Here’s a fact that might surprise some: my family doesn’t bathe every day. In fact, we don’t even have a shower. I can almost hear the gasp of dismay from some parents who are now imagining the state of my kids’ feet.
The average American takes a daily shower, consuming approximately 17.2 gallons of precious, irreplaceable water each time. Given the ongoing drought challenges in the West and the alarming warnings from scientists about dwindling fresh water supplies, the idea of showering daily without a pressing need seems not only excessive but also irresponsible. An adult typically requires between 2 and 3 liters of water for survival and about 2 gallons for daily needs. With our planet’s resources being stretched, my family decided to take a stand and demonstrate respect for this vital resource by significantly reducing our water usage—starting with our showering habits.
Before I became a parent, I didn’t give much thought to our natural resources. However, parenting is inherently political; every choice we make impacts not just our children, but also our communities and the environment. Consequently, we embraced a philosophy of conservation at home, beginning with our decision to eliminate daily showers.
Three and a half years ago, right before my second child was born, my partner renovated our bathroom. We thought we needed more space, but in reality, the bathroom wasn’t the area crying out for expansion (hello, closets!). When it came time to install a new shower, we decided instead to forgo it entirely and purchased a vintage clawfoot tub from a charming antique shop along the coast.
This tub has transformed our perspective on water usage. Unlike a shower, it allows us to visualize how much water we’re consuming. We also stopped purchasing soaps and beauty products that contain microbeads, which are harmful to our oceans and water systems. Since bathing requires more preparation and cleanup than a quick shower, it has turned into an intentional act rather than a mindless routine.
You might be wondering how I manage to stay fresh without showering daily, especially when it comes to personal hygiene. Each morning, I take a few minutes to use a washcloth. It’s efficient, requires minimal water, and I’m ready for the day in no time—without wasting gallons of water, creating additional laundry, or drying out my skin.
Speaking of skin health, it turns out that daily bathing isn’t necessarily beneficial. According to the Atlantic’s web series If Our Bodies Could Talk, frequent bathing can strip your skin of essential microbes that help maintain its health. Our skin is not just for appearance; it serves as a barrier against germs and infections.
My children don’t bathe every day either. They typically enjoy a couple of baths weekly, supplemented with washcloths to keep them clean and free from all the typical kid messes.
At our home, we treat water with the respect it deserves. We don’t pour chemicals down our drains since we rely on well water, and we understand that those substances don’t just vanish. We utilize rain barrels for garden watering and even save greywater during the summer for outdoor use.
If we truly want to preserve our planet, we must critically evaluate our resource consumption and distinguish between our perceived needs and actual needs. Striking a balance is essential for creating a clean, safe world for our children. Our family’s dedication to water conservation is just one small step toward that goal.
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In summary, our family’s choice to limit daily baths is driven by a commitment to water conservation. We strive to be mindful of our consumption while ensuring we maintain our health and hygiene. Embracing this lifestyle not only benefits us but also contributes to a sustainable future for everyone.