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Inspired by challenges put forth by Crunchy Chicken, and in hopes of motivating myself and others to treat our planet better, I’ve decided to do my very own green challenge. Aren’t you excited?! I am. :) I hope that this will be the first of many challenges held here at Crunchy Domestic Goddess.
Now let’s talk water conservation. I saw a button on CafePress a few months ago that said, “If you think we have bad fights over oil, just wait until we start fighting over water!” And that, my friends, freaked my sh*t right out. I thought about my kids and their future and I knew I had to do something, anything right now.
Did you know that the average shower length is 8 minutes*? By reducing that to 5 minutes, you can reduce the amount of water you use by nearly one-third, or roughly 10 gallons per day. And that’s where this challenge comes in. I’m challenging all of my readers to reduce their shower time to 5 minutes. If you already take a 5 minute shower, perhaps you’ll consider cutting back a little bit more? Reducing the length of your shower by just one minute could save you up to 1,825 gallons** of water each year.
I honestly didn’t know how long my showers were lately. Some days I’m lucky to get one at all so it’s pretty darn short and sweet, other days I skip them on purpose (generally when I’m not leaving the house), and still other days (like when I have a migraine and the water beating on my neck feels good) I tend to linger in the shower a little longer than I should. I figured I spend on average about 5 minutes in the shower, but I got myself a handy Shower Coach timer (with a suction cup that sticks to the shower wall) to find out for sure.
My first timed shower, I rushed like a crazy woman to make sure I could do it in under 5 minutes. I got done in about 3 1/2. The next day I took a somewhat more leisurely approach and took the full 5 minutes. You definitely can’t dilly-dally, but 5 minutes is longer than I thought it would be and totally attainable.
So, what do you think? Can you commit to taking 5-minute showers (or shorter) for three months? Leave me a comment below to let me know you are participating in the challenge and I will add your name/link to a list of challenge participants in my sidebar. Feel free to join in the challenge any time over the summer. It’s never too late to sign up to make a difference.
I’m not going to be a total hard ass on this challenge. If you have a rough day and really need a longer shower (I’m talking like 8 minutes, not 15) every now and then to help you relax or whatever, you can still take part in the challenge. You just have to skip your shower the following day to make up for it. ;) I kid, I kid. Seriously though, it’s up to you to police yourself on this challenge. I will have a check in post at the end of the first week of June (on June 8) so everyone can chime in on how they are doing with the challenge, post helpful tips, share stories, ask for advice, etc. Then I will try to have another check in post every two weeks (on Sundays) so we can encourage each other and maybe even inspire more people to sign up. :)
Oh, and if you are looking for some bloggy bling, I’ve got this fun goofy totally suggestive catchy button (above) for you to proudly post on your blog if you feel so inclined. :) It will let others know about the challenge too. The more people join us, the better!
More Tips To Help You Conserve Water
In the shower:
- Turn off the water while you are lathering up your body, washing your hair or shaving, then turn it back on when you need to rinse.
- Replace your showerhead with a low-flow showerhead
- While you are waiting for the water to warm up, catch it in a bucket and use it for watering your plants or garden or for flushing your toilet
- Shower with a buddy ;)
Elsewhere in the bathroom:
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth
- Fill up the sink with water while shaving instead of letting the water run
While the challenge is officially only for the summer – June through August – it is my hope that you will keep up with the shorter showers and continue to conserve water year-round.
And now for the GIVEAWAY…
I’m giving away FIVE “Shower Coach” 5-minute sand timers, courtesy of USA Landlord. All you have to do to be eligible to win one is leave a comment committing to the challenge and your name will be entered into the drawing. Be sure to include a valid email address so I can contact you if you win.
While you can sign up to take part in the challenge all summer long, the deadline for entering the contest is Saturday, May 31, 2008. The winners selected by Random.org and will be notified via email on Sunday, June 1.
If you don’t win a Shower Coach, you can buy one for less than $3 (plus use the coupon code CDG for 15% off any purchase from USA Landlord through the end of June) or buy a dinging kitchen timer the next time you are at Target, set your watch timer for five minutes, etc. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
The earth, our children and I thank you for participating in the 5-minute shower challenge. :)
* GreenPrint Denver
** Utah.gov
Stumble it!
Miriam says:
Wonderful post and idea! Living in southern California and at the mercy of imported water, I know all about water conservation. In fact, there was an article on Sunday about the Colorado dripping into Mexico because it is so low and getting used up along the way. I’m in!
Any tips for the kids? My girls are in love with the tub and sprinkler. Not so bad if we had grass instead of a patio…LOL
May 27th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Beckie says:
Count me in! I am lucky if I get 5 minutes, but I will try to start paying more attention…
Now my 5 year old, that might be a different story, LOL!
May 27th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Viv from Cool Moms Rule says:
Oh, I can SO do this! And I am, starting today. Heck, some days I don’t get up early enough to shower ONCE. ;) What with rushing the kids to school and after-school stuff and soccer practice…I bet I don’t take a long shower now as it is. I’m going to time myself and see how it works out.
vbruss@cfl.rr.com
May 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
pamela says:
I take super long showers- this may help me. It will also help me to get the kids to school on time and conserve water!
