Despite the approaching rainy season, you should always make an effort to appreciate and save water no matter where you are. This is especially true in the kitchen, as water is a key ingredient in many recipes, and cooking often requires the use of large amounts of water. Take a look at our top ten tips for saving water in the kitchen.

By Taryn Wilson

1. If you are running water into the sink while waiting for it to heat up, run the excess cold water into a bowl to be used later for the kettle, in the garden or for washing veggies.

2. Use your grey water from rinsing vegetables, the washing machine and cooking to water your garden.

3. Dishwater can often be too dirty to use on the garden or anywhere else in the home, so try to limit your dishes by re-using plates, cutlery and cups. Only wash dishes when absolutely necessary.

4. Avoid rinsing off dishes with clean water before and after washing. Rather let your dishes drip dry
in a dish hanger.

5. If you find that you have too much water to use in the garden, try planting your own veggie patch. You will save water and bucks this way.

6. If you recycle at home, try to avoid rinsing the items before putting them in the bin. If you really feel you have to (because of the smell and insects) then wash them with your dishes.

7. Despite what you may have heard, it’s not a good idea to stock up on bottled water as it takes even more water to produce the plastic packaging. Try getting clean drinking water from a natural spring, such as the Newlands Brewery water point in Cape Town.

8. If you aren’t too keen on growing your own veggies, make sure to buy raw unpackaged items that have not been rinsed as this process uses shocking amounts of water in the bigger scheme of things. And rinsing them at home is a great way to use any excess water you have saved up.

9. We know it may be hard to hear, but the production of meat products uses vast amounts of water. It can take up to 42 000 litres of water to produce 1 kg of beef. Take a look at some of our amazing vegetarian dishes to try as an alternative. Going meat-free just once a week will make a huge impact.

10. Lastly, ensure that everyone in your home knows about your methods to save water. It doesn’t help to be the only one making changes. And even if you don’t live in Cape Town, unnecessary waster wasting should never become a habit.

Photography: @thekitchencompany