Turn Off the Tap, Always
It sounds simple, but it's the biggest water-waster in any shared bathroom or kitchen. A running tap can waste more than six litres of water per minute. Make it a habit to turn off the water while you brush your teeth, lather your hands with soap, or shave.
This one small change, when adopted by everyone in the hostel, can save thousands of litres each month. Encourage your friends to do the same; a simple sign near the sink can be a friendly reminder for everyone to be mindful.
Master the Art of the Bucket Bath
While a quick shower feels refreshing, it can use a significant amount of water—anywhere from 10 to 25 gallons for a five-minute shower. Embracing the traditional bucket bath is one of the most effective ways to cut down water usage. A single bucket holds a fixed amount of water, forcing you to be more efficient. If you must shower, try to keep it under five minutes. You can even place a bucket in the shower to collect the initial cold water and use it later for cleaning or flushing.
Be a Leak Detective
A dripping tap or a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. In a busy hostel, these small issues are often ignored. If you notice a leak in your bathroom, kitchen, or any common area, report it to the hostel administration immediately. A slow drip can waste hundreds of gallons per month, so your quick action is crucial. Being proactive not only saves water but also prevents minor issues from turning into major plumbing problems.
Rethink Your Laundry Routine
Resist the urge to wash clothes after a single wear, unless absolutely necessary. Jeans, sweaters, and jackets can often be worn multiple times before they need a wash. When it is time to do laundry, try to wash a full load at once rather than several smaller loads. This applies whether you are using the hostel's washing machine or washing by hand. Washing full loads maximises the efficiency of both water and electricity. For handwashing, avoid letting the tap run continuously; use a bucket for both washing and rinsing.
Reuse Water Whenever Possible
Many hostels use RO purifiers for drinking water, which produce a significant amount of reject water. Instead of letting it go down the drain, this 'greywater' can be collected and put to good use. You can use it for mopping floors, watering plants around the hostel, or even for the initial cleaning of utensils before washing them with clean water. Similarly, water used to rinse vegetables or fruits can be collected and reused for plants. It's about seeing water not just as a single-use resource but as something that can serve multiple purposes.
Wash Dishes the Smart Way
In a shared hostel kitchen, the sink can be a major point of water wastage. Instead of washing your plate or cup under a running tap, fill a small basin or the sink with water to scrub your dishes. Turn the tap on only for a final, quick rinse. If you have a stack of utensils, wash the cleanest items first and the greasiest ones last to make the most of the wash water. Soaking sticky pans instead of scrubbing them under running water also helps save a significant amount.
