Greywater may be a new term to you… once again, this one was recently a new one for me too!
Greywater is defined as the “waste water generated from bathing, showering, dishwashing and laundry”. Initial thoughts might sound something like “well… ick.” Sure, I certainly don’t recommend you grab a glass(!), but there are plenty of household uses for this water (as long as you aren’t using harsh cleansers and detergents).
Think about watering your indoor plants, outdoor plants and shrubbery, or washing your car. This water is ideal.
All you need to do is add a handled bucket to your shower, scoop out a bucket or watering can full from your bath, or add the bucket to your utility tub when your washer is draining. Plants will actually thrive from the content of this water and your car happens not to care if the water has a bit of added body wash or laundry detergent.
Considering this greywater accounts for somewhere between 50%-80% of residential water waste, conserving and using it will certainly amount to a lot more than just “a drop in the bucket”.
This seriously wont kill my plants? The soap wont harm them? I am on board for washing my car and the like but I cant imagine that soap would kill my plants….
THanks fo rthe tips though.
Kristen – yes, as long as you are using environmental, plant-based soaps and detergents they will be safe… harsh chemical content in typical commercial products WILL kills the plants. You should only use them on hardy plants though… no young plants or seedlings, nor should you put them on delicate plants like violets. And for indoor plants, you will want to alternate greywater and fresh water, since they are contained in planters and the water doesn’t distribute the same as when used on outdoor plants.
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Hi! We loved your post over at KiwiLog and decided to feature it as part of our weekly mom blog round-up. Thanks!
KiwiLog – FABULOUS! Thanks so much for the mention!
I use this water to flush the toilet, but only when Im not expecting company.
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