You might find it surprising, but in my household, we don’t bathe every day. In fact, we don’t even have a shower. I can almost hear the gasps from those who prioritize daily washing, picturing my children’s unkempt appearance.
The average American uses about 17.2 gallons of fresh water for a daily shower. As we face increasingly severe drought conditions in many regions and growing concerns about water scarcity, indulging in daily showers feels downright extravagant. An adult needs only 2 to 3 liters of water to survive and approximately 2 gallons for daily essentials. With the planet’s resources under immense strain, my family made a conscious decision to be more respectful of this precious resource by abandoning our daily shower routine.
Becoming a parent opened my eyes to the broader implications of our choices. Parenting is inherently intertwined with political and environmental considerations; our decisions impact not just our children but also our communities and the ecosystem. As a result, we took a stand for water conservation by significantly reducing our consumption, starting with our bathing habits.
Three and a half years ago, just before the arrival of my second child, my husband decided to renovate our bathroom. Initially, we thought we needed more space, but it became clear that the bathroom wasn’t the priority (hello, closets!). When it came time to install a new bathing fixture, we opted for an antique clawfoot tub instead of a shower. This decision transformed our perspective on water usage. Unlike a shower, a bath allows us to visually gauge how much water we’re consuming.
Additionally, we stopped purchasing soaps with microbeads, which are detrimental to marine environments. The process of bathing in a tub requires planning—preparation, soaking, and cleaning—making it a mindful activity rather than an impulsive “quick shower.”
Now, you might wonder how I manage to stay fresh without daily bathing. Each morning, I engage in a quick wash with a washcloth. This simple routine is quick and minimizes water use, helping me feel ready for the day without wasting gallons of water or using extra towels.
Interestingly, frequent bathing can actually be harmful to your skin. According to the Atlantic web series “If Our Bodies Could Talk,” daily showers can strip away beneficial microbes that help keep our skin healthy. Skin serves an essential protective function, and maintaining its microbiome is key to overall health.
My children also partake in this water-saving routine, bathing only a few times a week while still maintaining cleanliness through quick washes. Water is vital, and we treat it with the reverence it deserves. We avoid pouring chemicals down our drains since we rely on well water, and we utilize rain barrels for gardening. During the summer, we even save greywater for outdoor tasks.
To protect our planet, it’s crucial for everyone to reflect on their resource usage and differentiate between perceived needs and actual necessities. Our family’s commitment to water conservation is just one small step toward a cleaner, safer world for future generations. For more insights on family planning and related topics, check out this informative post on home insemination.
Summary:
In our household, we prioritize water conservation by limiting baths and adopting mindful hygiene practices. This approach, born from a desire to respect our natural resources, has transformed our daily routines. By focusing on essential water usage and fostering awareness about environmental impacts, we strive for a sustainable lifestyle that contributes to a healthier planet for our children.