5. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.

While you can save A LOT of water by not brushing your teeth, you may also end up a toothless pariah, which doesn't serve your future you…or those around you. So this week's suggestion is a simple request to turn off the water while you brush. 

To help you turn off the water while brushing your teeth, here’s a simple 2-step process:

1- With your non-dominant hand, start brushing your teeth, and don't forget to smile.

2- With your dominant hand, turn off the water until you are ready to rinse. 

Your future you will be able to re-apply the ‘water saved by turning it off during brushing' to drink 4 gallons of fresh water prior to your next big outdoor adventure.

P.S. - It’s also been reported that Corporate Housing helps people turn the water off while brushing their teeth. This is because the larger sink space in our properties (versus hotels) provides easier access to turn the water off without knocking over your rinse cup or bruising your elbows in the process. 

Reference for our series - Simple Sustainable Actions for your Future You - Based on the Article: 105 actionable ways to reduce your emissions!

5. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), leaving the tap running while you brush your teeth wastes an average of four gallons each time you do it. Turn it on to wet your toothbrush, turn it off while you brush, then turn it on again to rinse. You'll save about four gallons and use less energy!