69. Turn the water heater to 120˚F.

Cold Showers, as discussed last week, are a source of saving water, increasing longevity and showing goose pimples. 

We are not doing a 180 from last week’s message, but rather a 120. 

We can turn (our bodies) away from the cold water in the shower, or we can turn (the temp) to face the 120 degree heat. Either way, it makes for a simple saying and playful pun - chill…on the heat.

To help you ‘Turn the water heater to 120˚F’, here’s a simple 2-step process:

1. Find the temperature knob
1. celebrate you found it (phew)
2. Verify factory setting is 140
2. Twist and turn to 120 today… (then dance a little jig)

Your Future You is taking a turn on the water temp topic. To a degree, one should listen to their future self (who also has a masters degree in your history). To another degree, your Future You has seen the benefits of ‘less hot’ showers. To a third degree, if you don’t turn the water heater to 120 degrees, Your Future You could give you the third degree by spouting on and on about taking cold showers… to the Nth degree.  

P.S. - It’s been reported that Corporate Housing Companies help properties ‘Turn the water heater to 120˚F’ by making sure the water heater temp is cool(or hot) with you. It’s all about choice,comfort, and control over these furnished monthly temperature settings you can adjust daily.  To explore more water temperature options we predict ‘Cold Tub Plunges’ will be the newest ‘hot amenity’ in corporate housing in 2024. Wim Hoff approves…  

Why does this ‘Future You’ Series exist? What’s it about?  

1. Promote easy, quirky sustainable practices that are NOT preachy, or guilt-ridden and without a focus on the ‘saving the planet’ (hint: the planet is going to survive no matter what we do). 

2. A playful post of simple ways to sorta improve our lives, and the lives of those we love. Also improve our future lives… by taking playful action today. 

3. Still reading? Cool. We think you’re amazing and full of joyful zest. 

This series is based off ‘105 Simple Sustainable actions’ - from Stephane Omsanski’s article in Parade from 2021.

69. Turn the water heater to 120˚F.

Turning the water heater down to 120˚F can save as much as 550 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year.