As a green website, we’re bound to talk about waste…even if it’s the kind of waste that no one really wants to talk about. That’s right, we’re talking about the old (#)1,2. The average toilet uses over 3 gallons of water per flush, which adds up to a lot of water going down the drain. If you need to install a new toilet in your home, look for a low flush or dual-flush model, or, you can make your own! To reduce the amount of water your toilet consumes, try filling up a half-gallon plastic bottle with stones and water, seal it shut and place it in your toilet tank. Keep it away from the operating mechanisms and make sure your tank has enough water left to flush properly.

If you find that there are certain times that require a little more…er, flush power to get the job done, you might want to go the dual flush route. A dual flush toilet has a setting for your little flushes, and one for the bigger jobs. The good news is, you don’t even have to buy a new toilet to get the dual flush fever. You can now buy dual flush handles, which you install on your existing bowl: some even let you adjust the amount of water you need for a number 1 or 2. Check out your local hardware store or browse the internet to find this handy little handle that could make a big difference in your water waste.