May 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Sherie says:
Shower? Mamas shower? wow. Anyway, all the water I’ve saved since DS was born has gone onto the kitchen floor, down the the drain or been used to drown my garden…yes, water is BIG fun around our house these days. I know it’s a phase, so I’m not forcing the savings issue much with him. But as for me, sure! How about an 8 minute shower every other day? Does that count? ;-)
May 27th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Sherie says:
LOVE the quickie button, btw!
May 27th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Lauren says:
I’m totally on board! Thank goodness I just chopped off my hair.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Vered says:
Well… I need to think about it. I take shamefully long showers. Taking shorter ones was actually one of my Earth Day resolutions back in April, but I can’t say I am doing too well.
I might need to start with one short shower per week, then build my way up from there.
May 27th, 2008 at 11:11 am
chelle says:
I am in … although is it cheating that my children rarely allow me to be in the shower for more than 3 minutes? hehe I will make sure my husband is showering shorter too!
May 27th, 2008 at 11:37 am
phyllis says:
totally count me in. i’m not the big culprit in my house – my 6 year old is!!!! this will be a great opportunity to teach him about water conservation. i’m off to get a timer…
May 27th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Sus says:
Am totally in. Heck, I’m lucky to shower every third day lately, and who wants to linger when a baby is screaming his heads off and a toddler is peeking in every 5 seconds asking questions (hey, that may be a good way to time myself). This should be a breeze. :) Thanks for keeping us on our toes.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
save the children says:
[...] [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Sarah says:
My showers have significantly shortened! Know what did it for me? I started taking “contrast showers”. Which is essentially, a minute of warm, minute (or 30 seconds of cold), etc etc. I LOVE them…but I tend to say Ok, enough cold…I’m outta here! Voila! Short shower.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
SJSFalter says:
This sounds 1.Like fun (cause my life is not all that exciting to be honest) 2.Not all that complicated (I have kids which means I already have the concept down, for the most part) 3.Totally a good idea.
I’m in.
May 27th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Alana says:
YEAH! Finally a challenge I can totally accomplish. I already take really quick showers, but I will take on the challenge of strongly encouraging my husband to keep it under 5 minutes. I have never seen someone take such a thorough shower!
May 27th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Stephanie says:
I think this is a great idea! hubby and I shower together as often as possible and bathe the kids in the same water. I’ll also try the other tips too!
May 27th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Abbie says:
I was just thinking in the shower this morning… Which uses more water, a tub or a long shower?
I’m in, but I’m not sure I can make it in 5 minutes with my waist-length hair. I might have to shut off the water while I lather. I’m going to have to time to see how long it takes.
Thanks for the challenge!
May 27th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Heidi says:
Count me in! I think I already do this, and shower only every other day as well . . . . but my husband is another story! He needs this in the shower to police his time for sure!
May 27th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Darla says:
Ooooh I love challenges like this. I’ll set my flylady timer and see how far I am at 5 minutes.
I’m going to do this for my 11 year old too. ;)
May 27th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Maggie says:
A five minute shower? I am TOTALLY down with that. I am not good at too many things, but a quick shower is something that I can totally handle! Or at least I think I’m quick – I’ll have to time myself tomorrow and see if I’m as fast as I think I am…
May 27th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Christina says:
Heck, I’m a mom with a crazy two year old who taks any opportunity to get into trouble – I don’t think I’ve taken a shower longer than 5 minutes in ages! I’m down with this! Plus, I generally only shower every other day.
May 27th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Penny says:
ooooo now this would be a challenge especially on days I have to wash my hair.
May 27th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Christine says:
Oh. no.
I love a long shower. LOVE IT.
But okay, I’m in. Just don’t take away my red wine, okay?
May 27th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Tinch aka DaddysToolbox says:
Hey there, my wife and I also wrote about this on our other blog. We have a community blog that we post a lot of green topics too.
http://www.westglenmoore.org/shower-coach-can-save-you-water/
5 minutes is actually a long time in the shower unless you are trying to heat up sore muscles or something!
May 27th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Wendy says:
I’ll join — I already take showers under 5 minutes, I’m sure, but would love to have the timer for my husband, who takes very long showers! The timer is an excellent way to keep him honest on his showering time.
May 27th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Stretch Mark Mama says:
I stopped shaving my legs this past winter for this very reason! Felt like a total hippie, yeeessssss! And I have switched to a combo shampoo/cond, which even with my short hair saves time (and money). I’m in!
May 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
1 email a day says:
[...] [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
how long ago did the earth from says:
[...] myself and others to treat our planet better, I??ve decided to do my very own green challenge. Aren?http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com/2008/05/27/im-having-a-quickie-the-five-minute-shower-challenge/CNN Student News Transcript: May 28, 2008 CNN.comMay 28, [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Shower Coach 5-Minute Sand Timers | Contests 4 Moms says:
[...] Crunchy Domestic GoddessWhat: Shower Coach 5-Minute Sand [...]
