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? Support your answer with evidence and reasoning.
Sara should replace her leaky faucet in the kitchen first. Although replacing the toilet and washing machine may seem like more significant upgrades, fixing the leaky faucet should be prioritized for several reasons.
Firstly, a leaky faucet can waste a significant amount of water over time. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. This is a substantial amount that could be saved by simply fixing the leak. In comparison, the toilet and washing machine replacements would save water during each use, but they do not address the ongoing waste caused by a leaky faucet.
Secondly, fixing the faucet is a relatively inexpensive and quick task compared to replacing a toilet or washing machine. Leaky faucets are often caused by worn-out washers, which can be easily replaced. On the other hand, replacing a toilet or washing machine requires more time, effort, and potentially higher costs. By addressing the leaky faucet first, Sara can quickly reduce her water waste without having to go through the process of purchasing and installing new fixtures.
Lastly, fixing the faucet can also lead to energy savings. A leaky faucet not only wastes water but also increases energy consumption, as it requires more energy to heat the water that is being wasted. By stopping the leak, Sara will indirectly reduce her energy consumption as well.
In conclusion, Sara should prioritize replacing the leaky faucet in her kitchen first. It addresses the ongoing water waste, it is a relatively simple and inexpensive task, and it can potentially result in energy savings as well. Once the faucet is fixed, Sara can then proceed with the replacements of her toilet and washing machine to further enhance the eco-friendliness of her house.