Make your holidays merry, bright, and water-wise

The holiday season is here, bringing festive gatherings, family dinners, and endless opportunities to create joyful memories. It's also the perfect time to sprinkle in some water-saving habits that are as practical as they are good for the environment. Check out these simple tips to make your celebrations merry and water-smart!

• Give your sprinklers a break: Turn off your sprinklers this winter, but if the weather stays dry, remember to water your trees. Healthy trees mean a greener spring!
• Make the most of dish duty: Hosting a crowd? Skip the handwashing and let your dishwasher do the heavy lifting. It saves water and gives you more time with your guests. Do you only need to wash a few items by hand? Soak pots and pans before scrubbing, and use a two-basin method for washing and rinsing.
• Set out a pitcher: Instead of pouring water for each guest, place a pitcher on the table and let everyone serve themselves. Any leftovers can hydrate your houseplants!
• Keep showers short and sweet: A house full of guests doesn't have to mean skyrocketing water use. Encourage quick showers by creating a five-minute playlist of holiday tunes like Jingle Bell Rock or Winter Wonderland. When the music ends, so does the shower!
• Scrape, don't rinse: Scrape food scraps into the trash instead of flushing them down the garbage disposal. It's a simple step that's better for your pipes and the planet.
• Give the gift of water efficiency: For a unique gift option, consider a high-efficiency showerhead, a sleek low-flow toilet, or a smart sprinkler timer. Many products with the WaterSense label qualify for rebates, so check with your local water provider to save money while saving water.