May 27th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Katie says:
Oh my goodness… I SO need this challenge! For years…for many years I have been guilty of taking long, hot showers! I’ve been known to empty the hot water tank on ocassion. Yikes, I can’t believe I just admitted that! OK, I am serious about doing this. I’ll let you know how I’m doing every so often. Heaven knows I’ll need some accountability if I’m going to master this challenge. Thanks!
May 27th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Katie says:
Oh my goodness… I SO need this challenge! For years…for many years I have been guilty of taking long, hot showers! I’ve been known to empty the hot water tank on ocassion. Yikes, I can’t believe I just admitted that! OK, I am serious about doing this. I’ll let you know how I’m doing every so often. Heaven knows I’ll need some accountability if I’m going to master this challenge. Thanks!
May 27th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Anna says:
Count me in! This is a great idea!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Lisa-blessedwithgrace says:
Sounds good. I am in!
May 27th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Kaycee says:
This sounds like fun! Now, let’s see if I can get my hubby on board…
May 27th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Vickie Couturier says:
I think this is great,now if I can get my teenage daughter on board,that would be so wonderful,she waste so much water,thanks
vlbelk@hotmail.com
May 28th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Sue says:
Sounds like a great challenge! Can’t wait to get in the shower!
May 28th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Grandma S. says:
We’ve been doing this for years, but glad to know that more folks are becoming aware and getting on board the green train. If we all do our part, it will make a huge difference. Proud of you, kid,for spreading the word and making a difference. Love and kisses-see you soon.
May 28th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Elizabeth M. says:
Having the timer as a visual reminder to speed things up is such a great idea!
May 28th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Nicole says:
I’m in! :)
My other favorite water saving tip: with a low flow shower head (of course!) turn the water on only enough to get water through the shower head. Conversely, turn the water *down* rather than up to adjust temperature. You’d be amazed at how little water it takes to get a satisfying shower with a low-flow shower head.
May 28th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Andromeda Edison says:
I love the idea, I am so in, try to get my husband to do it too.
I already do pretty quick, but it will good to actually test it.
May 28th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Barbara Ling says:
My showers have always clocked in at 3 minutes or less; I’ve narrowed the procedure of getting in, getting clean and getting out down to a fine science.
Teaching my kids this is the next step…. :)
Barbara
May 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
ben says:
I’m in!
I’ve been trying to keep showers to 5 minutes or so, for the reasons you mentioned (lack of time, mostly) so this won’t be a huge adjustment. But I think it helps to stay focused.
I thought about putting up a sign: “Conserve Water: Shower with a Friend.” Not sure how that will go over…
May 28th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
So....what are you doing? - SheKnows Message Boards says:
[...] you have to do more weeding and it’s harder to keep moist unless you mulch. Hey – you can enter Amy’s Quickie challenge if you are serious about this stuff! __________________ Penny | DH My [...]
May 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Cindy says:
Would love a timer. I take pretty short ones but not idea how short. With 4 kids it can’t be too long. My 4 kids bath in the same tub of water. We started reusing the bath water to water the lawn this month thanks to the Crunchy challenge. I just got a rain barrel (reused giant food container) to put the bath water in so I can use a hose to distribute it. The throwing buckets has been less than effective. We currently use about about 130 gallons per day. Trying to get that sooo much lower!!!
May 28th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says:
I only wash my hair every other day, which means that on the off days, my shower is only a few minutes long. I like the idea of trying to shorten even my ‘long’ showers to 5 minutes though – so please count me in on this! :)
May 28th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Emily says:
I’m absolutely in! I already take short showers, and have cut back on the hair washing, which is beneficial both to my hair (less shampooing=happier hair) and the environment. I actually am going to start collecting the water while I’m waiting for it to heat up and use it to water my garden- great idea!
May 28th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Emily says:
I’m absolutely in! I already take short showers, and have cut back on the hair washing, which is beneficial both to my hair (less shampooing=happier hair) and the environment. I actually am going to start collecting the water while I’m waiting for it to heat up and use it to water my garden- great idea!
May 28th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings says:
I’ll take the challenge. I’m taking showers just under 10 minutes so this would be a great challenge.
I blogged ya here: http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2008/05/wednesday-edition-of-contests-galore_28.html
May 28th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
N. & J. says:
My fiance and I started doing this a couple months ago and found it totally doable. The only thing I can’t manage in the five minutes is shaving with my safety razor. That’s just not something I want to rush through so I just keep the tub plugged and use the water in the tub to shave after my shower. We’ve also pretty much given up daily showers unless we’ve done some major exertion.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Tara says:
Great challenge! I’m totally in, but having just been through a HUGE drought and “instructed” by our governor to use less than 35 gal/day per person, I’ve got a head start :) My showers are almost always less than 5 minutes. Shaving is what kills my time, but I do reduce the flow significantly while I’m shaving. Our daily average is around 88 gallons, which is 22 gal/day per person (4 person household) (this is according to our last water bill).
