http://www.crete-holiday.org/crete-climate-weather/
Going Green and Save Water
Use less, save more! In Greece, water conservation has never been important than now. Ex pat living in the Greek islands can support natural ecosystems – the planting of more vegetation through grass and trees, promote wildlife habitat, and be more economical in the use of less water in general, especially in the home and garden.
In many islands Greece, water is the main environmental issue or should I say: If this of her. The people in most normal island of Greece, Crete have become accustomed to the summer and early fall months of drought when water pressure in the network may drop due to the large quantity used by millions of tourists visiting the many tourist resorts.
Inevitably, this situation leads to cuts in supply to ordinary residents in the cities and surrounding villages during the hot summer months.
Crete is increasingly faced prolonged and severe drought conditions, including in winter the middle of this century, according to climate experts. This prediction is the result of changing weather patterns.
Rainfall in the winter 2007 / 8, for example, was less than normal in quantity and distribution throughout the island of Crete. This resulted in further depletion of groundwater supplies. All residents – the local Cretan ex pats can do their bit to conserve water consumption. Hopefully this will prevent the imposition of water policy more restrictive use beyond the current ban on hoses.
Residents of the Greek islands I can only hope that do not reach the status of Cyprus, where tankers had to take new supplies of water each week from northern Greece to Larnaca during the summer of 2008.
Here are some ideas to help to water conservation in Greece. You can adapt them to your location as well:
1. The old story: Do not run the tap when brushing your teeth continuously (Which will save approximately 5 liters per minute per brushing).
2. Save your faucet drips – its usually requires no more than a change in the washer.
3. If you have a dishwasher – Only use it only when you can fill a wash cycle with a full load.
4. To color elements in the machine – turn control of heating to a minimum, or turn it off completely. Inevitably, less water is consumed – and of course less electricity. Another thought:
spindrying cycle is less important in Greece for most of the year. dries faster wash in the dryer climate with humidity is generally lower.
5. Irrigate garden with dirty water from the kitchen sink. The suggestion is to keep a bucket in the kitchen near the sink. In the sink to keep a plastic container. (Do not use bleach or harsh cleaners though.) When washing anything from vegetables to dishes, they do in the bowl. After washing is completed pouring the remaining water in the cube. When bucket is full bring it to the garden. If you have an old storage tank there, fill or pour directly into the garden or other plants pot. This performs better when the sun sets. The rate of evaporation in the air will be smaller and more water seeps deeper into the soil.
6. While it is generally understood that showers use less water for a bath, there is a catch. If you have purchased a "shower" the opposite happens. It can consume more water than a typical bathroom run if more than 5 minutes.
7. Only fill the kettle or a pot with enough water to boil so that the cups required hot tea, coffee or cocoa.
8. Remains of tea and coffee – either in bags or sheets / slurries containing acids useful and tannins that are good for fertilizing the garden plants. Both drinks are good for a wide range of fans including acid species Bougainvillea, Tradescantia, Rosales, azaleas, orchids and African violets (though the coffee for use in moderation Violets).
9. Throughout the mountainous areas of Crete can be seen in old tubs to keep water meadows for the sheep. Using the same concept for your garden, any antiquated large bowl, especially if you have a top to it, you can store water. Even better if you can bury half the holder of the water in the soil to maintain boiling water and to save the walls of the container to be corroded by the hot sun.
10. If by chance a bath, consider refilling off excess water in a container – to water your plants in the yard and around the house.
In arid Greek islands, to the last drop of water counts, especially in summer. If you face the same circumstances, remember – cut water use in the home also reduces the internal operating costs.
More information and ideas about going green for expatriates in Greece can be found on the British in Crete Community Forum in the section called Crete Environment, which includes Mediterranean gardening tips.
About the Author
Gerald Brown, a long time British expatriate and resident of Crete, heads up “Brits in Crete” – a comprehensive resource website with advice and targeted links for those expatriates who plan to relocate and live in Crete, Greece.
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