January 10, 2020
How to preserve water through the bushfire and drought crisis
The recent unprecedented drought and bushfire crisis that has unfolded across much of Australia has meant the introduction of necessary water restrictions. These natural disasters have highlighted the precariousness of water supplies and show that it is more important than ever to preserve and protect them.
Here’s what you can do to help reduce your water usage:
In the Bathroom
- Brush your teeth with the tap off
- Cut down your shower time to four minutes
- Opt for the half-flush
- Upgrade to a water-saving showerhead
In the Kitchen
- Fill your dishwasher completely before using it
- Don’t pre-wash your dishes before loading them
- Return any unwanted or expired medicines to your local pharmacy – this keeps them from contaminating existing waterways
Outside
- Water your plants with greywater
- Water your plants either before 9am or after 6pm
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clear debris from paved areas
These small but effective tips can make a big difference over time to your household water usage, and if we all make these changes, it can make a significant difference to the overall national supply.
For more information on how to return unwanted or expired medicines to your local pharmacy, visit our FAQs.
The Return of Unwanted Medicines Project is a free service that offers a way to dispose of unwanted or expired medicines safely and conveniently at your local community pharmacy. Find out more about the service here.