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.
(4 points)
Sara should replace the leaky faucet in her kitchen first. This is because a leaky faucet can waste a significant amount of water over time, leading to unnecessary water consumption and higher water bills. Additionally, fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple and inexpensive task compared to replacing a toilet or a washing machine.
Let's consider the evidence and reasoning to support this decision:
1. Water wastage: A leaky faucet can waste a significant amount of water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a faucet that drips at a rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water in a year. This water wastage contributes to unnecessary water consumption, which is not eco-friendly.
2. Cost-saving: Fixing a leaky faucet can lead to cost savings. By addressing the leak, Sara can reduce her water bill by preventing the wasteful water usage caused by the faucet leak. This cost-saving aspect makes it an attractive and feasible first step for Sara's goal of making her house more eco-friendly.
3. Ease of replacement: Fixing a leaky faucet is a relatively simple task that can be done without the need for professional help. It generally involves replacing a faulty valve or washer, which is a straightforward process and doesn't require extensive plumbing skills. Compared to the replacement of a toilet or a washing machine, it is less time-consuming and less resource-intensive.
4. Affordability: Fixing a leaky faucet is generally cost-effective. The cost of replacement parts, such as valves or washers, is typically low, making it a financially viable option for Sara. On the other hand, replacing a toilet or a washing machine involves higher costs, including the purchase of new appliances and possible installation fees.
In conclusion, Sara should prioritize replacing the leaky faucet in her kitchen first due to its potential water wastage, cost-saving benefits, ease of replacement, and affordability compared to replacing a toilet or a washing machine. By addressing the leaky faucet, Sara can take a practical and effective step towards making her house more eco-friendly.