I blogged about this a while back:http://taraleigh.taraandchris.com/2008/01/13/conserving-watereveryday-is-a-new-day-to-use-less-water/
May 28th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Kate (Emma Lu's Mom) says:
I’m in – Showers can last more than 5 minutes when you have more than 1 kid around???? LOL
May 28th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Lana says:
WOO HOO! I am totally on board with this. In fact, I’m pretty sure if I was actually in the shower a full 5 minutes my husband would be shocked. I figure, You get in, get the job done and get out. I still smell wonderfully fresh and my hair gets washed.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Stef Newman - teensygreen says:
I am so IN! My daughters will be timing me for sure, and my husband will also be shocked . I love love love my shower time!
I’ll definitely write about this over at teensygreen – thanks for sponsoring this challenge!
May 28th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Jolly Green Dad says:
Ok, I am conviced. For the sake of Mother Earth…i’ll limit my showers to 5 minutes. I am in!
May 28th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Cindi says:
I made a pledge at the beginning of this year that our family was going to become more eco-conscious! One of the first things we did was turn the water heater temperature! Then, we committed to taking shorter showers. There wasn’t any real time put on them. Please enter me in your drawing. I have one son; that needs to use it. Thanks,Cindi
May 28th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Mrs. Fussypants says:
What IS that smell?
It’s me.
I’m in.
hee, hee
May 28th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
karla ~ looking towards heaven says:
I already take quickie showers. Does this mean I need to lick myself clean in order to further reduce my consumption??? ;0)
Fantastic idea!!
xo !K
May 28th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Leslie- LaMamaNaturale' says:
Hi Amy,
Great challenge, I’m in!! 5 minutes is actually a pretty good chunk of time. I’m pretty good but my husband could use a little help. We definitely need the reminder and this challenge is perfect for that. The Shower Coach would put my husband to shame! ;) Thanks!
May 28th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Jessica**GreenGirlfriend** says:
Yes Yes!! I alove quickies especially in the shower..take that comment as you may and count me in!
May 29th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Kristinia says:
Count me in, I always take a pretty short shower unless I’m washing my hair, that seems to take me a bit longer!
I’m adding your button to my blog!
May 29th, 2008 at 4:40 am
InTheFastLane says:
I don’t know…I timed my shower this morning and tried to be quick. First of all, does the time that it takes for the water to heat up count? Because that takes FOREVER and we have a brand new house. It is only my shower in our house, that takes so long. Anyway, I only timed the amount of time I was actually in the shower and that took me 7:30. I was quick, but I do have to shave every day, I am ok with shorter showers, but I am not so crunchy that I want to be harry. I also have to wash my hair every day, because I am a greaseball if I don’t.
I could probably make my shower shorted, but I think I would really have to rush to get under 5. I will challenge myself to see how close I can get.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Tami says:
I’m in. The trick is getting my husband to take a shorter shower. The man does not know what a short shower is.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Cindy says:
To InTheFastLane:
My water takes some time to heat up also and i have a new tankless water heater. I now fill buckets (betw. 1-2 gallons) in the kitchen sink while the water is getting hot. I use this to water my veges. It makes the water in the shower (which is on the other side of the house) get to hot quickly. I was frustrated with the time it takes to get hot water. My tank is set low because of my kids. This is a way to save that water easily.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Anna at Hank and Willie says:
I’m so in, I do this anyway, water is so precious! Love the cute button!
May 29th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Rivster says:
What a great challenge! Wonder if I can get my husband to take it. He takes the LONGEST showers…and has no hair. What the HECK does he do in there??
May 29th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
ToyGeek says:
This is a great challenge. I’m totally in!
Quick question, though: If you share your shower with your significant other, like I normally do, do you get ten minutes?
Also, for InTheFastLane: could you shave before your shower? Fill your sink with warm water and swirl your razor around in the water to rinse it. Then, take your shower afterward to rinse all the whiskers off. That’s how I do my legs. :)
May 29th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Amy - Green Plan(t) says:
Earlier this week I made a list of 101 Green Things I plan to do, and taking shorter showers is on there!
Sign me up. :D
May 29th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Amber says:
I am the queen of water conservation during my showers, primarily because I have two kids pounding on the shower for me to get out.
However, I will challenge my shower-obsessed hubby to cut his time in half!
May 29th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Suzy says:
Count me in! So the 5 minutes is just water on time? Or is it total shower time? I think I’ll get my hubby in on this too!
May 29th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Corri says:
This will be a great challenge for me. I’m starting to be a fanatic about turning off lights. Time to add another step – it would be fun to see how much money we could save in a year.
May 29th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
i ve got to make it to summer says:
[...] [...]
May 29th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Lauren says:
Count me in!
May 29th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Ginny says:
I’d love to join in this! I’m going to tr & get my 10 year old daughter in as well, she is horrible with long showers!
