Wondering which wastes less water—a shower or a bath? The answer will vary depending on factors such as how long your showers are and how high you fill your bathtub. But tuck this into your robe pocket: A five-minute shower uses a third as much water as a full bath. Whichever route you choose, there are simple things you can do to ensure your bathing experience is as water-friendly as a sea turtle:

• Fix leaks around the faucet or showerhead (even small tricklets add up to gallons of water per week).
• Buy aerators (mesh faucet ends that can cut water usage) for all your faucets.
• Get a low-flow showerhead.
• Make sure you have an efficient water heater.

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Excerpted from:

Wake Up and Smell the Planet by Grist.org, edited by Brangien Davis with Katharine Wroth, © 2007 Skipstone.