LADWP

Look what LADWP left on our doorstep this morning! I am so excited to see because the city is being very proactive. Hopefully, people will read it and make changes if they haven't already. Inside:

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (2 of them) - CFL's can last 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb (10,000 hours compared to 750 hours), and will save 400 lbs of coal in energy generation. Only thing is that it's got mercury in it, so we can't forget to dispose of it properly at Hazardous Waste Centers!

Water Consevation Tips Booklet - Having already applied water conservation techniques throughout the house, I am realizing how much water I am really saving...
- Fixed leaky faucets and toilets 20 gallons a day for every leak
- Installed water saving shower heads and faucet aerators saving 500-800 gallons of water a month
- Only running full loads of laundry saves 300-800 gallons a month. I have also been wearing my clothes more times before washing.
- Not using my toilet as a wastebasket saves 400-600 gallons. It takes water and energy to filter that out of our waste water!!
- Using a broom instead of hose to clean the patio saves 150 gallons each time.
- You can also get fined for watering your lawn between the hours of 9am-4pm. According to Natalie at All Shades of Green, the City of Long Beach is the only city in So Cal that is making a dent in our drought situation bringing their water consumption down 10% in 2008 (!) because of their strict enforcement of this rule. She also said that if we don't start acting, forced water rationing may take affect this year, which may be the hottest year on record.

These numbers are kinda shocking for one little household.
The immediate goal for me is to spend less time showering. I've already installed lo flow shower heads that can be turned off while soaping, but I can't seem to keep my shower under 4 minutes. Must find another way to relax!