May 30th, 2008 at 6:36 am
Challenges for June « Green Plan(t) says:
[...] Challenge Crunchy Domestic Goddess’ 5-Minute-Shower – I take long showers. I enjoy being steamy. Showers are a kind of meditation for me. The problem [...]
May 30th, 2008 at 7:53 am
New Green Mama says:
After much deliberation, I have decided to join. Maybe my shorter showers will make up for all the water we will use this summer running the sprinkler. I would also love to win one of those timers to keep me honest.
jenniferhkline at yahoo dot com.
May 30th, 2008 at 8:34 am
smtwngrl says:
I’m in! This might be difficult, but I’ll give it a try. I can definitely do it at the gym when I need to, so I don’t know why I couldn’t do it at home.
Thanks for the motivator!
May 30th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Stacy says:
My showers are usually short, except when I have to wash my mass of hair (I wash hair every other day). Still I don’t think they are too long. A timer would help, but all I know is my hubby takes longer showers than me. What’s up with that? He doesn’t need to shave his legs! ;)
May 30th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
erika says:
ack, i am totally guilty of taking long showers whenever possible. starting tomorrow, 5 minutes, in and out! thanks amy :)
xo,
erika
May 30th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Funtabulous Friday Features | Recycle Your Day says:
[...] the Crunchy Domestic Goddess is holding the “I’m having a QUICKIE challenge” – Not THAT kind of quickie!!! ; D Think WATER CONSERVATION…think 5 [...]
May 30th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Justine says:
I’m already on board…but let’s make it official (and public):
“I will commit to taking 5 minute (or less) showers”
Now if I can only talk the rest of the people I live with to follow suit…I like the idea of a timer.
Thanks for another awesome post!
May 30th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Green Tip of the Week #22 - Pull a fast one | Crunchy Domestic Goddess says:
[...] Justine: I’m already on board…but let’s make it official (and public): “I will commit to taking 5 minute (or less)… [...]
May 31st, 2008 at 5:01 am
Nature Deva says:
We have been showering like this for the past 9 years using a low flow shower head with an on/off switch. It’s so easy, costs less than $15 at a hardware store and simple to install.
When you lather up, wash your hair or shave your legs, just flip the switch off and when ready to rinse, flip it back. The water pressure and heat is still the same as when you flipped it off. They also have these heads for the kitchen sink, too (only if you don’t have the sprayer all in one faucet kind).
Another green water idea is to convert your large hot water heater tank to an instantaneous (tankless) hot water heater. There are many models/brands out there at different price points. We have an Aquastar – our second home with this brand and we like it but there are many more expensive brands/models out there.
May 31st, 2008 at 10:19 am
Meghan says:
Okay, I’ve been working on this this week. I’m in.
May 31st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Tonja says:
Joining everyone for a “quickie”! :)
I love all your green tips Amy! Thanks for keeping us aware!
May 31st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Maria says:
I’m not sure what happened to my first comment, but I totally in. I blogged a few days back on joining the fun on my blog. :)
May 31st, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Astacia says:
I’m in. I only shower every 2-3 days most weeks anyway. I need to save water for my tomatoes. We are setting up a rain barrel soon to help.
May 31st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
CaraM says:
I love this! Starting tomorrow I will use my kitchen timer (after all, it travels around the house with my already – why not the bathroom). I’m going to try to get hubby to do this too.
May 31st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Sandra says:
I’m in. Also lucky if I get five minutes here but will encourage everyone to use a the timer.
May 31st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Stacy (mama-om) says:
I don’t shower everyday (anymore — since kids!) but I sure do like them when I do!
We do a lot of conservation already (high-efficiency appliances and low-flow faucets, let it mellow, using tub water for the garden in the summer, etc.), but I’m up for the challenge!
Can you list me as Stacy (Mama-Om) since there are other Stacys?
THANKS!
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:03 am
Condo Blues says:
Since I work at home, I already take short showers every other day. On non-shower days, I hit the high spots with a sponge bath. I got a free to me low flow shower head just by cleaning out a closet and finding a new in the box Shower Massge I got as a gift 10 years ago and never installed. Suprisingly I turned the old style showerhead into a new low flow showerhead by using the aerator that already came in the box.
June 2nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
teensygreen » Blog Archive » Get In, Get Clean, Get Out says:
[...] inspiring Crunchy Domestic Goddess is hosting a wonderfully motivating green challenge aptly called “I’m having a quickie – The Five-Minute Shower” Challenge. Over 60 people have signed up, including yours truly, to reduce their shower time to 5 [...]
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:10 am
Stacey@Look, Mom, Look! says:
Well, I have to admit that long hot showers are my vice in the winter. But the more I read about the state of our water supply, the guiltier I feel. I am going to sign up for the challenge in order to shorten my showers, save some cash, and reduce my impact.
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 am
Rob O. says:
My mornings are a jam-packed affair anyway so I rarely linger in the shower, but I do have to have a shower every day.
