Tips for reducing water waste and pollution in our daily lives

Words and pictures by Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau
Translated by Ann Lee

1. Live a simpler life; enjoy a diet that contains lots of greens (vegetables).
2. Place a filtering net inside the kitchen sink to catch cooking residue.
3. Wipe grease and oil from pots and pans before cleaning them with water.
4. Recycle the water you use to clean rice; use it to water your plants and wash the dishes.
5. Allow food to defrost naturally instead of using cold water.

1. Replace your regular bathroom faucet with sensor faucets, or choose faucet types that allow you to save as much water as possible.
2. Select a toilet type that allows you to flush with various water amounts, or place an empty bottle inside the toilet tank to save water.
3. Keep a trashcan next to the toilet for the disposal of used tissues and other sanitary products in order to avoid toilet blockages.
4. Avoid using the toilet to dispose of items with strong acidic or alkaline content.

1. When doing laundry, soak dirty clothes in clear water first, then spin-dry them once before washing them in the washing machine.
2. Use a measuring cup for laundry detergent; this way, you can measure the amount of detergent
used and avoid waste.
3. Use phosphorus-free detergents or　pure soap when washing clothes.

1. Reuse and recycle water for most types of cleaning purposes.
2. Clean drainage ditches and other waterways on a regular basis.
3. Do not dump waste water and garbage into rivers and waterways.
4. Clean the septic tanks 1-2 times every year.