Sara is working on making her house more eco-friendly. She has a number of upgrades she wants to make such as replacing her toilet that uses 5 gallons per flush with a new toilet that uses 1.2 gallons per flush. She also wants to replace a leaky faucet in her kitchen. Finally, she would like to replace her old washing machine that uses 35 gallons of water per load with a new high-efficiency model that only uses 10 gallons per load.
Which item should Sara replace first and why
Sara should replace the old washing machine first because it uses the most water per use. By replacing it with a high-efficiency model, she can significantly reduce her water usage and make a big impact on her household’s eco-friendliness overall. The other upgrades, while also important, may not have as significant an impact on water usage as replacing the washing machine.
Sara should consider replacing the leaky faucet in her kitchen first. Here's why:
1. Importance of water conservation: Fixing a leaky faucet is crucial for conserving water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. By addressing the leaky faucet, Sara can prevent unnecessary water wastage and contribute to her eco-friendly goals.
2. Cost-efficient: Fixing a leaky faucet is generally a more cost-effective and straightforward upgrade compared to replacing toilets or washing machines. It usually involves repairing or replacing a few parts, like the cartridges or washers, which can easily be done by Sara herself or a local plumber. This makes it an accessible and affordable option for reducing water consumption.
3. Immediate impact: By fixing the leaky faucet, Sara will notice an immediate impact on her water bill and overall water consumption. This can serve as a motivating factor for further eco-friendly upgrades and instill a sense of accomplishment in her efforts.
4. Preparation for other upgrades: Addressing the leaky faucet will allow Sara to have a more accurate assessment of her current water usage. This will help her determine if additional water-saving upgrades, such as the toilet replacement or washing machine replacement, are necessary or if the leaky faucet repair alone can sufficiently contribute to her eco-friendly goals.
Therefore, replacing the leaky faucet in her kitchen should be Sara's first step towards making her house more eco-friendly.