You can count me in for the quickies! ;)
June 3rd, 2008 at 7:56 am
Rita A. says:
I actually have been taking 4 minute showers with a sand timer already. Not the easiest to do but I have been sticking to it. I like the idea of catching the water while warming for the garden. Count me in for the duration.
June 3rd, 2008 at 9:30 am
Sheena says:
Doggonit, I missed the giveaway so I just ordered one! Count us (I’ll push Greg to do it.) in! Shouldn’t be too hard as I have a newborn!
June 3rd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Ana says:
Lawd I tried to run from the challenge. Came over here 3x and couldn’t get my fingers to cooperate to write that I would join. But I’ve been convicted. HA!
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Michelle says:
I’m in.. I just never take long showers…off to blog it…;-)
June 4th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Melinda says:
I just stumbled on your blog via Mile High Mamas. What a wonderful idea! Count me in, down in TX.
June 4th, 2008 at 8:24 am
melanie says:
I’m in too. I have started turning the water off when I lather up and shave – since reading this post a few days ago.
June 4th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
melanie says:
Oops – forgot my blog so you can see who I am. :)
June 4th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
bronnie says:
I live in Brisbane, Australia. We’re in the middle of a drought and have had water restrictions for ages! This means residents are restricted to 4 minute showers! Council even gave us timers to make sure we obeyed. It’s amazing how fast 4 minutes go, but we are totally water aware now. We also have a bucket in the shower, and use the water collected to flush the toilet and/or water the garden. Also have rainwater tanks for the garden. Never hose, unless from the rainwater tank, and that’s for doggy-washes, and occasional car-wash when the tank is full.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Meryl says:
What a great idea! I know I’m a few days late to the party, but count me in!
June 5th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Miss Kritti says:
Just stumbled upon this…count me in! Hoping to get my husband on board as well.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Oz says:
I know I’m a little late, but I’m in! I’m going to convince my husband to cut his showers down, too.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Quickie Shower Challenge Check-in - "How YOU doin'?" | Crunchy Domestic Goddess says:
[...] the end of week 1 of the Quickie 5-minute Shower Challenge and I want to know, in the words of Joey from Friends, “How YOU [...]
June 7th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Adrienne says:
I’m in! Now my teenager, that’s a different story. I will post a picture of this on the shower door and maybe he will cut his 30 minutes in half. Maybe!
June 8th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Elissa says:
I’m in! This will be more of a challenge to me because showers are the only escape for me…but I’ll find something else!
June 9th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Jenny says:
Okay! I’m signing up! This morning I tried your advice about turning the water off when I wasn’t getting wet/rinsing, and I don’t think I used any more than 5 mins of water. I bought myself a little timer today to be sure!
June 9th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
robj98168 says:
I would be proud to join up and put the I’m having a quicke with the domesti crunchy goddess badge on my blog! This should be easy as I already practice the 5 minute shower or as I call it Seargent Ermy’s scrub down.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Rivster says:
So how do I get the great button to put on my blog??
June 11th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Coming Clean « Green Plan(t) says:
[...] The Quickie Shower. [...]
June 13th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
chris says:
Ok, I’m so doing this one…great idea! How can I have the button so I can put in on my site and challenge my readers as well?
June 14th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Scylla says:
This is a great idea!! I am on board with it! I just switched from daily showers to every other day to conserve water as well.
5 min showers here I come.
June 15th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Water Wise “Smart” Gardening | Recycle Your Day says:
[...] new ways ever day how to conserve water. Plus, if you’ve been reading I’m taking a Quickie- which is a 5 minute shower everday throughout the summer. The average 5 minute [...]
June 18th, 2008 at 3:58 am
To Think Is To Create says:
Ok so I’m late to the game, but not because I don’t care, but because I’m not organized. :)
Add me to the group, cause I’m diving in (or not…as it were…)
June 18th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Green Baby Guide | The Top Five Ways to Save Money and The Planet says:
[...] shorter showers.  Check out Crunchy Domestic Goddess’s post on this.  She recently challenged her readers to time their showers and try to keep them to [...]
June 19th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Kisha says:
Oh man, I read this and didn’t comment to say that I was in. Bad me.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Ellen says:
Just wanted to say that while I already take really short showers (short hair and ‘neglecting’ to shave help!) I wanted to see HOW short so got one of those Shower Coaches (mostly for DH…he takes long showers.) I think my showers, including warm up water time, are about 3 minutes, but I love this gizmo. 5 minutes is PLENTY. thank you!!!
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Kyle says:
Hi – I am just learning about this challenge, but count me in!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am
missy wiggins says:
Hi. I am a newer reader and just wanted to say I enjoy your site.
We have been trying to cut down on our water usage and this challenge sounds like something else that will help!
June 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Green Resolutions says:
I’m in. I’m with Christina above: I often rush so I can check on my toddler. But I probably make up for it by taking a bath once a week or so. (I love my baths, so this might be really hard to give up.)
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:05 am
Coupons, Freebies, Special Offers and More! » Blog Archive » Thrifty Thursday - Have A Quickie says:
[...] twitter Pal Crunchy Domestic Goddess has been holding a Five Minute Shower Challenge. She’s got over 100 participants (yes, [...]
