As we celebrate World Water Day, here are some ideas for plant lovers to reduce their water footprint:

- Reuse household water: save cold water that typically runs down the drain while you wait for hot, save your cooking water when steam or boil vegetables, it’s full of nutrients! Reuse fish tank water if you have one. Put a bucket or two in the bottom of your shower, while the water is heating up. If you use eco-friendly products, you can even use your grey water.

- Install a rain barrel: it can save around 1,300 gallons of water for outdoors use during the peak summer months.

- Mindful lawn care: Don't rely solely on the set up of your irrigation system. If it’s raining or if we just had heavy rain, there's no need to let your automatic sprinklers go off. Mow your lawn high for stronger roots and increased moisture. 

- Landscape with conservation in mind: have you heard about xeriscaping? It’s the process of landscaping, or gardening with minimal use of water. Introduce plant species like shrubs and trees, and used native plants. Use porous materials when designing outdoor living areas. You will not only save water and money but also protect the environment by using less to no pesticides and fertilizer, and attract pollinators. You can also practice hydrozoning, or grouping plants together based on their soil, sun and watering needs. 

- Composting and mulching: composting is one of the best additives to soil because it helps to retain water in sandy soils and improve drainage in clay soils. Covering your soil and plants with 2 to 3 inches of mulch. It will reduce water evaporation, help retail soil moisture and also reduce weed sprouting.

- Water at the right time of the day: in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation loss. 

Calculate your water footprint and discover ways to reduce it: https://www.watercalculator.org/wfc2/q/household/