort. Does anyone else have some good tips for saving water?