July 3rd, 2008 at 7:31 am
Lisa says:
I’m going to try and do this. I also take baths and I know that’s not very eco but I have a chronic illness that leaves me in a lot of pain so I haven’t got a lot of choice but I do skip my shower the nights I take baths.
July 4th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
We’re Back Home! | Mommy Daddy Blog says:
[...] If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to Mommy Daddy Blog. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on our updates or giveaways ;-)! Thanks for visiting! We made it home from Chicago 5pm-ish. I spent the first 3 hours of being home getting our little booger situated, keeping him happy. Right now I’m guzzling a 46 oz bottle of Cranergy while rocking him back and forth in the Sleepy Wrap (A GINORMOUS LIFE SAVER!). He’s been sleeping good. I’m getting over a pounding headache. Daddy’s home from work so now I will be taking my daily 5 minute shower! [...]
July 9th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Challenges in July « Green Plan(t) says:
[...] Quickie Showers [...]
July 16th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Paula Clare says:
Count me in! although I’m horribly tardy in starting the process, I’m all for the conservation of the earth and its resources! I have learned (over many years) to shower, dress, put on my makeup and fix my hair in 15 minutes! (Living with men tends to make one hurry if one doesn’t want to be left in the dust)
Yay for short showery goodness!
July 16th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Eco Funtabulous Features/Wkly. Roundup! | Recycle Your Day says:
[...] Quickie Challenge- A 5 minute shower or less! [...]
July 18th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Barbara says:
Worth a shot!! I think I can do it!! or try… :P
July 27th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Eating Disorder treatment says:
Indeed, the problem of wasting water isn’t that known by the population. There should be made some warnings in this way.
July 30th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Rob says:
Hey All! I am hosting a giveaway on my blog. Prizes are a low flow shower head a shower timer, similar to the shower coach and a three areators. To enter, head over to my blog and leave a comment. that is all!
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
Christina says:
Sign me up! I totally love your blog and I am linking you to my blog roll. Keep in touch :)
August 6th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Jessi H. says:
Woooo! Quickies…..count me in! I love your blog, by the way. I just spent the last hour and a half reading your posts. Sounds creepy, I know.
August 8th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
cathy says:
whoa!
my average is prb. 20 minutes. it’d definitly help me get to scool on time.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Steph @ Problem Solvin Mom says:
Recognizing that it’s already winding down toward the end of August, I’m in! :) I wish I’d seen this earlier. I’m already a pro at quickie showers, given that I’m generally rushing to finish before Sweetpea wakes up, but I will commit to keeping my showers as short as possible, and under 5 minutes!
August 21st, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Faucet Master » Showers vs. Baths: Which uses more water? says:
[...] move for water economy is the popular eco-blogger Crunchy Domestic Goddess, who has issued her own Five-Minute Shower Challenge that’s drawn numerous responses.—Gian [...]
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 am
C C says:
Even turning off the shower there is no way to take a 5min shower if you have significant body hair. That’s after I replaced my low flow shower head with a real one.
Some things are reasonable: as I also have significant facial hair, I do draw water into the sink and rinse my razor in that instead of running the water.
August 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 am
Berry says:
I’m always after my husband to take shorter showers. Count me in on the challenge, and I’ll try to convince him, too.
August 24th, 2008 at 10:06 am
The 5-Minute Shower Challenge comes to a close | Crunchy Domestic Goddess says:
[...] three hot summer months, we are nearing the end of the 5-Minute Shower Challenge (which was recently mentioned on Consumer Reports – woot!). I thought the turnout was great at over [...]
August 26th, 2008 at 12:51 am
Faucet Master » Showers or baths: Which uses more water? says:
[...] move for water economy is the popular eco-blogger Crunchy Domestic Goddess, who has issued her own Five-Minute Shower Challenge that’s drawn numerous responses.—Gian [...]
August 30th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Ditch the Disposables Challenge - Sept. thru Oct. 2008 | Crunchy Domestic Goddess says:
[...] Faucet Master: move for water economy is the popular eco-blogger Crunchy Domestic Goddess, who has issued her own Five-Minute Shower Challenge… [...]
August 31st, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Steph Luk. says:
Hey all! So I’m late ((completely infact since it’s already over XD )) to join but I am! I don’t want to waste water like I do,besides my hair takes awhile to air dry,so this while add time to let it d so.
I think I’ll challenge my highschool to try the ‘quicky shower’out.
Save the future and peace out!
September 7th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Eco Buying » Showers or baths: Which uses more water? says:
[...] move for water economy is the popular eco-blogger Crunchy Domestic Goddess, who has issued her own Five-Minute Shower Challenge that’s drawn numerous responses.—Gian [...]
September 8th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Gerald says:
Well, my showers have always been speedy, and I felt suddenly like I was being left out: How could I participate in a new push to save water in the shower? Here’s how I did it: My water pressure is great. I found I could turn it down instead of standing under that blast and still get clean and shiny. And feel good about it to boot. I don’t know how much water I’m saving; it’s still an appreciable stream rather than a drip, but it makes me feel better knowing I’m in the game.
