Navy Showers: Water Saving Goes Hardcore
by Sami Grover, Carrboro, NC, USA on 04.22.07
Design & Architecture
Here’s yet another post that came to us via the ever diligent community at Hugg (thanks jerryjamesstone!). While water-saving shower heads can cut back our ecological footprint drastically (which is why Simran was promoting them on Oprah last week), there is an even easier, though perhaps not as luxurious, option - the navy shower. This is the term used for a water saving technique for showering, popularized (well, invented at least) by the navy to save precious on-board rations. The basic idea is to get yourself wet all over, as soon as you turn the shower on, and then turn it off while you soap up before, finally, rinsing off. Apparently, a typical shower takes as much as 230 L (60 US gallons) of water, while taking a navy shower can use as little 11 L (3 US gallons); one person can save 56,000 L (15,000 US gallons) per year!
This author has actually been sporadically using this technique for some time, without ever realizing it had a name, and it’s not as uncomfortable as it sounds. The only drawback is having to contend with a weird reaction from your spouse when they ask what you are doing in the bathroom, and you tell them you are taking a shower, despite the complete silence.
OK, we’re pretty sure this isn’t going to catch on with everyone, but for those of you who are deeply concerned about your water use, and willing to try something new, check out this info over at Wikipedia for full instructions. For those not willing to part with their ten minutes in hot-water heaven, you can also see our guide to greener showers here, and here.
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2 comments:
This is a technique that is used frequently at any shower that has to be paid for while you are in the shower. Such as at a campground. I have been at some campground showers that are .25cents a minute up to .75cents a minute. If you have to paid for it right at that moment, you are careful in your use. It also makes it possible for several more people to have a hot shower when hot water is limited. It's a very good idea.
I really learned a lot from this Navy Showers: Water Saving Goes Hardcore! Keep posting!
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