# How A Home Water Softener Helps The Environment

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/04/how-a-home-water-softener-helps-the-environment/
- Published: 2016-04-03T02:28:12-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

As the green movement grows and ages, we are finding more and more little things
we can do that impact the environment. For example, despite the jokes about tire
inflation, careful monitoring of pressure–and adding air when needed–will not only
improve fuel economy but extend the tire’s life, cutting back on fossil fuel consumption
and rubber usage. As another example, let’s look in depth at the value of a [water softener](https://www.lifesourcewater.com)
in the home. [Water softeners](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/organic-gardening-quickly-with-garden-grid/)
have a fairly straightforward purpose: they remove excess minerals in residential
water supplies, improving the flavor and reducing wear on washing machines, dishwashers,
and other water-using home appliances.
 [⌊image⌉](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/wpid-wp-1442901056110.jpeg?w=528)

Those are positive benefits, to be sure. But do they really add up to a positive
impact on the environment? The answer is yes, and how they do so is a lesson in 
how almost anything can leave a green footprint.

Have you ever filled a glass at the kitchen sink only to find the flavor unpleasant?
Many consumers typically pour it out and get another glass, hoping that the source
of the off-flavor flushes out.

The same is true of ice. Since most of the ice we use is made right in our house,
the same funny water at the sink is making funny ice in the freezer. Each tray or
bin of bad-tasting ice gets the same treatment as unpleasant water: it’s dumped.

What’s the impact? Of course, we are wasting water. A glass here and there from 
millions of consumers adds up, especially with a heap of ice going out with it. 
But the negative effects don’t end there. When a batch of ice gets thrown out, the
freezer must consume electricity to make a fresh batch.
 [⌊image⌉](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/wpid-wp-1446681609100.jpeg?w=528)

[⌊ water softener from Iris by Lowe's ⌉⌊ water softener from Iris by Lowe's ⌉[

These negative impacts are amplified when the water doesn’t improve. We keep dumping
out glasses, emptying ice trays, and replacing their contents. All in hopes the 
next batch will restore the quality flavor.

Hard water is also damaging to appliances and can shorten their lives, generating
bulky and potentially hazardous solid waste.

Their performance is often affected before they are discarded, leading to washing
problems that cause us to repeat loads of laundry. The overworked machines also 
demand more electricity due to their inefficient operation.

When tap water isn’t appealing, we may try again or simply reach for a bottled drink.
Water or another beverage in a package may generate extra trips to the store. More
importantly, it creates more solid waste. Our oceans are filling with mountains 
of plastic, including empty bottles, that are killing wildlife and releasing toxins
into the water.
 [⌊image⌉](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wpid-wp-1435453479639.jpeg?w=528)

We may also substitute homemade ice by grabbing a bag of ice at the store. The demand
for this product creates energy-hungry ice plants and point-of-sale coolers. Not
to mention it also gets diesel-thirsty trucks on the road to deliver it. After consumption,
the empty bags end up going to the landfill. That’s along with the empty water bottles
and all the other pointless waste.
 [⌊image⌉](http://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/img_2631.jpg?w=528)

Please note that Iris by Lowe’s has a [water softener](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Whirlpool-SMART-46000-Grain-Water-Softener/999912405)
Smart Home product perfect for helping you manage it. Efficient use of water in 
the home is a necessity; our bodies require it. But when we utilize a water softener,
we also positively impact the environment. As well it’s a WiFi-connected unit that
works with the Iris home management system. This allows you to remotely monitor 
and receive alerts about water usage via your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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