November 16th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Greg, Angela, and Tarek says:
Would you be interested in helping us fund this product production? Contact us. Have a great day.
January 17th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Greg, Angela, and Tarek says:
Forgot web site sorry:) http://www.showerheadclock.blogspot.com/
January 17th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
lidablu says:
I like the challenge. My husband likes baths and I take showers. So I will put the stopper in the next shower I take and see if it fills the tub as much as it does when my husband takes his bath. I bet I can take shorter showers if I just think about what I’m doing. I need to get a water-saving shower head too!
January 19th, 2009 at 5:22 am
Living // Five-Minute Showers to Save Time and the Planet // PETA says:
[...] to Crunchy Domestic Goddess, the length of the average shower is about eight minutes. By shortening that to five minutes, you [...]
April 15th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Jackie says:
this is a great idea. i’m starting today!
April 15th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
kira says:
great idea! imagine how much water you can save if you take a one minute shower? I´ll start with a five minute shower and then let´s do it!
April 16th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
54 Tips For Green Living - Earth Day 2009 | says:
[...] Limit your showers to five minutes or [...]
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 am
Diana says:
Sure! I think it’s a great idea to save water whenever possible. I wishe the entire world could commit to this challenge. We would have a lot less problems if we all did this.
June 26th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Hank says:
I would be happy to comply to your request if you can get Al Gore to do the same. Have you see what his estate uses in utilities?
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Showerwise says:
I think this is a great idea, and I will take the ‘five minute shower challenge’!
I have just started timing my showers, and I would say my average is about seven minutes.
So I have a ways to go…
August 17th, 2009 at 10:57 am
FourTwoOh says:
How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too:
1. Don’t have babies. (Too late? D’oh!)
2. Have a vasectomy or tubal ligation.
3. Take a thirty-minute shower every day as your reward for saving the world from at least one water user, and possibly hundreds of them. While you’re at it, feel free to eat meat, never recycle, wear leather, and drive a Hummer. Unless your hobby is dumping oil in the ocean, your sterilization has already done more good for the environment than *any* irresponsible behavior is likely to undo.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Me Again, Stoned Again says:
The most environmentally conscientious person uses more resources than a nonexistent one. Any effort on the part of parents to teach environmental responsibility to their children can therefore be considered strictly remedial; the best thing they could have done for Mother Earth would have been not to add another human to her burden in the first place. Environmentalists who have children have already missed the boat.
Of course, if one insists on reproducing, it does no harm to teach one’s children to take five-minute showers. But it’s delusional to think such enlightened children will do more good for the planet than sterilization would have. (Of course, I’m discounting the infinitesimal chance that a given child will grow up to solve an environmental problem.) It’s also delusional to believe that a person with children (who will likely go on to have children of their own, and so on) has more than a snowball’s chance in hell of competing environmentally with the childfree. That includes the childfree who are flagrantly wasteful, as I sometimes am.
To illustrate: Let’s say you have two children who each have two children of their own. All four of the youngest generation opt to be childfree. (A highly optimistic scenario, from an environmental point of view.) You are therefore responsible for your own water use, and for that of the six humans who are your descendants. (The argument that you can’t be held responsible for the actions of your adult children, and certainly not for those of your grandchildren, doesn’t apply. It takes water to live. You knew that when you had babies.) Let’s say that for every day of their lives, all six of your descendants are perfect aquatic citizens, taking five-minute showers without fail. (For simplicity, I’m treating the periods of infancy and extreme old age as if they were the same as the rest of life.) Six five-minute showers a day, plus your own five-minute shower, equals thirty-five minutes of shower time a day. Even if I, a childfree man, let the water pound me for half an hour every day, without fail, until I die, I’ll be a better water conservationist than you by five minutes a day.
Now let’s be realistic. How many parents only leave six descendants before their line ends? How likely is it that all of their descendants, or even half of them, or even a third of them, will give a rat’s ass about the environment? And how many childfree people actually take a 30-minute shower every day?
If you have children—especially if you have more than two—please don’t make an ass of yourself by shooting me a dirty look when I emerge from my thirty-minute locker room shower. (Of course, if I’ve used up all the hot water, or if I’ve clogged the drain with an unidentified white substance, I’ll humbly accept your opprobrium.)
September 20th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Aurora says:
im doing a science fair projeect on this ….awsomely cool
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Working without Water « Small Steps says:
[...] (the 76-77 drought). People were fined for wasteful lawn watering. We were encouraged to take showers where we turned off the water while we soaped up, then turned it back on to quickly rinse. This is when low-flow toilets became [...]
May 3rd, 2010 at 11:17 am
Water: A Right and a Risk | PhD in Parenting says:
[...] consumption of water from our taps could certainly decrease (see Crunchy Domestic Goddess’ Five Minute Shower Challenge if you want to try to decrease water consumption in your [...]
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 pm